Staying organised throughout the school year can be challenging for secondary school students, but it is entirely achievable with the right strategies and support from parents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help your child stay on top of their academic responsibilities and develop skills that will benefit them for life.
Create a Dedicated Study Space
One of the first organisational steps is establishing a dedicated study area at home. This space should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions like TV or loud noises. Equip it with all necessary supplies, such as pens, paper, calculators, and a computer, so your child doesn’t waste time searching for materials.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
A planner or digital calendar is crucial for keeping track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. Please encourage your child to update it daily, noting important dates and deadlines. Apps like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook can sync across devices, ensuring they always have access to their schedule.
Tackle Those Tasks Immediately
Be a homework hero – try tackling tasks on the day they’re set. Keeping a clear homework planner will help your child stay on top of their homework and avoid cramming it into one evening. Many schools ask teachers to stagger due dates across subjects, so students don’t feel overwhelmed. For more advice about handling homework deadlines, check out our comprehensive guide.
Preparation is Key
Encourage your child to pack their bag the night before, using their timetable to check they have everything needed for the next day. Ensure they have all books, homework, stationery, and equipment required for lessons. Double-checking they have all the minimum equipment the school asks for can prevent morning stress. If they forget a key piece of equipment, they should be proactive and talk to their teacher in the morning before the lesson.
School Uniform
Nailing down a uniform routine helps your child look as smart as possible. To avoid wrinkled shirts, they should fold their uniform neatly when they get home. Keeping their tie in a safe place, such as stashing it in their school shoes, ensures they can easily find it the next day.
Prioritize Tasks
Teach your child how to prioritize their tasks. They can use the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. This method helps them focus on what needs immediate attention and what can be scheduled for later. Effective prioritization can be done by time (doing the most urgent homework first), length of task (tackling big tasks early), or importance (focusing on work that affects their grade).
Encourage Regular Reviews
Set aside time each week for your child to review their notes and planner. This can help them stay aware of upcoming deadlines and reinforce what they’ve learned. It’s also a good time to adjust their schedule if needed.
Utilise School Resources
Most schools offer resources to help students stay organised, such as online portals for assignments and grades. Encourage your child to use these tools to track their progress and stay informed about their responsibilities.
Communicate with Teachers
Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. This can provide valuable insights into their progress and areas that might need additional support. Teachers can also recommend specific strategies for staying organized.
Involve Your Child in the Process
Involve your child in developing their organizational system. This empowers them to take ownership of their responsibilities and ensures the system works for them. Regularly check in to see if any adjustments are needed.
Use Technology Wisely
While technology can be a distraction, it can also be a powerful organizational tool. Apps like Evernote for note-taking, Trello for task management, and various educational apps can help your child stay organized and on top of their studies. Additionally, setting reminders on their phone can prevent them from missing any deadlines for their work.
Reward Effort and Progress
Positive reinforcement can motivate your child to stay organized. Celebrate their efforts and progress, whether through verbal praise, small rewards, or additional privileges. This reinforces the importance of staying organized and encourages them to keep it up.
Talk About It
Sometimes unexpected events can shake up your child’s routine, such as illness, moving house, or family issues. If something unexpected happens, encourage your child not to worry and to talk to their form tutor or head of year about the situation. They can provide advice on how to get back into a positive routine and keep teachers informed if your child is unable to perform at their usual level temporarily.
How can Educate Excellence help?
Here at Educate Excellence we not only provide academic support, but we also teach children life skills which they can transfer to their daily lives. If you need any further support or ideas please contact Omar, Fayas or your PLOs who can offer guidance and advice.
Helping your secondary school student stay organized is a collaborative effort that involves setting up systems, fostering good habits, and providing consistent support. By following these strategies, you can help your child navigate the school year with confidence and success. Remember, the goal is not just to get through the school year but to equip your child with lifelong skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.