As your child begins bringing homework back at the end of the school day, it’s important to help them stay organized. Whether they have a single sheet about reading or phonetics, or papers to write and tests to study for, staying organized is crucial to stay on top of all their work. Here are some ways to help your child of any age organize their homework!
Use letter trays to help them keep track of papers
There are so many papers going in and out, it can be hard to keep track of! Set up a stack of letter trays at your child’s homework stations. There are lots of different colors and designs available, so if you can, let your child pick one out! They are far more likely to use an organization system they like, so letting them choose the color or design details may actually make them get more out of it. Some families may enjoy using one letter tray for each child, so the papers stay separate, especially if it is a family of younger children who bring home fewer assignments. With older children, try getting them their own stack of letter trays These sections will help them focus on the task at hand, and keep them from losing completed assignments in the slew of new ones.
Teach them time management, & establish a routine around homework
Teaching your child time management is important for school success in general, but especially for success with homework! Help them establish a specific time on school days and during their weekend to zone in on homework. It is easy for kids to get distracted, especially young children or kids with ADHD, but creating a routine around homework can make it easier. Just like morning and bedtime routines, they don’t have to take up a lot of time or be complicated. Having this routine before they organize their homework and start studying can help with productivity and focus! Try working with your child to establish a quick routine before they settle into homework! A specific snack or kind of gum, a mindfulness practice, or a homework playlist might be good places to start.
Have them keep a running checklist of assignments
Help your child start a checklist of assignments, and keep it in an easily accessible and visible spot. It may be helpful to use a spreadsheet format, so the checklist can include other necessary information. Due dates, materials needed, and estimated time required are great pieces of information to have readily available! Set up a time for your child to update this checklist after every school day, so it stays current and helpful.
Enjoy the process, find what works for your child, and help them get and stay organized!
