Schoolwork Organizational Issues?
While organization is a skill that comes naturally to some kids, others must work a little harder as this area of their brain may still be developing. If your child is struggling with schoolwork organization, have no fear; there are a host of strategies you can put in place that will help your child with their development of strong organizational skills.
Consistency is essential, implementing and following a structured routine is the key to the successful development of this important skill set. The ability to master these skills will depend on the unique growth and development speed of each child but be tenacious and your efforts will pay off.
Here are a few suggestions from the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities and Dr. Mel:
Use checklists. Help your child get into the habit of keeping a "to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores, and reminders about what materials to bring to class. Your child should Keep a small pad or notebook dedicated to listing homework assignments. Crossing completed items off the list will give him a sense of accomplishment.
Organize and prioritize homework assignments. Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments in the order in which they are due. She should start with one that is not too long or difficult, but you avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments for last. Coach them on how to "chunk" projects into smaller. more manageable pieces. Include each piece on the day's homework assignment list until the project is complete. Celebrate when the project is complete!
Designate a study space. Your child should study in the same place every night. This does not have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies and materials should be nearby. If your young child wants to study with you nearby, too, you will be better able to monitor his progress and encourage good study habits.
Set a designated study time. Your child should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school - most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if she does not have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for pleasure, or work on an upcoming project.
Keep organized notebooks. Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or notebook. This will help him review the material for each day's classes and to organize the material later to prepare for tests and quizzes. Use dividers to separate class notes or color-code notebooks. Separate "to do" and "done" folders help organize worksheets, notices, and items to be signed by parents, as well as provide a central place to store completed assignments.
Conduct a weekly cleanup. Encourage your child to sort through book bags and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a separate file at home.
Create a household schedule. Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well-rested. Try to limit television-watching and computer play to specific periods of time during the day.
Keep a master calendar. Keep a large, wall-sized calendar for the household, listing the family's commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school, and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your child has big exams or due dates for projects. This will help family members keep track of each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.
Prepare for the day ahead. Before your child goes to bed, he should pack schoolwork and books in a book bag. The next day's clothes should be laid out with shoes, socks, and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.
Provide needed support while your child is learning to become more organized. Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Gently remind her about filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most important, set a good example.
Dr. Melodee Loshbaugh
Share and Enjoy
