Newsletter August 2016 – Back to School Organizing Tips
Back to School Tips to Help YouOrganize for the BIG Event1) Replace that white and/or bulletin board with an iPod a. Hang one from a convenient, easily assessed wall. b. A good program to use for your electronic calendar is ‘Codi’ (owned by Time Inc.) 2) Invest in a scanner a. You can digitize school reports or other forms b. ‘Tiny Scanner’ App allows you to take a picture of the document with your phone and then turns it into a PDF. 3) Bins — find washable plastic bins for each child a. Legal length and football height 4) Purchase a desk top organizer a. Label one drawer with each child’s name b. Place the organizer in a convenient place so that your children are able to place reports or other documents, needing your review and signature, in their drawer for you. c. Schedule time each evening to review contents of those drawers, have the necessary discussions and then present the item to the child or replace the item(s) in the appropriate drawer for pick up by your child as they prepare for the next school day or leave in the morning. 5) Add information to your phone as soon as you receive it a. Items such a school calendar or contact lists, and the nurse’s number b. Create Groups such as Soccer, Band Practice, and Car Pool in your smart phone. 6) Consider replacing/buying items a. That may be needed throughout the school year now. b. Items such as gym clothes, rain gear, binders, printer ink, etc. 7) If your child is making a major change in their school grade, has moved or has experienced some emotional event over the summer consider — a. Starting a conversation about how they think people and ‘things’ may be different or how the school atmosphere may be unlike prior environments. b. Address problems that may arise like bullies, bad attitudes, student pressures, and possible assignment challenges. 8) Calculate the schedule to avoid over scheduling. a. Assist your child to determine the hours in the school week, then what portion of time will be spent on what activities (sleep, at school, study, and extra curriculum activity, time with family and social media). 9) When activities or responsibilities become overwhelming a. Refrain from ‘fixing it’. b. Ask what’s annoying them or what you can do to help. 10) Breath, keep calm, give yourself a break a. Prepare meals that can be frozen ahead of time and then thawed out during that first week of school. b. Give yourself treats as well — little things such as a Good cup of coffee/tea and clean sheets. |
| Parents Magazine – 10 Ways to Prepare Your Child for School
How to Prepare for the First Day of School |