Helping Your Child Get Organized

1.   Store school supplies in your study area.  Don't waste time searching for a pencil, ruler, etc.
    If you study at home, store materials in a drawer or box.  If you don't study at home,
   keep supplies in a box or bookbag.  Take them with you.

1.  Buy a large three ring notebook or "Trapper Keeper".
2.  Remove materials from the notebook (paper, dividers, etc.).
3. Add these items to the Master Notebook:
   

          a.  a plastic zippered pouch for pens, erasers, etc.
   
          b.  one pocket divider (a sturdy paper pocket that fits into the
    notebook rings and has a pocket on each side)
   

   NOTE:  Buy pocket dividers (five to a pack) or make your own by turning a paper folder
   (with two pockets and no brads) inside out.
   
   
4.  Label the pockets.

    
          a.  Label the front pocket, 
   "Assignments Due Today".  Store classwork/homework (due the next day) here.
   
   NOTE:  Don't be lazy!  Put finished work in the pocket.  Don't 
   fold a paper and put it in a book!  Place unfinished or graded
   work in the subject folder.
   
          b.  Label the back pocket, "Master Assignment Sheet".  
    File weekly Master
    Assignment Sheets here.
   

5.  Tape an assignment/activity calendar inside the back cover of the Master Notebook.
    Change the calendar once a month.

1.  Buy a different color folder for each subject, if a spiral notebook is needed for notetaking,
   color-code it with the folder for that class.
   

        Example:
           math     = red
           history  = blue
           english  = yellow
           science  = green
   

2.  Place the subject folders inside the Master Notebook.  If you move from class to class,
   you won't have to go to your locker each period.  Stack textbooks on top of the Master Notebook.  All subject
   folders may not fit into the Master Notebook, if not, switch folders at lunch.
3.  Keep notebook paper in each subject folder.

1.  Record all class and homework assignments on the Master Assignment sheet.   ( example sheets )   ( printable sheets )
2.  Check off completed assignments in the proper column.
3.  Record future test and project dates.
4.  Record grades in the proper column.

      At the end of each school day, look at your Master Assignment Sheet.  Take home the
      materials you need to do your homework.

1.  Each Sunday night, check the grades on your Master Assignment Sheet.
2.  Fill out a Weekly Progress Sheet for each major subject.    ( example sheet )   ( printable sheet )
3.  Average these grades with those of previous weeks (within a grading period).  If your average is not satisfactory, do something immediately.  Ask your teacher for extra help before or after school,
   get a tutor, ask for extra credit work, etc.