Back-To-School Organizational Tips

With the school year now under way, it’s a great time to make sure that your child has the tools that they need in order to stay organized at school. Here are a few tips to assist with this:

1)      For your child’s desk/locker: Draw a diagram of where each type of item should go (i.e., folders, binders, pencils, etc.) with your child’s input. Then have them make labels for each item and put it in the appropriate place in his or her desk/locker. Your child can use the diagram to get his or her desk/locker setup, and then use the labels to ensure that they are continuing to put items in the proper place.

2)      Have a folder for each subject for homework. It can be helpful to have a folder for each subject where homework assignments can be put to go home each night and then put back in the specific folder once completed at home. It may be beneficial to buy a set of folders that are bound together, or bind the folders yourself. This helps ensure that all homework folders go home each night.

3)      Help your child to keep binders neatly organized by having weekly notebook checks and offering incentives for organized notebooks. Children often start off well each school year with staying organized, but many start slipping within the first two to three weeks of school unless they receive assistance to remain organized.

4)      Get your child an agenda book (if one is not provided by the school) to keep track of assignments. If you cannot find one that is conducive to your child’s needs, work with them to collaboratively create a weekly assignment sheet where they can record assignments for each class as well as the due date. Even when using a school provided agenda book, a weekly assignment sheet or similar method for keeping track of assignments can be helpful, especially to record long-term assignments. For older children, having them also keep track of assignments on an ipod/smartphone calendar or task app can be useful.

These are a few suggestions to assist your child. Obviously each child’s needs are slightly different, so use these ideas as a reference point when trying to help your child to develop good organizational skills that they can take with them as they grow up and become more independent. 

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Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in work with children, adolescents, and young adults, and is happy to answer questions and provide consultations for individuals who are considering pursuing treatment or an evaluation for their child, adolescent, or themselves. Dr. Heller can be reached at (301)-385-2610 or careyheller@thehellerpsychologygroup.com.

For appointments, please call the office at (301) 385-2610 or email The Heller Psychology Group at appt@thehellerpsychologygroup.com with your contact information and availability for appointment times.

*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship,  and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*