Going back to school can be a stressful time for children and parents! Planning ahead reduces the amount of chaos and helps make a smooth transition from summer vacation to school. Your assignment is to go over these four topics: paperwork, filing, backpacks, and lockers.
store school papers – Although some students have success with accordion files or 5-subject notebooks, I have seen the greatest impact with the use of a folder system:
* Look for a folder with a zipper closure.
* Designate and label a folder for each topic. I prefer the slanted pocket folders. They contain a large amount of paper and are designed to prevent spills.
* Keep loose-leaf notebook paper between each subject folder for taking notes.
* In front of subject folders, designate three folders as “Homework To Do,” “Homework Due,” and “Parents” to avoid forgotten assignments, missing homework, and lost permission slips.
archive at home – The key to knowing when to remove paperwork from your folder is to think in terms of “Two’s company, three’s a crowd.” Always keep the current theme of each theme in your folder, as well as the most recent theme. Once a new topic starts, the oldest topic is moved to its archive box as the start. This is how it is presented:
* Buy a portable filing box that is small enough to keep on or next to your desk.
* Designate a hanging file folder by school subject and label them in generic terms (math instead of algebra) to avoid re-labeling each school year.
* Add a file folder for each extracurricular activity (Girl Scouts, football, band, etc.) to keep related paperwork like practice schedules and notices of upcoming events.
* At the end of the school year, choose a few treasured papers to put in a manila folder and recycle the rest.
Backpacks – The main purpose of a backpack is to transport materials between your house and the school locker. Here are some tips:
* Divide your backpack into areas to separate schoolwork, after-school gear, lunch, and personal items.
* Use the size of each section of the backpack to determine what “lives” there. School work goes in the largest section; personal supplies in smaller areas.
* Avoid the “black hole” phenomenon by capturing small items in containers, such as a pencil case, makeup bag, and purse.
* Empty your entire backpack every Friday to help maintain proper organization.
lockers – Lockers exist to avoid carrying your entire school life with you all day. Keep these tips in mind:
* Separate your locker into areas for school supplies, after school gear, lunch, personal items, and fun items.
* To maximize space, add an extra shelf and magnetic hooks to hang items from the door.
* Visit your locker during your lunch hour to switch between storing your afternoon and morning school supplies, reducing the amount you need to carry during the day.
* Every Friday, clean out your locker and bring home all papers, clothes, and leftover food.
This concludes our study guide for today: class done!
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