Energize and Organize: Create and Maintain a Successful Study Space!

April School Vacation ends today for children here in Falmouth, across the state and around the country.  Tomorrow begins the very important start of the final school semester before summer recess.  

Today is a fine day to reflect on the development of your child's academic achievement and social competence to date this year.   Ask yourself if effective organizational and study skill systems are  in place and working at home for your child?   Think about if your child is thriving or coping in school and how you can best support him/her at home.

• Remember, if you want to raise successfully organized students, you must give them the tools to succeed. A proper study space — that is both comfortable and fully stocked with school supplies — is essential to get kids motivated for after-school studying.
• Start by deciding (or reviewing)  where your kids will do homework.      Involve them — ask where they prefer to study, considering their age and independence level. Do they like the privacy and quiet of a desk in their bedroom? Or do they want to be near you in a centrally located space such as the kitchen or family room?
• Once you decide (or review), make sure it’s well stocked with supplies. If your child has a desk, you may choose to organize supplies inside the drawers or in containers on top of it or on shelving above it. Make sure to categorize, containerize, and label items (such as writing utensils in one area, paper in another) so the desk drawers don’t become chaotic catch-alls. 
• For those working outside their bedrooms, create a portable office. This will allow them to work anywhere inside (or even outside) your home. A tackle box or any type of small storage box (even a shoebox) will do. Fill it with supplies, such as pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, tape, stapler, paper clips, ruler, calculator, sticky notes, paper, and any other supplies that your child frequently uses.
• Keep an age-appropriate dictionary handy. Also consider keeping a small stock of rarely needed but important project accessories, such as report covers and poster board.
• At the end of each study session, remind your students to pack up the supplies so they’re ready for the next day’s use. Teach them to make a list of items that need replenishing. Maintain consistency but allow for flexibility for guaranteed-happy kids!  © 2016 Articles on Demand™

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."
- Albert Einstein

Sending a big shout out to educators everywhere wishing you and your students deepest well being and happiness!   Thank you for the amazing work you do with your very fortunate students and their families!  

Warm wishes to Charlene in Westford, Donna at Simmons, Ryan in Brockton, Elizabeth in Waltham, Lee and Kathy in Newton,  Lisa in Franklin, Corny in Shavertown, Maura in Pittsburgh, Moe in Wellesley and Allie, Jessie, Kathy, Cheryl and Robin in Belmont.  Every day, in countless ways, you make an important difference in the lives of your little ones.

Remember, if your child needs organizational support to thrive and succeed in school, you are cordially invited to contact ... 
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact:  617.640.2366, www.energizeandorganize.com​​​​