ORGANIZEStudy Skills

Which of the following apply to you?

Have you ever brought the wrong notebook or folder to class or home for homework?

Have you ever misplaced a homework assignment that you know you did?

When you look inside your bag and locker, is there a sea of randomly stashed papers staring back at you?

Do you have a hard time keeping your room neat and organized?

Do you ever feel rushed and frustrated getting ready for school?

Organization For every minute spent organizing, an

hour is earned. Organization is the foundation of

achieving success in school. Organizing skills can be learned and

developed over time. Anyone can learn organization

strategies. YOU can be an organized person!

Organize Your Papers Do any of these apply to you? I know I did my homework, but I can’t find it now. Oh, no! I brought my science notebook home

instead of my math notebook. My bag is so heavy, sometimes I think my back

will break. My spiral notebooks get caught on everything. I get so many papers and don’t have any time to

put them away, so they all fall to the bottom of my bag and get crushed.

Organize Your Papers Most students simply have too much “stuff” to

deal with. (1 notebook, 1 folder per class=16 together)

Condense! SOAR Binder System

1-1 ½ inch binder for all classes 1 pocket plastic folders/dividers Labels for each folder and binder pocket Loose-leave notebook paper Home filing system Travels with you everywhere

How do I create a SOAR Binder? Get and stay organized! 20-30 sheets of paper behind the last

folder at the back of the binder Label your folders! Front binder pocket- Homework (To

do/organize) Back binder pocket- Miscellaneous

(Other)

How do I create a home filing system?

Label 1 file folder for each class. Store file folders in a safe and specific

place at home. Store binder overflow in these file folders

Empty binder 1-2 times a quarter. Save any returned papers here.

How do I use the SOAR Binder System?

Never put loose papers inside your backpack!

Instead, slide them in the FRONT pocket of your binder and put them in their correct places later. Complete homework in its class pocket Hole-punched notes and other papers

behind their class pockets Keep your binder easily accessible

throughout the day.

How do I use the SOAR Binder System?

Put ALL papers that need your attention at home or later in the front pocket of your binder. Unfinished homework papers Unpunched notes Notes for parents Forms that need to be signed Papers you need to leave at home Etc.

How do I use the SOAR Binder System?

Use the back pocket of the binder for miscellaneous (other) items. Papers not related to a specific class that may need to be quickly

referenced Needed, unclassifiable papers

Possibly keep the following in your binder: Planner Red pen Blue/black pen Pencil Highlighter White out Eraser Flat three-hole-punch Hole reinforcement stickers

Using Your Binder at Home Put any stray papers (should be in the

front pocket) into or behind their correct folders BEFORE you do anything else.

After finishing homework pages, immediately put them away in their correct folders.

Clean out your binder 1 to 2 times per quarter (possibly after a group of tests).

Do not throw any papers away. You may need them to study for future tests and exams.

Random Information CBA teachers will allow you to use this

system. Your papers will fit if you clean out your

binder 1-2 times (or more) a quarter. Your binder is NOT for storing spiral

notebooks (other than your planner)! If a teacher must collect a notebook, ask

him/her if you can staple loose-leaf papers together. (I actually prefer this because this cuts on bulk when I am grading.)

Cluttered Spaces=Cluttered Minds Messy spaces are overwhelming and

distracting and facilitate the loss of homework.

A place for everything and everything in its place

Have a specific, designated space for all of your belongings

Perhaps not perfectly clean, but control when managing your things

Mission Control: Your Room Your central space from which you

organize your life Affects your school work An organized room provides for

efficiency In homework completion, In getting ready for school, and In controlling your life.

Steps to an Organized Room 1. Remove stuff you don’t need-

decluttering 4 boxes or bags Trash Donations Storage (for things stored somewhere else

in the house) Be sure to label your boxes for storage.

Somewhere else box- deliver things all at once

Steps to an Organized Room 2. Gather similar items together to

help identify a logical home for them.

3. Find a place for everything—especially you school supplies and home filing system. This will enable you to keep your room

organized.

Tips to an Organized Room Don’t forget the space under your bed

(in storage containers). Use the tops of tall bookcases and

dressers Look up! Use closet shelves. Put things inside of other things (i.e.

sleeping bags in suitcases).

Tips for an Organized Room Use a bulletin board to post pictures,

notes, and mementos. Trunks are great for storing big items

and seating. Use plastic crates, shelves, and drawers

to store things.

Organize your Study Space Minimize distractions. Keep your supplies near you.

Pens Pencils Stapler Three-hole-punch Paper Dictionary/Thesaurus Grammar guide Schoolbooks Binder Planner Etc.

Organize your Study Space Make your space comfortable.-

Decorate! Keep lighting and temperature at

comfortable levels. Don’t use harsh fluorescent light bulbs.

Play baroque music to help you concentrate. Only as background noise. Do NOT play music that you will want to

sing to or fall asleep to.

Organize your Locker Keep trash out! Store your morning books flat. Stand your afternoon books upright. Label the spines of your books. Place books for homework at the bottom

of your locker (separate from everything else).

Organize your Book Bag Use your binder to keep your papers in

order. Check your planner before you leave to

make sure you have everything you need in your book bag.

Conclusion Keep your belongings under control. You don’t need to be a neat freak. Organization will save you time

throughout your life.

Organizing your Time 24 hours Develop routines (things you do

regularly). Do something 7-21 times to make it a

habit. Use your planner every day!- Record

everything. Initiate weekend meetings with your

parents to plan your week, gather supplies, and talk through the week’s events.

Organize your Time Avoid rushed and chaotic mornings. Prepare before you go to bed.

All your papers and books should be in your binder and back pack.

Double-check your planner. Gather all your school gear. Put your bag by the door. Pick out your clothes.

Maximize your Time Take advantage of “down time” in

school. Time between class Time after finishing a quiz or test Study hall

Use the time to review your notes, finish homework, plan your evening, or read a book.

Maximize your Time Use the bus ride. Do your homework as early as possible.

Take only a short break before starting. Do NOT turn on the TV, radio, computer

(unless needed for school), phone, etc. before finishing your homework.

The hours of 3-6 are the most poorly used hours of the day.

Organize Summary Organizing skills are learned. The SOAR Binder System is a simple

solution for keeping notes, assignments, and all school-related materials in one convenient location.

Clutter creates a distracting environment.

Create more time for “fun stuff” in your life by redeeming wasted time.