Get organized for back-to-school

Blog post
portrait-julie-provencher

Julie Provencher

I’m the mother of two wonderful boys who have made me rethink my approach to family literacy. Ever since they were born, I’ve thought every day about how we, as parents, can help our kids learn to love reading.

image

Every September, parents scramble to get their kids ready for the new school year. Not only do they need to think about buying school clothes and prepping lunches, they also need to settle into a brand-new routine.

To help you stay organized this fall, check out the following tips from La CLEF and Alloprof Parents.

Start a family calendar
You can find all kinds of free calendars online. Simply print one out and hang it in your kitchen. You can even encourage your kids to note down their activities. Here is some practical information you can include:

  • Weekly homework
  • Important dates
  • Appointments
  • Field trips

A calendar is an effective visual tool to help you stay organized and keep track of your schedule. Below is an example of a family calendar:

Create a homework-time pencil box
A well-organized pencil box is a great way to make sure homework time runs smoothly! Simply collect your old pencils, scissors, and rubber erasers in a box and store it in a safe place for your child’s weekly after-school assignments. No more of the same old excuses:

I can’t find my pencil! I forgot my scissors at school! 

Basic school supplies will always be within reach, so you won’t waste any valuable time.

Introduce a reading routine
Our lives can be pretty hectic, so it’s sometimes difficult to squeeze in daily reading time with our kids. Establishing a routine can make things easier! For inspiration, check out the following activities:

  • Start a reading routine before bed
  • Encourage your kids to read in the bus, metro, or car (if they don’t get carsick)
  • Leave a selection of books in the bathroom
  • Visit the library

There are plenty of other great resources that you can download and print here!

Have a great school year with your children!