September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
Getting Organized:
THE KEY TO SCHOOL SUCCESS
By Dr. Renae Lapin, LMFT
Teaching your children to be organized can be both the most important and
the most daunting challenge a parent can undertake. The significance of this
critical skill of exploring, developing and following an organization system
that works for each child is often overlooked. Also, when the parent is
“organizationally challenged”, this task becomes increasingly more important
and more difficult.
Success in school
and future work
hinges on the ability to have some semblance of an organization system.
Organization skills are required for success in managing college courses,
your job, your finances, nutrition, medical needs, exercise, your family life,
your children, music, auto maintenance and your hobbies.
In my practice, many parents have inquired about a simple plan to follow
to help their children become more organized with their schoolwork.
Even if you are not the best role model in this area, you can use the
guidelines below to help your children enhance their ability to succeed in
school and avoid risking additional school stress:
Depending upon their age, grade level and ability, on a daily basis,
parents can require their children to:
• Write in their planner
• Include an entry for each subject
• If no homework assignment, then review notes, read, study for
next test or organize folder
• Place name, date and subject on every school paper
• Keep a separate folder or binder for each class
• Use different colors for easy identification
• Label all folders or binders neatly for each subject
• Keep a separate folder for papers to take home to parent/guardian
and “to do” reminders
• Replace folders or binders once each quarter or as they wear
out or break
Take the time to neatly place each paper in the
correct folder or binder throughout the day
• Keep a three-ring hole puncher in backpack— punch holes and place
papers in binders immediately.
• Keep only papers related to subject in each folder. Do not keep any
papers in subject folders that are not related to the subject, such as
forms to be sent home, drawings or notes from friends.
• Only keep current papers in folders in backpack. File school papers
and organize school folders daily as part of homework routine.
• Develop and maintain a file system at home for old papers divided by
subject and quarter. This will be different for each subject; however, it
is a good rule to file papers at home each new quarter.
• Keep pens, pencils, paper and all school supplies available in a
sensible, user friendly place in backpack.
• Replenish supplies as needed and check supplies daily as part
of homework routine.
• Keep an updated “to do” list throughout the day and look at it as
part of homework routine. For example: buy pens, get parent
permission form signed, bring in money for field trip, ask teacher
for make-up work.
• Develop a study schedule at home.
• Begin homework, organizing and studying before TV, computer,
games, telephone or free time.
• Locate a quiet place at home to do homework, or select an alternative
study location, such as an afterschool program, community center
or library.
Begin studying at home daily with:
• Reviewing all papers for name, date and subject.
• Organizing and filing all papers in correct folder or in home file.
• Before beginning homework or studying, estimate the amount of
time needed for each assignment.
• Select which assignment or studying should be done first considering
which is more time consuming, more difficult or most important.
After completing an assignment,
immediately place it carefully in
correct folder in backpack.
Regularly review system for organization of :
• Materials and supplies
• Time management
• Location and space for studying
• Finally, experiment with different systems and methods to find out
what works best for you and your children.
This may all take some time to master, but make sure to encourage and
congratulate your child on his/her efforts and a job well done!
92 SEPTEMBER 2008