Getting back into the school routine can be tough, however, being organized is a good way to get into the swing of things. Keeping track of time, assignments, and all your stuff can be really challenging, but putting a few minutes into figuring out a system that works for you and sticking with it can make all the difference.
- Time management: I have found it challenging to find a balance between my home, school, and social life. A way I started to create balance was by using Google Calendars. It is a useful tool because it is so customizable. You can set reminders on it for things like homework. Events could be anything from family and social outings, reminders for when assignments are due, appointments, or anything you need to remember. It takes thirty seconds tops to enter in an event. Alternatively, you can write down a to-do list of school assignments, chores, and personal items and then prioritize them. The satisfaction of crossing of checkboxes is immeasurable.
- Writing assignments down: While you are at school, you do not have your phone so you obviously cannot put assignments into your calendar. That is the very reason why you get a planner at the beginning of the school year. As your teachers give you assignments and due dates, write them down somewhere you know you will check. This could be a sticky note on your binder, the first page of your binder, or your agenda. Once you get home you can put those assignments into your calendar, to do list, or whatever system you create.
- Keeping track of your stuff: Losing homework seems to be a common problem. Some to reduce the frequency of lost homework include having a mental, or physical, checklist before you leave for school and/or having a folder dedicated to homework. Packing your bag at night instead of the morning gives you time to make sure you have everything.
Of course there are so many other ways to get organized – and to keep it that way. I encourage you to find a method that works for you (the internet is a great way to do this). There are so many tools available to make your life easier, such as apps and planners. Taking a minute to write something down is much better than the stress of forgetting an assignment and having to do it last minute. Being organized takes effort and requires you to follow through with your system. Habits take time to form, but seeing their results is so rewarding.
Chloe Butera
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