Published on November 11, 2020

Getting organized can be one of the hardest things for some people to do.  The task can seem overwhelming if you do not know where to start.

Organizing Your Class Materials

I always found it best to keep materials in my binder by the date it was covered in class.  The teacher will cover material in an appropriate order, giving you a way to keep it organized.  If you need to turn in work to be graded, make sure you have the date on it.  That way, even if it takes some time to be marked and turned back to you, you can easily find where it should go in your binder.  Keeping things in order makes it much easier to review the material when you are ready to study.

It is a good idea to keep materials for each course separately.  You can do this by using dividers in your binder or having a separate spiral notebook for each class.  I prefer a binder because it is easier to turn in assignments and then add them in the right spot when you get them back.  If you use a spiral notebook, get one with a pocket at the front or back so you can store assignments as they are returned.

Organizing Your Space

Keep your homework and study space free of clutter.  It is easier to work when you can find your pen and other materials you may need.  Have a spot where you can spread out your materials. You have access to sticky notes, pens, and anything else you plan to use during your homework or study session.

It is also a good idea to keep your space free of distractions.  Remove anything from the area that may take you away from your work and distract you from the task at hand.

Organize Your Time

This is where scheduling comes into play.  Use a planner or a printable calendar to keep track of what you need to do and the date it needs to be completed.  If you are more inclined to use technology, you can download an app to help organize your time.

If you have some large projects to complete, break them down into smaller parts and set yourself a deadline for each component such that you will have it all completed by the deadline.

Write down the dates that you have tests or exams and mark your study time on your calendar.  Work in study time frequently so that you are not trying to cram for an exam at the last minute.

If you have other activities, put them on your calendar as well.  Mark your team practices, rehearsals, and family engagements so you can plan around them.  And don’t forget to schedule in some time to spend with friends!

When you can see everything written down or in an app, it helps you to see when things may be a little too hectic.  It will allow you to reschedule some things or know that you would be better to do some things before the deadline, so you are not strapped for time.

Getting It Done

Use a checklist to help keep yourself on track.

• Make sure you know your deadlines.

• Fill in your calendar or app with all of the information (including deadlines for parts of projects).

• Include all of your activities on your calendar so you can effectively manage your time.

• Make sure you understand your assignments and ask your teacher for clarification if needed.

• Choose an appropriate study space and prepare with everything you need before you start.

• Take breaks to help keep your mind focused and fresh.

Making sure you are organized is a big step in learning how to study, and it is a life skill you will be glad to have mastered.  It will help you with homework and studying, and it will also help in the future when you enter the work world.