Back-to-school organization tips

Author of the article:

Linda White  •  Special to Postmedia Network

Published Aug 30, 2024  •  4 minute read

Create a homework station in a quiet area free from distractions. IKEA

Improve academic performance, household harmony

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With the beginning of another school year just days away, you may have already made a vow with your family to up your organization game.

“Being organized can significantly improve not only academic performance but also the overall harmony of your household,” says Effy Terry, founder of Organize That, a professional organizing company that serves Toronto and Durham Region. “It reduces stress, saves time and creates a more productive environment for everyone.”

One of her first tips is to establish routines. “Creating and sticking to routines can be helpful for students of all ages, offering them structure, predictability and a sense of control over their daily activities,” says Terry, who holds several specialist designations from the Institute of Challenging Disorganization, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic disorganization, and time management and productivity.

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“This approach can help manage time better, reduce anxiety, and improve focus and productivity, and it is especially helpful for students with ADHD,” she says. Consider these additional tips:

Create a family calendar. Use a large wall or digital calendar to keep track of school events, extracurricular activities and important deadlines. Colour code for each family member to easily identify their schedule.

Designate a drop zone. Set up a designated area near the entrance of your home for backpacks using hooks, lunchboxes using a shelf or cubbies, and school papers using trays or folders.

Create a command station. Terry recommends it include the following:

• Trays or folders for school papers
• Clock
• Family calendar or schedule
• Key holders
• Chalkboard or dry erase board for notes and reminders
• Hanging wall files for mail, bills and important paperwork
• Wall organizers for permission slips, workbooks or homework assignments

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“This command station helps keep everything organized and in one place, making mornings less chaotic and ensuring a smoother start to the day,” she says.

Prepare the night before. Lay out clothes, pack lunches and organize school bags the night before to ensure smoother morning routines and reduced stress. “This way, you won’t be scrambling to make decisions and find things in the morning,” says Terry.

Organize school supplies. Keep school supplies organized in labelled bins or containers. Regularly check and restock to ensure your child has everything they need for their assignments. “This practice helps avoid the night-before panic when a project or specific school supply is required,” says Terry.

Use checklists. Create checklists for daily and weekly tasks to help students stay on top of their responsibilities. “This is particularly useful for students with ADHD who may struggle with working memory and remembering tasks.”

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Create a homework station

Professional organizer and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) coach Effy Terry offers the following tips for creating a homework station:

• Choose the right location. Find a quiet, well-lit area that’s free from distractions and has all necessary supplies within reach. Don’t have a distraction-free zone? Use a tri-fold bristol board to create a privacy screen. “Encourage your child to decorate this partition creatively, making it their own personal space,” she says. “For children with ADHD, consider the technique of body doubling, where someone works alongside them to help maintain focus and productivity.”
• Keep it simple. A clutter-free workspace is crucial for improving focus and productivity. Keep only essential items on the desk to minimize distractions and create a more efficient working environment. “Clutter can reduce focus, increase stress and make it harder to find necessary materials, so keeping the area tidy is key. Use bins to keep like items contained and prevent clutter from spreading.”
• Create a visual schedule. Use the schedule to outline homework time and breaks. “Colourful charts or pictures help kids see their tasks and breaks, making it easier for them to know what to do and when. By seeing their tasks and break times visually, children are more likely to stay on track and develop better time-management skills,” Terry says. “Let them help make the schedule to keep them involved.”
• Incorporate organizational tools. Use folders, binders and trays to keep assignments and papers organized. Designate a bin for everyone to keep things tidy. Label everything to make it easy to find and put away items.

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Other tips

Creating a reward system can motivate and encourage children to complete their homework, Terry says. “Positive reinforcement and extra incentives can help them stay focused and finish their tasks effectively. Rewards can be simple and clutter-free, such as extra playtime, a favourite activity or a special outing.”

Terry also encourages short breaks during homework time to help maintain focus and reduce fatigue. “Using the Pomodoro Technique, where students work for 25 minutes followed by a five-minute break, can be effective,” she says.

For students with sensory issues, creating a calm and sensory-friendly study environment can be very helpful. “This might include using noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting and a clutter-free workspace. Additionally, providing sensory tools such as fidget toys or stress balls can help them stay focused and calm while studying.”

Finally, Terry recommends keeping in touch with your student’s school and teachers to stay informed about their progress. “Schedule regular check-ins, use school apps and encourage your child to talk about their school day,” she says. “Reach out with any concerns, work together on learning strategies and stay involved in school activities. This partnership helps your child succeed.”

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