How to Organize Student Assignments and Papers

Are you looking for ways to set your student up for success in the coming school year? First, have your student help you set up a system of organization that makes sense to them. If they don't know how to use it, they won't use it. An organized student has organized papers, an organized locker and good habits/routines. We address each of these areas below:

Student Papers

Binder Organization System
  • Tape class schedule to inside left cover of binder
  • Hole punched pencil pouch to hold pencils, pens, erasers, calculator or other small tools that are needed daily
  • Agenda book (if your school does not supply this, purchase an inexpensive planner with dates and space to write assignments, reminders & activities)
  • File folder for each subject or class (different colors for each) - label edge of folders for easy reference
  • Inside the folders, mark the left side "Take Home" and the right side "To Do"
  • Include blank, lined paper in the back
Notes about binders:
  • If your student tends to shove papers in the extra pockets, either purchase a binder without interior pockets or tape them shut.
  • If your child wants personalization, the clear view binders allow the student to decorate the outside of the binder. Make sure their name is on it somewhere.
  • Use a zippered binder, if your student tends to drop papers out of folders/binders.

Accordian File Organization System

  • Slot for each class - student puts all papers related to that class in the slot
  • File gets cleaned out daily when student returns home
  • Simpler system, but less detailed organizationally
  • Vertical or horizontal

Student Locker

Many students struggle with keeping their lockers organized. This becomes even more vital in a school where students are not allowed to carry backpacks to class. The first thing you must do when assisting your student with organizing is ASK. Ask the student what his/her challenges are regarding the locker! You will not know what challenges they face if you do not listen. Here are a couple of tips to help your student organize their locker:
  • Designate a "home" for everything. Top shelf, bottom shelf, magnets on inside of door, hooks - which items go where?
  • A shelf in the bottom of the locker could help the student keep books from stacking up so high. It becomes very difficult to get the bottom book out the higher the stack gets.
  • A dry erase board that attaches to the inside door with magnets can help the student remember which subjects they need to bring books/folders home for that night.

Student Habits/Routines

In order to stay organized throughout the year, your student needs to set up good habits & routines. Here are some ideas:
  • As soon as they get home from school, unload the binder. Create a home for the "take home" papers. They can immediately put the papers into that home for you to review.
  • Designate a set amount of time for homework. During this time, the student must do homework, read or study for tests. No electronics allowed and no skipping this time or ending early. This encourages the student to do the work required, rather than saying they don't have homework and heading straight for the video games.
  • Create a portable homework station, so your student won't waste time looking for basic supplies, like erasers, pencils and paper. {We used a shower caddy from Wal-Mart & added a touch of vinyl to label it.}
  • Parents need to check the agenda book daily, whether the teacher requires it or not.
  • Over the weekend, hold a family meeting to review the upcoming week's activities. Encourage the student to write activities in the agenda book, so they can learn how to manage the balance of activity and schoolwork.
  • Set a reasonable bedtime and stick to it. An exhausted student becomes a disorganized student.
Your student's teacher may have a different method of managing papers that are incomplete or to take home. The suggestions above are only that - suggestions. Find a system that works for your student, their teacher and your family and stick with it! Part of training our students to be organized students is consistency, habit & routine!

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