If you're a parent to school-age children, you've probably been looking forward to this time of the year for months. It's Back To School!

As the new school year approaches, it's time to start preparing your kids for another year of learning and growth. One of the key aspects of a successful academic journey is organization.

Here are some of the essential school supplies that kids may need and effective ways to organize them.

Attention Parents and Students: Yes, you will still need writing materials like pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, and possibly even good old-fashioned paper. We know most schools have added the use of tablets and laptops into the curriculum (more on that later), but there will be times when students just need to write.

It’s always a good idea to send your kids off prepared and ready to learn with a writing utensil and notepad, just in case. Make it fun and consider getting a mix of different colors to add creativity to their notetaking or writing styles.

Great ideas on how to organize those pens, pencils and highlighters.

Notebooks and folders can help hold loose paper and documents. Organize them by subjects with different colored notebooks and folders for each category. This helps kids keep track of their assignments and class materials more efficiently.

Sticky notes and index cards are always useful for jotting down reminders, creating flashcards, or marking important pages in textbooks.

Depending on your child's grade level, a calculator, ruler, and possibly a protractor may be essential items needed for math classes.

Invest in a sturdy and durable backpack for your child. Make sure the backpack is ergonomic and fits your child’s size and needs appropriately. Look for multiple compartments to keep items organized and separate. For example, an ideal book bag would have a compartment for a packed lunch or snack and a separate compartment for schoolwork and books.

And lastly, on that topic, make sure to send your child to school with a proper lunchbox and even more importantly a water bottle. Ensure that your child stays hydrated and nourished throughout the day.

The Organized Expert Tip:

Along with sending your child to school organized, make sure they also have a designated study area at home. A space where your child can read and complete their homework. This area should be free from distractions and well-stocked with necessary supplies.

Utilize storage containers or bins to keep smaller items like pens, pencils, and erasers neat and organized. These can be placed inside drawers or on shelves.

Encourage your child to clean and organize their study space and backpack at the end of each week. This practice will help maintain order throughout the school year.

In our next blog we will discuss tablets, Chromebooks, laptops and other devices your student may need for the new school year. Find out the best practices to keep those devices organized, charged and ready to go.