Getting organized for back to school

New Haven (WTNH) - Organizing expert Lisa Lelas joined us this morning with some back to school organizational help.

Back to school time means switching from the relaxed routines and habits of the summer, getting back on schedule, and putting your house back in order.

The following are tips from Lisa to help both parents and students of all ages get organized for the new school year ahead.

Parents:

1. Stock up on supplies! Now is the time to purchase school supplies, while they are in abundance and on sale everywhere.
2. Get your kids used to using an alarm clock. They are a great initial time management tool.
3. Container-ize all everyday homework supplies in one bin or cabinet that is easily accessible for your children, near the place they do their homework. (pads of paper, sharpened pencils, pens, crayons, ruler, dictionary, etc) The idea is to make daily homework easy and accessible, not frustrating for kids. A mobile homework center (a flip-up bin with handle) is useful if your family is out and about a lot.
4. Establish a family launch/landing pad in your home for all school items, such as hanging wall pegs by an entryway with the name or photo of each child on top of each peg, marking the one and only spot for backpacks, coats, lunch boxes, etc.
5. Have an open bin handy for quickly dropping in schoolwork, papers and art each day. Once a month, sort through and select just a few school papers to save. (saving too much only gives kids clutter)
6. Make sure your kids eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show kids will focus better if they aren't on an empty stomach.
7. Be sure to help your kids set out their school clothes the night before school.

Pre-schoolers & Elementary School-aged children:

1. If your kids are tense about starting school, pick up a copy of the now classic book, "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn to read to young children before the first day of school. The tale of a young raccoon having to leave his mother for his first day of school will ease any nervous soul when they learn how they can bring 'mom's memory' with them all day long!
2. When purchasing school backpacks, remember that the size of the backpack should be appropriate to the student's height and weight. Backpacks should not exceed 10 percent of a child's body weight. Many backpacks now offer a pull-out handle option, making them easier for kids to handle.
3. Set up young kids with a school binder to organize all their work. A 3-ring binder with pocket folders labeled for homework or papers for parents, a 3 hole zippered pouch for supplies and lunch money, etc.

Tweens and Teens:

1. Discover the many nifty locker organizers now available at office supply and discount department stores everywhere.
2. Make sure you have a 'homework center' pre-established in your home, whether it's a desk in their room, a corner of your home office or a table set up in the family room. Make sure there is a comfortable straight back chair, ample lighting, access to a computer, and a large enough work space.
3. When completing a written assignment or term paper, remember to email a copy to yourself. If you ever forget your work at home, you can access it via email from the school library.

For more great organizing tips from Lisa, visit www.LifeStylingwithLisa.com