What Parents Can Learn from Teachers about Staying Organized

When it comes to academic success, organization is key. Teachers constantly stress the importance of keeping students organized and on task. Teachers must stay organized themselves when creating lesson plans, arranging the students in their classroom, managing supplies, and teaching lessons each day. However, a student's educational process should take place outside of the classroom, as well. Here are some things that parents can learn from teachers about staying organized. 

1. Be Involved.  Imagine if kids went to a school where there was no teacher watching them and they were free to roam as they pleased. Chaos would undoubtedly ensue and little to no work would be done. The same thing happens at home if parents are not involved in their child's education. Ask your child questions about their work. What did they learn that day? Do they have any homework? Are there any big projects or exams coming up? How are their grades? Being involved in your child's education will help you to better understand their workload and support and encourage them to succeed.
2. Be Consistent. Try to set up a routine for your child when they get home from school. A great way to stay consistent is to create a schedule of events for when they get home. Allow them time to enjoy a sport, activity, or other down time after school. The break from school and homework is necessary to allow your child to recharge. Once they finish this, make sure that your child does their homework and that you check it before they go to bed. When you create a steady flow of events at home, similar to that in school, your child will be able to stay more focused and on track.
3. Create the Right Atmosphere. Does your child have a place to study? Make sure you have an area set aside for your child to work on homework and school projects. It should promote learning and be reminiscent of a classroom. Remove distractions like televisions and electronic devices. Instead, replace them with school furniture such as cubby trays, a desk, a globe, and other school supplies. When your child is in an environment that resembles school, they will feel more propelled to continue the learning process without distractions.
4. Label Materials and Keep Them in One Spot. Teachers have a lot of supplies to keep track of in the classroom, from papers and books to writing implements. While you may not have quite as many of these as your child's teacher, you should have basic necessities like paper, pens, and markers. These items can easily be lost or misplaced if not kept organized. Keep all school supplies in one designated area and label them so they can be easily found. This will help eliminate time spent frantically searching for materials needed to complete a project. Make sure your child puts everything back in its proper place when they are done using it. This will also encourage your child to stay organized and to help with cleaning up materials when they are back in the classroom.
5. Hold Your Child Accountable. Your child is responsible for their own actions and their own education. If your child does something wrong while at school, they may be punished with a detention, time out, or having privileges such as recess revoked. Accountability should take place at home, as well. If your child does not do their homework, take away some of their at-home privileges, such as participating in sports and activities or watching television. This will help encourage your child to stay on task and get the work done in a timely fashion.

A child's academic success starts in the classroom and continues at home. With these organization skills, your child will stay focused and remain on the correct path to success.