Helpful organization tips for middle schoolers

With new schedules, multiple classes and a handful of new teachers, middle school students must adapt quickly to a new environment if they hope to do well. Students can increase their chances of success by developing a few organization strategies. For some students, the heavy workload may seem insurmountable. Simple things like using a suitable backpack, buying proper supplies, labelling assignments uniformly and making a space for school work at home will help them tackle anything teachers throw their way.

• It's important to buy a bag that's large enough to carry all of a middle schooler's work without straining the shoulders and back.
• Multiple compartments can help your child stay organized, but avoid buying a bag with too many pockets and pouches. If there are too many places to store homework assignments, your child may forget where he or she placed important papers.
• Be sure to check with the school before purchasing a bag, as some schools only allow tote or book bags, not large backpacks.

• New supplies can make a middle schooler's transition into the new environment easier.
• A pencil case is a great way to keep all those pens, pencils and erasers from ending up at the bottom of the bag.
• If you choose binders that aren't too big, the student can easily carry more than one at a time.
• Coloured book covers help ensure that students can easily spot the books they need.
• A folder for each class will help a student keep assignments separated and organized.
• Remind your child that cramming loose papers in the backpack is a bad idea and can lead to lost or damaged assignments.

• Using labels on folders, binders, and assignments will help students organize all of their schoolwork.
• Also, a daily/monthly planner will help students remember important due dates and class projects.
• Labelling assignments the same way for each class will help your child organize assignments and find them quickly.

• Children often lose assignments at home. Reduce this problem by providing a desk for your child.
• Choose a desk that has an adequate number of drawers and shelves to hold all of your child's supplies, books, notebooks and folders.
• If your child has a desk, he or she will have a place to store his or her bag, do homework and keep everything neat and organized.