– Can being organized really improve a student’s school performance? Absolutely.
“Teachers agree that a child’s lack of organization dramatically impacts homework, studying skills and test scores,” says parenting expert Stacy DeBroff, who surveyed hundreds of teachers and parents for her recent book, “The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and Middle School.”
“Many kids lag behind because they lack basic self-management and organizational skills, and have trouble with concepts like planning ahead, prioritizing responsibilities and managing time effectively,” notes DeBroff.
To help parents and children get organized, DeBroff partnered with Office Depot, a leader in organizational solutions, to compile a free online guide called “Organized to Learn.” Available at www.school.com, it features simple tips that can help every family get ready for school. Among the highlights:
-> Plan the Work, Then Work the Plan. Each week, talk to your child about key assignments and events. Then create a weekly checklist together using a dry-erase board. Let...