Declutter It!

Organizing Idea for School Children

by Julie on December 3rd, 2007

I was born organized. I really was. I probably got fussy if my meal was 2 minutes late. My daughter on the other hand, she was not. She has a real problem staying focused on the task at hand and she does not do well with juggling several things at one time.

She is a good student though and all of a sudden her grades starting slipping a little bit. It was completely out of characteristic for her and so I had a chat with her teacher. Come to find out, she had lost a couple of homework assignments and just one 0 affected her grade big time! We didn’t realize this had been a problem for her because she um, forgot, to tell us.

Anyway, my daughter was devastated about her grade and I told her teacher I was devastated that I couldn’t help keep her organized. Me, Ms. Organized, could not figure out how to help my own daughter. Well, her teacher shared an idea with me that has made ALL the difference in the world. It has been an amazing tool for my daughter.

What tip did she give me? She told me that for her students that have problems keeping up with papers, she recommends that instead of using a binder, they use an accordion file folder similar to the one pictured below.

She said that it allows them to file their papers quickly instead of having to mess with the opening and closing of the rings on a binder. You see, if it takes too long, my daughter won’t do it. So, instead of putting her papers in the rings, she would just shove them in her binder and then eventually lose them.

With the accordion fie folder, she can place it in the correct file in a jiffy. We made a separate file for each of her subjects and also added one labeled ‘Return to Teacher’ and one labeled ‘Homework’. Anytime I have to sign a paper or send in a note she puts it in the ‘Return to Teacher’ file and she knows to check than file first thing when she gets to school. Also, as soon as she gets a paper for homework she puts it in the ‘Homework’ file and as soon as she finishes her homework, it goes back in that same file.

I am telling you, this has made such a difference for her and I am just amazed! She doesn’t lose papers anymore, she also hands in her homework and notes to her teacher. It’s just been a great accomplishment for her and all from this one simple tip!

If your child struggles with this same thing, try this. You never know - it might just be the one thing they really need.

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POSTED IN: Children's Spaces, Filing Systems, Life Around Our House, Organizing Basics