Organizing Tips for School Students

These simple organizing tips for school students will help you start the school year on a stress-free start. Getting kids organized early in their school year helps to make it a successful year. The beginning of the school year is a great time to create an organized system for school papers, but you can implement a system anytime! This post contains affiliate links. 

 

 

 

I have worked in the school system for over a decade now and over the years, I have seen a lot of kids in need of some planning and organizing skills. I know how tough it can be to keep kids organized as I had two of my own, but helping kids develop good organizing habits early really helps the student be successful.

It also has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in kids. I have seen many students get really upset because they forgot something they needed or didn't complete an assignment that was due. Organization can sometimes a challenge, but with a little planning, you can find a system that works for your family that will make your student's life (and yours) a lot easier!

 

Organizing Tips for School Students

Every year at this time, I receive emails from readers wanting more organizing tips for school students, so I am sharing tips that have helped my family stay organized throughout the school year:

Calendar System

Have a calendar in an accessible location for your family. We have used both the refrigerator and the inside the cabinet for family calendars. Of course an electronic calendar is great, but for discussion purposes, a non-digital calendar works well in a kitchen or hallway.

Paper calendars and whiteboard calendars both have advantages. Erasable Calendars are great if your calendar changes often and you do not have a lot of tasks to list. If you kids are older, an online shared calendar may work as well.

 

School Planner

It is so important to have a calendar or planner for your student. Kids can use a planner as early as elementary school. If your school does not supply one, pick up one and show your student how to use it. Planning and organizing skills are not always covered in school, but the earlier kids start, the better. Having a paper calendar allows you go over assignments and deadlines together. This one is great for elementary students. For middle school students, this one offers some helpful resource pages and stickers. 

Create A School Information Binder

While a lot of information is electronic, some items will need to be paper-based. Create a school binder for forms, notices and other important items. Download and complete our free Emergency Information form and School Information forms. Print out a school calendar for quick access and put any important school dates like Back to School night and Open House in your personal calendar now. 

Recommended School Supplies to have at home.

Have a few supplies on hand at home so you do not have to run out at the last minute. Paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, markers, poster board are all good to have on hand. Sticky notes, binders and note paper are also good for your home supply. Take advantage of the back to school sales and find other uses for school supplies. Don’t forget to have extra printer ink. Trust me, it seems that the printer will run out at the worst times.

Develop Checklists

For younger kids, a simple checklist can really help kids get into a morning routine. Things like brushing teeth,  preparing backpack and making lunches are perfect items to include at the beginning of the year. In a couple of months, these will be habits and they won't need the checklists. 

Establish A Routine

Set up routines and expectations once school begins. Boundaries should be set ahead of time for homework, playtime, online games, socializing, etc. Decide where homework will be done. Find a system that works best for your family.

While a homework station may seem great, it honestly did not work for us. Instead, it was the living room couch and our dining room table that my kids preferred. As long as the kids are able to focus in an area, it is a reasonable place to get homework completed. Helping them develop routines will help them develop habits that will stay with them throughout their school career.

We hope you found these organizing tips for school students helpful! If you know someone who could benefit from these tips, please pass this article on.

How do you stay organized for school?