5steps2

Is school and school work a source of irritation in your house?   Putting a little order to your child’s study habits will result in more time for actual study, and develop good habits that will serve them well in the future.   These steps can be age adjusted appropriately for your child.  Step 5 is the breakdown for me.

1. Set up a Designated Study Zone - Make sure there’s an area at home just for homework, with all supplies needed close at hand. Provide bins or storage for paper, old assignments for review, and other supplies, plenty of space for books, good lighting, and the potential for quiet.

2. Color Code – Assign a different color for each subject and provide binders and folders in each color.

3. Create a Landing/Launching Pad – Place a crate or box, or designate a spot near the front door, so that backpacks, books, etc. can be placed there after school. Anything needed for the next day can be placed there the night before, to eliminate the mad search for the “must have” items in the morning.

4. Use a Calendar – Give your child a day planner or other portable calendar that he or she takes to school. Teach them to write down assignments, test dates, etc. The calendar can also be used to write down classmates phone numbers or emails. If your child suffers from ADD, as my youngest daughter does, consider teaching them to just keep a simple list on a small pad or 3×5 card for each day which can be transferred to the calendar at home.

5. Be an Example – By organizing your own life, you model the behavior you desire for your child. If they see you using lists, structuring a location to pay bills, etc., or setting aside time to turn off the TV and read, they will see the importance of setting a routine and sticking to it.