Back to School

Before starting my organizing business, I was a school teacher! I have experience teaching kids from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade. And many of my clients are parents who want to know how to get their kids organized for the school year. So here are some tips, from a teacher/organizer, on how to prepare for back to school!

Backpacks

Please, oh please, only buy full sized backpacks! I know the tiny ones are really cute, but your child’s teacher is going to send home many flyers and worksheets throughout the school year. So backpacks need to be large enough to fit a standard letter size folder. It’s fine to buy things like funky erasers, pencil pouches, or folders with your kids favorite character, but stick to big backpacks!

Have a designated place where your kids put their backpacks when they get home from school. I recommend picking somewhere near the place they walk into the house (like the front or garage door).

Homework

Have a homework routine established. Speak with your child about when they will be getting their homework done, and set that expectation right away. Homework time could be right when they get home from school, or after an hour break. If you are able, let your child pick their own homework time. This will give them more ownership, independence and responsibility. And of course you might need to make changes throughout the year, so be flexible. 

Ask the teacher

If you are able, ask your teacher what they need. It’s possible that they might not need anything when you ask and that’s okay, you don’t have to buy something for them. They will appreciate that you made the offer. Just ask again later in the year. That’s typically when new supplies are needed and less people are asking.