(Courtesy of FineLiving.com)
As kids get older and approach high school, their homework loads become heavier, and doing well on school assignments becomes more important to their futures. If a child has not yet mastered time management and organizational skills by the time he or she is entering the later grades of school, it may be time to get serious about tackling the subject. By putting some thought into an organizational system, you can help your child work to his or her potential, earn better grades, and get onto the road towards academic success.
As a professional organizer and the founder and president of ATS Consulting, Ann Sullivan organizes businesses, homes and personal environments based on the most effective and orderly methods available. Here she offers some advice for helping your older children organize their schoolwork:
- Space. Most importantly, says Sullivan, older kids need a desk or work surface dedicated to studying and homework. Ideally, this should be in a well-lit area away from distractions like busy family rooms and televisions.
- Supplies. Make sure that your child has all the stationery and office supplies necessary to complete class projects. A portable multi-pocket file folder, holding files labeled with subjects and classes, is also a great idea. This way your child can always have important papers and assignments, sorted and on hand, wherever he or she goes.
- Time. Along with the right workspace, your young student will also need plenty of time to study. One way to help busy kids find time for schoolwork is to buy a day planner and help them organize their daily and weekly schedules.
- Backpacks. Kids accumulate so many unnecessary items in their backpacks that it can be difficult to find the things they need when they need them. Encourage your children to designate at least one large pocket for all their papers, school notices and academic materials. This way, things will be less likely to get lost and both kids and parents will always know what’s up with school.
For more information about organizing your home and life, check out the following organizations or websites:
ATS Organizing
www.atsorganizing.com
Online Organizing
www.onlineorganizing.com
Organized Home
organizedhome.com
Organization Grand Plan
members.aol.com/bullseye57/webtest/geto/grandplan.html
Organize your Life and Get Rid of Clutter
members.aol.com/doremi9876/index.html
The Simple Living Network
www.simpleliving.net
Article courtesy of HGTV.com's sister site, FineLiving.com, the online companion to Scripps'
newest television network, FINE LIVING.
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