After completing a periodic backpack clean out, taking a supply inventory helps students stay organized as well. Make sure there are enough pencils in the bag so your student doesn’t have to waste class time and lose focus trying to borrow one from a friend. Also make sure there are enough pens, paper and markers/highlighters. If a calculator is needed for class, place it in a part of the backpack where your student will find it and turn it on to check the batteries.
Back To School Success #7: Clean Out Backpack
Has the following scenario ever happened to your student? They claim they have completed an assignment, but they cannot find it. The class then reviews the assignment but your student is not able to go over their work with the class and feels upset that they can’t participate in discussions. How about this scenario? Your student’s important papers end up being crumpled up messes. Y3K Tutor In Your Home tutors and classroom teachers notice frequently students anxiously looking through disorganized backpacks for missing assignments. This lack of organization often occurs with students that have executive function and ADD/ADHD issues. It is important to stay on top of this issue, as it can be the main cause of poor homework and classwork grades. Some students even use class time searching for items rather than focusing on their work.
Whether a student has organizational issues or not, their backpacks should be cleaned out and maintained at least every month if not sooner. It is essential that your student keep track of assignments, permission slips, notices and other items needed. Sometimes important papers are found buried at the bottom of the bag or placed in the wrong section.
Children that are prepared for school each day and organized tend have reduced stress and anxiety. We tutor students with organizational issues and teach how to be organized so call Y3K Tutor In Your Home today!
Kids Backpack Safety
Students should carry no more than 15-20% of their body weight in a backpack or they may risk injury. Keep in mind that the average textbook can weigh around 5 lbs as you see the statistics below.
Student Weight Maximum # of Textbooks
75 lbs 3 books
100 lbs 4 books
125 lbs 5 books
150 lbs 6 books
Help Children Be Independent
Do not do for your children what they can do for themselves. That means they will rely more on themselves and less on others. For example even 5 year olds can pack their own backpacks.
Backpack Safety
Overloaded school backpacks cause more than 20,000 back injuries per year. Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 10-15% of the child’s total body weight when in use. Have wide padded shoulder straps and a hip strap to distribute weight. Make sure the backpack does not hang below the student’s hip line. Also keep the heaviest books closest to the back.
Organization Tutor Tip
Every month clean out backpacks, binders and folders. Carry only the papers that are necessary for class.