For students to be successful in school, especially older students with more homework and paperwork, it is important for them to have good organizational skills. One of the ways to help your student be more organized and have all of their schoolwork in one place is by using a notebook management system.
The organizing tips in this notebook management system are designed to help keep papers, assignments, handouts, etc. organized and in a location where you can find them should you need to refer to them again. Like any system, it requires practice and discipline until it becomes a habit.
You will need:
- One 2″ binder. You can usually put two subjects or classes in one binder. The key here is the binder size. One inch is too small and three inches is too big.
- Portable three-hole punch
- 4 section dividers per subject or class
- One three-hole divider pocket per subject or class
- Assignment calendar/notebook
- Two highlighters of different colors
- Post-it® notes
- Small package of skinny colored markers or gel pens
- Highlighter tape (optional)
- Pens, pencils and colored gel pens to color-code notes
- Three hole reinforcers
- Zippered pouch with holes to fit in binder (if required by the class or to hold other supplies)
- A ruler with 3 holes (if required by the class)
- One accordion file folder for each subject – color code if possible by subject
On color-coding: Some students find it helpful to chose a color for each subject. The book cover, binder color (if single subject) and sometimes paper color all match to help stay organized.
Set up the binder this way, by working from the front and putting in pieces in the following order:
- Three hole punch
- Ruler
- Zippered pouch with highlighters, writing utensils, tape, reinforcers, etc.
- Assignment calendar (this can be a photocopied monthly calendar page to reduce bulk)
- Divider labeled HOMEWORK
- Divider labeled NOTES
- Divider labeled TESTS/QUIZZES
- Divider labeled HANDOUTS
- Pocket divider
- Repeat dividers for second subject, if used
Use sections for homework, notes, tests/quizzes, handouts for one lesson chapter or unit. How you determine what to keep in the binder will depend on the class, but you only want to have what you’re working on at the moment in the binder
When the chapter/unit is finished, move ALL the papers to your accordion file for that subject and label that section with the chapter/unit name.
Save the accordion file at home for midterms and final exams. Do not throw away study materials away!
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