B
TEXT ANN DOLIN
ack-to-school is an
exciting time for parents
and kids alike. Everyone
starts out on their “best
behavior” when it comes
to academics. Kids have
organized backpacks
and readily start their
homework with little
prodding. Moms and dads
adhere to “lights out”
schedules at bedtime and
see to it that homework is done in a timely manner. But as
the months pass, these routines and rituals often go by the
wayside because life gets hectic. When parents are juggling
multiple kids, sports, extracurricular demands and their own
work schedules, it’s easy to see how priorities change.

The good news is there are some simple things parents
can do early on and throughout the year that can make a
big difference in their kids’ organization and homework
completion. Here are simple routines you can set up at the
start of the school year.

school items in the launching pad.

3. Designate a homework folder. From the day the
very first assignment is given – which might be the first
day of class – a separate homework folder can help
improve organizational skills. A study of middle school
students found that having a dedicated homework
folder helped students locate their homework with
more accuracy and turn it in on time. Take a step
1. Establish a homework area. Identify and set up
further and label one pocket “To Be Completed” and
multiple areas that are relatively free of distractions for
one pocket “Completed” so your child knows where to
your child. Some potential areas include the kitchen
put their assignments.

table, the dining room table (a personal favorite) or
a home office. Contrary to popular belief, homework
does not need to be done at the same place day in
and day out. In fact, varying locations can heighten
attention, so identify two to four areas that might be a
fit for your child. Consider portable supplies (a shower
caddy works great) so that students can move easily
from location to location.

4. Do the “clean sweep.” To maintain order throughout
the year, and not just the first week of school, arrange
a weekly 20-minute session called, “the clean sweep.”
During this time, everyone in the house drops what
they’re doing and gets organized. This is the time
kids use to sort and file papers, clear out binders and
organize backpacks. Stick to this 20-minute session each
week and you’ll see a real difference this year!
2. Set up a launching pad. A launching pad is a
contained space for everything related to school that
needs to get out the door each morning. In essence,
it launches your child into the day in an organized
fashion, equipped with all the right essentials –
At the end of the day, it’s the creation of and adherence
to simple routines that can make a big difference in your
child’s school success. The key is to start off with one or two
routines and to stick with them until they become habits.

backpack, lunchbox, library books, pens, pencils,
you name it! It can be a box, large basket or any
Ann Dolin, M.Ed. is the founder and president of
container big enough to house your child’s school
Educational Connections Tutoring (www.ectutoring.com)
items. Put it in an area you know your child will
which provides in-home tutoring and organization/time-
see every day as he or she leaves the house. Encourage
management coaching to students throughout the D.C. area.

your child to get ready the night before by placing
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