Organization for Students

Organization at Home
Now, let's be honest, teens are not the cleanest creatures on the planet.  Their room signifies what's happening in their brain- a lot of construction!  So, if you want to help your teen be organized start by simplifying.  Many of us hang on to things that we don't need.  If something is special to the teen and you think it is junk, challenge them to display it somewhere on a shelf in their room where it has value. 
Take pictures:  if something is hard to let go of and necessary to do so, take a picture of it to help them remember it and retire it to the garbage or goodwill. 
 "The teacher said I need to keep all my assignments!!!"
Many teachers do ask that a student keeps the things they turn in.  However, when the grade is in and the term is over, it is high time to get rid of it.  If the student is worried that it will carry over to the next term, put the work in a box and leave it in a closet.

Studying Space:
This area should be free of clutter and distraction.  The room should be free of radios, televisions, ipods, computer games, phones, etc. 
Soft music is permitted and sometimes even helpful if the student is prone to an audio style of learning.
A comfortable chair and clean desk or workspace.
A space with bright lights.
Supplies are within reach.
It smells pleasant enough to concentrate.

Process the thought: Where do you currently study?  does it meet the above criteria?  what would be a better place to study?  is there a public library or other options for having some quiet study time?  Can you stay after school with an adult in their classroom?

What are students thinking about?
Do we really want to know half the time?  Not really, what we need to teach them is how to stay focused on the task at hand.  Write the assignments down in a planner, a notebook, a tracking sheet, or on a white board in their locker (I used to write it on my hand.  It made my mom nuts, but it worked for me!). 
The locker:
Has the school locker turned into a cosmic phenomenom?  Do items disappear never to be seen again?
Get a locker shelf- if you have a full-height locker get an additional shelf for the bottom that will help keep it more organized.
Use baskets- the dollar stores often carry containers that can be used in a locker for extra pens, pencils and other supplies.
Take time to clean the locker out.  It will be worth the five minutes.

The backpack:
Often, students carry more than they need to in their backpack.  This creates confusion, stress, and unwanted time when trying to be organized.  Be sure that you clean out old assignments.  You can keep a basket at home where older assignments can be stored in case they are needed again. 

The Binders:
Middle School and Junior High students often have more than 6 or seven classes.  THEY NEED MORE THAN ONE BINDER!!!  These supplies can often be found at any supermarket or office supply store.  Use dividers and a pencil pouch to help the student be prepared.  Some classes may be able to share a binder.  BE SURE TO READ THE TEACHER'S DISCLOSURE!!!