Back to School: Organization Can Equal Success

After three months of fun in the sun, it’s now time for kids—and parents--to get back in the groove of school and homework. While some families love back to school time, many more stress over the anticipation of assignments, classes and general school overload. Patch to the rescue! We enlisted the expertise of some people who know best how to get kids—and parents--organized for school success.

Sharon Dudeck, Tinley Park Library’s Youth and Child Services Manager says….

• Get a library card for your child! There’s a wealth of information and resources available at the library, as well as a quiet place to do homework and study.
• Allow your child Internet access at the library with a signed permission slip. Without it, your child may not be able to do online research or sign onto learning resources or educational links.

Carrie Nussbaum, Reading Specialist at Bunche Elementary School, Hazel Crest Dist. 152.5, suggests….

• Set up a homework area for your child and have needed supplies—pens and pencils, paper and a dictionary—within reach. Don’t have the space? Use a basket or roll-a-way bin to gather supplies and resources.
• Hang up your child’s weekly school schedule, including special classes and lunch days. You’ll never have to schlep forgotten gym uniforms and lunch money to the school office again!
• Check your child’s backpack ASAP for the day’s homework assignments and school communication. Help kids empty the “take home” folder and clean out backpacks on a daily basis.
• Insist on doing homework right after school. Have kids check their homework for neatness and accuracy.
• Provide a healthy snack to reboot their energy levels. Don’t forget plenty of water to rehydrate as well.

 Jeff Keane, Teacher and Coach at Victor J. Andrew High School, advises….

• Get a good planner! High school students can keep track of homework assignments and projects by utilizing a traditional or electronic planner, or using a calendar phone app.
• Have goals. Have your high schooler determine what they want to accomplish and then create a plan to reach their goal(s). Want an A in Honors Calculus? A plan of action may include completing homework, studying for exams and coming in for extra help.
• Keep a good balance between school and part-time jobs or athletics. Good balance is important to keeping students from overextending themselves—to the detriment of good grades. Also, athletics programs dictate student athletes must keep a certain GPA in order to qualify for time on the field.

Monica Kim, Director of Kumon Math and Reading Center-Orland Park South, recommends….

• Get to know your child’s teacher(s) and keep communication open. The parent-teacher-child partnership is an effective tool in the development of learning and homework habits, which in turn can result in a successful school year.
• Give your child genuine and frequent praise. Rather than perfection, progress is all-important. Let you child know you recognize and value their efforts and not just their final accomplishments.

Here's to a successful school year!