Students have a lot of things to remember. Class schedules, assignments, tests, due dates, deadlines, extracurricular activities, special events, and more! It can be overwhelming. Developing strong organizational skills can help to stay on task, reduce stress, and not let anything slip through the cracks.
Here are a few strategies and tips to help you make sense of everything and improve your organization:
- Put It Away
Clutter can be a huge distraction and an easy way to forget something. Use different notebooks and folders for each class, or have a designated section for each subject in your binder. Whenever you get a paper, file it away in the correct spot so it doesn’t get misplaced and is easy to find when you need it.
Use a pencil pouch to keep track of all of your pencils, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, calculator, and other essentials. When you’re done using them, don’t just hurriedly toss them in your backpack – put them back in your pencil pouch or pencil box. At the start of each week, double check your supplies and restock erasers, lead, pencils, or anything else you might need. This is also a great time to clean out any clutter from your backpack as well.
- Write It Down
If you don’t have a planner, get one. If you have a planner, use it. Don’t trust that you’re going to remember what the homework assignment or test date was at the end of the day or even by the time you get to your next class. Take a minute and write it down. Highlight any major tests or due dates so you can plan ahead.
Creating a checklist can be helpful too. Write down everything you need to finish each day and for the week. As you complete a task, cross it off. If you have extra time, you can always work ahead. Using a calendar or whiteboard works well too as a visual reminder so you can see what is coming up.
- Use Templates
There are several different templates that work well for taking notes. Following a consistent format can make it easier to focus and write down what you need to know because you’re not trying to figure out how to organize things. As time goes on, it becomes habit to arrange your notes in a certain way, and you always know where to look to find certain information. You may have to try out a few formats to see what works best for you.
- Stick to a Routine
Create a routine and stick with it. Decide whether you’re going to do your homework right after school, before dinner, after dinner, or another time that fits with your schedule. Your routine may look different depending on the day and what other obligations you have, such as practices or games. As you finish each assignment, put it back in your notebook or folder. Make sure you put everything back in your backpack as well. Double-check before bed or first thing in the morning that you have everything you need for that day.
Crafting Scholars can help you improve your organizational skills and develop strategies and routines that empower you to stay on track. Whether you need assistance with notetaking, executive function, test prep, or general organizational strategies, we can create a program that fits your needs. Contact us today to get started!