An Organized School Year Starts With Planning

Getting the most out of the school year is about preparation. Plan NOW for the 2019-2020 school year. The following strategies will see you through.

DEVELOP A COMMAND CENTER

So that your operations are as smooth as possible throughout the year, put together an area that includes wall-hanging baskets for mail and documents, a calendar, a dry-erase board, and a bulletin board. If you like, switch out a standard calendar for a printout of the month on a hanging clipboard; or you can use a chalkboard.

ORGANIZE SPACES for BACKPACKS and SUPPLIES

Create an entry area that has a seat for removal of boots or shoes. Incorporate color-coded hanging containers for smaller items of each child. Install hooks for coats and backpacks.

MANAGE YOUR SCHEDULE

A few ways to juggle activities, homework, and rest, from Care.com, include the following:

• Make sure rest is built-in. Decompression time is critical for kids just as it is for adults. Choose extra-curricular activities that switch out for after-school programs, so the schedule doesn’t become overloaded.
• Stay organized. Leverage your command center. Choose a “point parent” who is responsible for the registration and fees related to each activity.
• Use study hall. If there are opportunities to complete homework during the school day, take advantage of it.

CREATE HOMEWORK STATIONS

The kitchen is a great place to create a homework space, if there is a good nook for one. The advantage is that it is not secluded, so you can prepare dinner and oversee homework completion at the same time.

Wherever they are, study spots should be prepared with the following considerations, according to Freshome:

• Light: There should ideally be access to sunlight as well as more direct light sources.
• Organization: Help your child stay neat with sufficient containers, shelves, pegboards, and other organizational tools.
• Color: Use bright and energizing hues to paint shelf openings or wallpaper the space.
• Individuality: Use some of your child’s own art on the wall. Add elements that fit the child’s personality.
• Furniture: It is key to have a comfy chair and a small desk with drawers. If there are no drawers, try a small file cabinet.

DESIGNATE HOMEWORK TIMES

You don’t need to be entirely “top-down” when it comes to getting homework complete, but you do want to build healthy attitudes toward productivity. Your child may need a snack when they get home from school. They may want to change into a different outfit or play outside with the dog. Others may want to simply finish their homework right away so that they know it’s finished. These different perspectives are why it’s important to get your child’s views on the best time slots for homework. The major benefit of getting your child involved upfront is that they will be less likely to argue whether “it’s time” or not. It’s already been decided.

FIND LOCAL STUDY HELP

Be prepared for a child to struggle with certain assignments and need some assistance. You can discuss homework issues with school counselors and teachers. It’s important to connect with resources at the outset so you are ready to move if you see your child challenged by a particular subject. A tutor can be great in brainstorming topics for English essays or tackling difficult math problems. An ADHD coach can help kids who struggle with staying focused, whether they’re diagnosed or not.

One way to access homework assistance is through after-school programs. In those settings, your child may be able to benefit from the assistance of the staff as well as from other kids.

The hustle-and-bustle of the school year can feel overwhelming. However, you can be ready for anything by using the above techniques to organize your time, space, and expectations.