Are you already pulling your hair out trying to keep up with the homework your kids bring home each week? Is it time for a homework do-over? The experts offer ten key methods of getting yourself and your children organized and on-track for success. 

  • Tip number one:  Pick a dedicated study area, and clean it up. Make sure it has plenty of light and a comfortable place to sit. Talk to your child about homework when they come home. Look at assignments before their due date to provide time to research or purchase supplies for labs and projects.

  • Tip number two:  Choose a calendar that has enough room to write due dates, appointments, practices, games, study dates, exams, and other school-related items. Place that calendar in a central location in the study area. Make sure your child can easily reach it to add new tasks and cross off completed items. 

  • Tip number three:  Make the calendar even easier to use by color-coding it. Choose one color for due dates for homework, another for quizzes and tests, and so on. Place a paper with a color legend near the calendar so that everyone remembers what each color represents. A quick way to do this is to place a line of each color on the paper and write what it represents. 

  • Tip number four:  Keeping your student organized takes a strict schedule for homework and study times. Set a time for your child to do their assignments each day so that there is no confusion. This also cuts down on the forgotten lessons.

  • Tip number five:  If your children have phones, tablets, or computers, you can help them keep track by using an online planner. You can make sure that they can always access the schedule. You can also set up reminders or alarms to alert you or your child before events to keep everyone on track. 

  • Tip number six:  Make sure to clean and reorganize the study area each week. Put folders away or get rid of old papers that are no longer needed. Staying on top of the study zone will make it easy for your child to find what they need. It will save you time when you go over the homework.

  • Tip number seven:  Give frequent breaks. Students need time to rest between tasks just like adults. Consider half or one-hour sessions with a fifteen or twenty-minute break. 

  • Tip number eight:  Put your child on a sleeping schedule. Getting enough rest will help them finish their tasks much faster. They will get better grades too. 

  • Tip number nine:  Get things together before bed each night. Make sure your child is ready to go to school. Have them place their bookbag in the homework area, so they know where it is in the mornings. 

  • Tip number ten:  Keep track of small supplies with Ziplock bags or baskets. You can easily see when you need something. It will keep everyone on track. 

Why are you waiting? Get back on track and see how much easier it makes your evening go. You will undoubtedly find many other ways to stay organized along the way.