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In my last post, I promised to create a list of things that nearly all students/families can do to improve student success and family life. I decided to start with a list of five things because these five changes are achievable in two hour’s time, and I know your time is precious.
So here goes:
1. Lighten the load.
Collect ISBN numbers from each textbook’s back cover. Search online booksellers like Amazon.com for used copies. It is inexpensive to keep a set at home. This lightens the backpack and eliminates forgotten textbooks at homework time.
2. Redefine.
Messy does not always equal disorganized. Teach your child to define disorganization as “time spent looking for things.” He’ll begin to clearly see wasted time that could be used for the activities he enjoys most.
3. Keep paper moving.
Business executives don’t carry entire filing cabinets to every meeting. Students need not carry an entire semester’s notes and handouts back and forth either. Create a home desktop file box to move past units of study out of binders, backpacks, and lockers. Buy the type that takes up very little desktop space and doesn’t have lid, like this one.
4. Realize blank is best.
Use undated monthly calendars/planners. Most students stop using their calendar/planner periodically. An undated planner/calendar lets your child start on the next blank page without wasted paper or guilty feelings.
5. Eat the homework.
Have your child make a weekly study sheet including information like spelling words, vocabulary words, math concepts. Place the study sheet in a standing Lucite frame like those on restaurant tabletops. Keep the framed homework on your kitchen table. Have your child “eat his homework” (read the study sheet aloud) before each meal. The tabletop sign holders can be purchased at office supply stores. However, I buy mine at Ace Mart restaurant supply because their sign holders are a much higher quality of plastic at the same price as the low-quality ones sold at the office supply stores.
I hope you find these ideas helpful. If you like these tips, you might also like Organizing for Student Success my tips booklet that contains 101 tips for parents and students.
I would love to hear how these tips work out for you! Please leave me a comment.
