As a teacher, it’s essential to help your students develop good organizing habits. This benefits their academic performance and overall well-being by reducing stress and increasing productivity. The blog will cover strategies to help students stay organized, applicable to any age group. By implementing these tips, teachers can set students up for success both in and outside the classroom.
1. Encourage students to create a schedule or to-do list
Having a clear plan for tasks helps students stay focused and prioritize responsibilities. Encourage students to review and update their schedules or to-do lists regularly. This helps them stay organized and reduces stress. Encourage goal-setting, which improves focus and motivation. By creating and following a schedule or to-do list, students learn important time management skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.
2. Teach them how to break down larger tasks
Complex tasks can be overwhelming, and students may feel discouraged if they don’t know where to begin. Teach students to break them down into smaller steps to improve organization and reduce stress. Demonstrate how you break down tasks and explain why it’s helpful. Use graphic organizers such as flowcharts or mind maps to help. Encourage students to ask themselves questions about their tasks, such as “What is the ultimate goal?”, “What are the smaller steps that need to be completed?” and “What resources do I need to complete each step?”, and identify the steps needed and resources required.
3. Help students find a system that works for them
Each student is different, and what works for one student may not work for another. That’s why it’s essential to help your students find a system that works for them. Some students prefer using physical planners, while others find digital tools more convenient. Please encourage your students to experiment with different techniques and see what works best for them.
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4. Set aside dedicated time for an organisation:
Setting aside dedicated time for organizing the work can be a valuable strategy for helping students stay on top of their tasks and materials. This can be as simple as setting aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of each class period for students to organize their desks or backpacks or setting aside a specific time each week to review their schedules and manage their materials. It helps students stay on top of their tasks, locate materials more easily and feel more in control. This can help reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
By setting aside dedicated time for organization, you can help your students develop good habits that will serve them well throughout their academic careers and beyond.
5. Encourage students to get rid of unnecessary materials
It can also help create a sense of order and reduce clutter, which is especially beneficial for students who struggle with organising. It can be achieved by setting aside a specific time each week or month for students to review and declutter their materials. To keep things organised, use folders or binders. Encouraging students to consider donating gently used materials to a local school or charity. This can not only help them declutter but also help them feel good about giving back to their community.
To help your students get and stay organized, it’s essential to encourage them to create a schedule, teach them how to take notes effectively, help them create a filing system, set clear expectations, and model good organizational habits. Encourage students to use resources such as planners and calendars and review and declutter their materials regularly. By following these tips, you can help your students develop good organizational skills that will benefit them both in school and in the future.