It’s that time of year again! The time when first graders get nervous and high schoolers are one step closer to graduation. The best part about this time of year is when parents see their children mature and excelling in each grade level. Back to school shopping, registration, this task and that to-do list can be overwhelming. Although it can get very hectic around this time, there is hope! With a little organization, you will be able to take control of this school year and be the super parent that you already are. What a great way to start? Here are 5 ways to stay organized throughout the school year.
1.Get A Calendar
Everything needs to be on a calendar where everyone in the home can see it. If it's a doctor appointment, sports activity or important date write it down. One thing to remember is as soon as you find out about something put it on your calendar at that moment.
Set reminders- The important thing about having a calendar is having a reminder. Reminders are good to help you stay on top of things. Use your phone to its full capacity. Calendar applications on your phone always have a reminder setting on it. Or there are applications such as Evernote to help assist with reminders. You can also put sticky notes on bathroom mirrors or doors to help you remember things.
2.Get Connected
Join groups that help you stay informed about what is going on in school and any up and coming events or due dates. Talk to your scholar about things that they may know and that you may have missed in the newsletters or any other form of communication. PTA meetings are a great way to stay on top of things. Also, any apps that your child's school offer for communication download it. My favorite and biggest one is to ask questions. There is never a crazy question, especially for a parent. Contact your scholars teacher for questions or clarification for up coming dates.
3.Stick To It
Consistency is key to the success of any student. Getting a routine and setting daily expectations will help keep your scholar on track. One way to accomplish this is by creating a schedule for your home. The schedule can be a basic generalized one. For example, 6:30-7:15 wake up get dressed/ eat/ leave - off to your destination-3:00-3:15 snack 3:15-3:40 homework/ 3:40- until relax, play, get ready for other after school activities/ 7:00-7:30 dinner/ 7:30-8:00pm bath time/ 9:00pm bedtime.... create your schedule to fit your family needs. Remember every family is different and every individual need aren’t the same. This creates an atmosphere of structure giving you a sense of peace and relaxation knowing that you are on top of things. Once you get them in the swing of things a written-out schedule wouldn’t be necessary, because your mind and body will automatically do it.
4.Stay Clear
Stay clear of clutter. Those papers that we always collect throughout the school year. The projects your scholars bring home with a smile on their face. Pick a day once a week to spend 15-20 minutes to get rid of things you may have accumulated over the last few days. Get rid of things that you know you’re not going to need and/ or use anymore. Everything must have a place. Either you would create a nice neat space or toss it.
5.Keep It
Keep all book bags, binders and folders in order for each subject. Having separate folders for each subject will allow you not to create chaos inside your book bag. Make sure that you have a different folder for homework to make sure nothing gets missed or lost. You can use different colors and/or labels for each subject.
Using these 5 tips during this school year will keep you on track. This will keep you from wanting to pull out your hair and breathe knowing that you haven’t missed a game or play yet! Reminder its not about how you started its about how you end and accomplish some of your goals for your scholar this school year. So, enjoy the times a little more by getting organized and relaxing when you are at home. You deserve it and your scholar needs it!