by Carol Josel

In my carefree kid days, homework was often left behind--sometimes in my unmade bed, on my desk, or on the floor, falling victim to the morning rush. And, yes, I usually left projects, reports, and test preps to the last minute--when I remembered them at all. Made my grades suffer and my mother gnash her teeth. In fact, it got so bad that one day, in addition to her usual refrain of, "Why can't you be more like your sister?" she declared, "Young lady, you're a guest in my house, and I've had enough of your nonsense." Now, when my mother set herself on a course of action, there was no turning back. She had me in her sights--no wiggle room. And so, as a seventh grader, my mother single-handedly remade me. By organizing my life, her house looked better--and so did my grades and attitude. Now I'm passing along the favor.

While some kids are remarkably organized, many are frequently in a state of disrepair, searching for misplaced papers and playing catch-up. What about your child? To start, check off the following statements that ring true, and then we'll talk solutions.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. My child sometimes/often leaves projects and reports to the last minute. 2. My child sometimes/often studies for tests at the last minute. 3. My child's coat/jacket usually lands on the floor. 4. My child sometimes/often neglects to record assignments, so we don't know what needs doing. 5. My child seldom/never posts upcoming tests, projects, or reports where they are readily displayed and remembered. 6. My child does not have a storage place for school supplies. 7. My child's notebook is a jumble of papers. 8. If my child's locker looks like his/her bookbag or room, I don't want to see it. 9. My child seldom sorts and correctly files the day's papers. 10.My child sometimes/often tosses out returned worksheets and tests at the end of a unit of study--or even before! 11.My child sometimes misplaces completed homework and so loses points. 12.My child leaves schoolwork strewn about and then rushes around in the morning trying to gather it all up--sometimes unsuccessfully.

Now, add up your checkmarks. More than eight suggests that your child, like me in days of old, needs an organization makeover. With four to seven checks, some fix-ups are in order. Three or less, lucky you. Next up, some management tips for the rest of us. Start by shopping for school supplies together, and be sure to include an assignment book. Also buy a sturdy binder--nothing spiral-bound--together with a pencil case, a made-for-a-binder three-hold punch, and pocket folder for gathering worksheets. New assignments should be stored in the right pocket, then moved to the left pocket once completed. This way, no misplaced homework. Also be sure to purchase plenty of dividers--one for each major subject, plus one each for its accompanying notes, tests/quizzes, and returned homework. Usually just one divider will do for minor subjects, such as art and health.

At home, maintain a supply box, basket, shelf, or drawer for such supplies as notebook paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, index cards, poster board, printer ink cartridges, etc. You'll also need a dictionary and thesaurus. Then, once school starts, make assignments are recorded every day. Not sure? Then request teachers' signatures. And, to avoid forgetting, it's also helpful to display a large calendar for recording long-term assignments, such as projects and reports, along with important dates and extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, teach your child all about filing and have him/her sort and correctly file papers, so nothing is ever misplaced or lost. Call it "housecleaning" and make it a weekend habit. At the same time, maintain an over-sized notebook or box for storing completed units of study for later reference and final exam preps. Finally, create a Drop Spot for gathering all school-related materials at bedtime, ready for grabbing come morning. Lunch can be waiting in the fridge.

And let's not forget about your child's locker, as it has the potential of eventually overflowing with papers, old lunches, and missing gloves. Insist on periodic tidying. Then, along with a bottle of water, consider a zippered bag filled with such items as a low-fat energy bar wrapped in aluminum foil to discourage mice, two sharpened pencils, a box of colored pencils, a small pencil sharpener, two pens, a small package of tissues, phone change, $5.00, emergency numbers, plus your work and/or cell number. It never hurts to be prepared!

So there you have it, a start-up kit of tips for sorting though the clutter and helping your child put and keep everything in its rightful place, findable at a moment's notice. As a Wal-Mart ad once declared, "Life is so much easier when it's organized."

About the Author

Carol Josel is a teacher and learning specialist. Her books offer expert advice, activities, and lessons to help parents and their children both at home and at school. Vist CarolJosel.com for free parent resources.