Last week we looked at the impact and importance of routine in maintaining and improving educational success. Organising a child’s homework or schoolwork can greatly assist them in achieving academic success, allowing them to keep track of assignments and get ahead of their workloads.
The first step is to get a handle on when, what work, will be due. Then, create a homework or study calendar. The ideal calendar will have a lot of space for writing. Encourage the student to use a red pen to mark test dates and due dates for important projects. Then use a blue or green pen to list activities leading up to the due date.
In further preparation, create a file for each subject either using store bought files or making them together with the student from cardboard, this can be a fun project in itself. Decorate each file appropriately and labeling them. Keep only important papers in them. These might include
old tests which may be used to prepare for future tests and exams. The student will also find it helpful to add research for papers and projects to these folder so they are easily accessible in sessions or when working on a particular subject.
Before starting a study session with your child or student, take a moment to organise the objectives of the session and list what needs to be completed in the session. Whether its homeschooling work or homework, organizing what needs to be achieved breaks down the work into manageable chunks. Failing to organise may leave a child feeling overwhelmed and they will struggle to get started or keep going.
Step 1: Prioritize the child’s assignments by tracking deadlines and due dates. List the objectives to be completed during the session with the child.
Step 2: Number the tasks in the order they should be completed to achieve the objectives outlines starting with an easy task in order to get the momentum going but placing the hardest tasks at the middle of the list. Never save the worst for last. Keep momentum. Doing so will help the child/student to develop strong organisation skills as well as lead to a more structured study sessions.
Step 3: Remember to take a break after around 30 or 45 minutes, dependent on their age. During the break jump around, warm up, get the blood flowing for around 10 to 15 minutes and resume.
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