by Cheryl Rickey

Created on: August 24, 2009

When school starts, it is important to help your child get organized so that things like getting ready for school and study habits are part of a routine. Here are a few tips to help your child get organized for school.

Breakfast is the single most important thing you can give your child to start the school day right. Your child will concentrate better and not be thinking about lunch all morning if they have a healthy breakfast.

A simple bowl of whole grain cereal (hold the sugar, please!) and juice is easy to prepare and will help start your child's day right. Other quick breakfast ideas are a granola bar (not the ones with candy coating!) or a Soy Joy bar with a cup of yogurt or a piece of fruit. Add a glass of juice and your child is full and ready to start the day.

Create a place for your child (or children) to keep school items such as backpacks and sports gear. This can be as simple as a crate located near the door. Give your child the responsibility of making sure all items are ready to go in his/her designated spot so there is not last minute searching in the morning.

If you leave early and the child is apt to skip breakfast, check into the school breakfast program. Most public schools have this free of charge. It is impossible for a child to be focused in school without breakfast, so do not skip it.

Make a list with your child of things to do before school and before bed. Children love check lists. Make one for yourself so your child sees that you use one, too. Simple things on the list could include "Pack backpack", "Set out school clothes", "Take a shower". Checklists help a child stay organize but they are fun to use.

Set up a study area in your home. If your child does not have a desk, it isn't a big deal. Designate one part of your home as a study area and stick with that. If there is a television in that area, make sure it is off when study time is in session.

Make sure there is enough space for books and papers. Even a kitchen table works well for studying. Just make sure you keep it free of clutter to set a good example

Have a basket or box with basic school supplies such as crayons, glue stick, scissors, tape and pencils in that area so time will be spent studying instead of for supplies. It is also handy to have things such as a stapler, ruler, pens, a protractor and extra loose leaf notebook paper available if these are age appropriate items.

Purchase a letter sized expandable file to use as a mailbox. You can label the tabs for each child to put papers they bring home for you to look at or sign. You can also use stacking letter trays for this if you have the space. This will encourage your child to be timely bringing you things such as permission slips. Make sure you look through the file each night. Return the signed forms to your child as soon as you review and sign them so they go right back to school the next day.

Make studying and getting ready for school easier by helping your child get organized for school.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl Rickey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.