Organising books and equipment
- Teach a routine for ‘emptying the bag’. The subject folders or books are replaced in the system. Any subjects for which homework is required are placed in the ‘homework to be done’ in-tray. Do this with your child to begin with if necessary, then gradually let them take over. Even when your child has ‘got it’ do ‘spot checks’ every so often.
- Encourage your child to glue any worksheet / odd bits of paper into their workbook if possible each night – otherwise the sheer volume of ‘bits of paper’ becomes impossible.
- When homework is completed (see section on homework) supervise the ‘packing of the bag’. This is best done the night before.
- The displayed timetable can be used as a checklist for subject folders and equipment. Write the equipment needed at the top of each day.
- Encourage your child to check their planner for any reminders / notes each night. It’s usually worth double checking.
- If you know your child has Home Economics (cooking to you and me) on a certain day, check at the beginning of the week if they need ingredients – searching through cupboards on the morning, ten minutes before the bus leaves is not to be recommended!
