Time To Organize

It's been only three weeks since school was back in session, but already we are reminded about the importance of organization. I'm not only the parent of two school-age children, but I'm also a teaching assistant in a second grade classroom. Working in the classroom on a daily basis, I am taken back to my own school days of brand new pencils and pencil cases, lunch boxes and notebooks. Each item had to be carefully labeled since most looked alike and how else could we possibly tell them apart? Some things never change and what's popular is what most kids really want. It's so important to label each item carefully so little Nicholas and little Michael don't get into a fight over the Spiderman backpacks. Color labels would be so useful on backpacks, lunch boxes and bags even ziplock bags that carry snacks and toys that are carried to school with anticipation of recreation with best friends. It not only makes things easier for teachers, but parents don't have to wonder if their kids brought home someone else's notebooks or text books. It's also great fun for the kids to help mom or dad put labels on their newly-purchased items. They feel accomplished that they were able to help and they also get to practice their spelling. Also when labeling, think outside the box. Don't forget umbrellas, snow boots, gym bags, rain coats, snowsuits and anything else you can think of to help your child better organize themselves. School is stressful enough and young children especially need to learn the importance of organizing at a very early age as it will help them perform better in school. Once you begin labeling all items, you will get into the habit of doing it every year and you'll see what a difference it will make in your child's life, which is the most important thing.