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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

  • A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
  • A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
  • A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

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How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

  • If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
  • If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
  • If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
  • If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

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How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

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If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

  • A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
  • B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
  • C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

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This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

  • Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
  • Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
  • Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
  • Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

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Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

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Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

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What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Organize Your Homework With Color Coded Supplies

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Whether you are in high school, college, or beyond, organization is key to academic success. Did you know that you can actually improve your grades if you can organize your homework and study time effectively? One way to do this is to incorporate a color coding system into your homework routine.

Here's how it works.

1. Gather a Set of Inexpensive, Colored Supplies

You may want to start with a pack of colored highlighters, then find folders, notes, and stickers to match them.

  • Sticky notes
  • Highlighters
  • Colored labels, flags, or round stickers (for sale items)

2. Select a Color for Each Class

For example, you may want to use the following colors with a system like this:

  • Orange=World History
  • Green=Math
  • Red=Biology
  • Yellow=Health or PE
  • Blue=Geography
  • Pink=Literature

3. Make a Mental Connection Between the Color and the Class

For instance, you might relate the color green to money—to make you think of math.

You may have to play around with the color system to make each color makes sense for each class. This is just to get you started. The color connection will be clear in your mind after a few days.

4. Folders 

Obviously, you'll use each folder to keep track of homework for each class. The type of folder isn't important; just use the type that is best for you or the type that your teacher requires.

5. Sticky Notes 

Sticky notes are useful when doing library research, writing down book and article titles, quotes, brief passages to use in your paper, bibliographical citations , and reminders. If you can’t carry around several packs of sticky notes, then keep white notes and use colored pens.

6. Colored Flags 

These handy markers are for marking pages or reading assignments in books. When your teacher gives a reading assignment, just place a colored flag at the beginning and ending points.

Another use for colored flags is marking a date in your organizer. If you carry around a calendar, always place a flag marker on a date when an important assignment is due. That way, you'll have a constant reminder that a due date is approaching.

7. Highlighters

Highlighters should be used when reading over your notes. In class, take notes as normal—and be sure to date them. Then, at home, read over and highlight in an appropriate color.

If papers get separated from your folder (or never make it into your folder) you can easily recognize them by the colored highlights.

8. Labels or Round Stickers 

Stickers or labels are great for keeping your wall calendar organized. Keep a calendar in your room or office, and place a color-coded sticker on the day that an assignment is due.

For instance, on the day you receive a research paper assignment in history class, you should place an orange sticker on the due date. This way, everyone can see an important day approaching, even at a glance.

Why Use Color Coding?

Color coding can come in useful in a number of ways, even for a very  disorganized student . Just think: if you see a random paper floating around you’ll be able to know at a glance if it’s a history note, research paper note, or math paper.

Organizing your notes and paperwork isn’t the only part of a good homework system. You need a space designated for the time spent studying and working that is also well kept and organized.

Ideally, you should have a desk in a well-lit, comfortable, and quiet area. Keeping your workspace organized is just as important as your work. Even though you may keep a planner with you, a wall calendar can be exceptionally useful. School isn’t your whole life and sometimes you have a lot of clubs and engagements to keep track of. Having all that information in one spot will help you organize everything in your life, to make sure you never have conflicting obligations.

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Our Repurposed Home

HOW TO ORGANIZE HOMEWORK AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT HOME

As parents, creating a well-organized command center, or school work and school supply space at home, offers numerous benefits, not only for your child’s academic success but also for maintaining an overall tidy and organized home.

When your child has a designated study area with all their supplies neatly stored, it streamlines their homework routine and enhances their focus. They will spend less time searching for misplaced items and can concentrate better on their assignments. This is a great way for them to complete their schoolwork promptly, leaving more time for family activities or relaxation. And it doesn’t matter if they are in grade school or high school, the benefits are the same.

Teaching your child to be organized at an early age also nurtures valuable life skills. As they actively participate in maintaining their study space, they learn essential habits like time management, responsibility, and accountability for their belongings. These skills will not only benefit their academic journey but will also translate into other areas of their life, helping them stay organized and responsible as they grow.

An organized study space also contributes to a clutter-free home. When school supplies have designated spots, they won’t end up scattered around the house, causing an unnecessary mess. By incorporating items such as labeled containers, file folders, and stackable drawers, you can ensure that everything has a place, reducing the chance of school-related items becoming part of the household clutter.

organized study desk at home

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Creating a Dedicated Homework Station

I remember having a tutor come to my house to help me with my schoolwork and she was quite angry when she realized the only space I had available to do homework was at the kitchen table (which was right in the middle of all the chaos.)  Either that or it was on my bed. At the time I thought it was fine…but maybe not if I needed a tutor. Right?

So, creating a designated area for the homework station in your home is an important step in establishing an organized and productive learning environment. The first consideration is to find a great place that is relatively quiet and free from distractions. Ideally, choose an area with good natural light, as it can positively impact your child’s concentration and mood during study sessions.

Coat Closet into a homework and school supply station

Transforming a closet into a homework station is an easy way to optimize space and create a dedicated, organized learning area. By clearing out unnecessary items and installing a few smart storage solutions, you can unlock a world of possibilities.

Start by decluttering the closet and removing anything that doesn’t belong in the homework station. Next, consider adding a desk or tabletop to serve as your child’s study space. Make sure you install it at a good height for the student and supply a comfy chair . If the closet is deep enough, you can even build a custom shelving unit or install a fold-down desk for extra functionality.

Take advantage of vertical space with shelves, cubbies , or stackable drawers to house school supplies and craft supplies. Don’t forget to add a bulletin board or whiteboard to the closet door – perfect for pinning schedules, reminders, and inspirational quotes.

Get creative with lighting solutions to brighten up the closet space. LED lights or a small desk lamp can create a cozy and inviting ambiance for studying.

Lastly, encourage your child’s involvement in designing and personalizing their new homework station. Let them choose colors, decorations, and organizational accessories to make the space uniquely theirs.

By repurposing a closet into a homework station, you not only maximize your home’s space but also provide your child with a dedicated, clutter-free area where they can focus on their studies and excel academically. It’s like having a secret hideaway where learning and creativity can flourish!

study area inside a closet

Wall Storage Unit, Entertainment Center, or Hutch as a Homework or school supply area

With a tall furniture piece, you can incorporate a built-in desk that provides a generous work surface for your little scholar to spread out their books and materials. Choose a design with ample storage, such as shelves, cubbies, and drawers, to keep all the necessary school supplies neatly stowed away.

Personalize the space by adding a corkboard or chalkboard panel on the inside of the unit’s doors. This creates the perfect spot to display schedules, to-do lists , and creative inspirations. Plus, it adds a touch of charm and organization all at once!

Maximize the wall unit’s potential by installing LED lights or under-shelf lighting, which not only illuminates the workspace but also sets the mood for focused studying. Don’t forget to keep the top surface clutter-free, allowing your child to showcase their favorite study buddies or decorative accents.

A wall unit or hutch as a homework station is a win-win solution – it optimizes space while elevating your home’s decor. By providing your child with this stylish and functional setup, you encourage a positive study environment that sparks productivity and nurtures their learning journey in the most delightful way. 

armoire painted and used for a kid's artwork area

Homework Desk in their Bedroom

When it comes to creating a homework station for your child, sometimes all you need is simplicity and practicality. A simple desk in your child’s bedroom can be the best place, especially if space is limited.

With a minimalist approach, you can optimize the desk’s surface by adding just the essentials. Invest in a few storage solutions like desktop organizers or caddies to keep pens, pencils, and other supplies within arm’s reach. This way, your child won’t have to leave the desk to search for materials, staying focused on their studies.

Encourage your child to personalize their desk with a few decorative elements, such as a motivational poster or a small potted plant. This simple touch adds a sense of ownership and comfort to the space, making it a more inviting spot to tackle homework.

A simple desk in your child’s bedroom can be the perfect homework station, offering all they need to excel in their studies.  With just a dash of personalization and a clutter-free setup, this small, yet effective, homework station can make a big impact on your child’s academic journey.

Martha Stewart child's desk

Setting up your Homework area and supplies

Once you’ve identified the perfect spot, the next step is to set up the homework station. The best way to maintain organization is to incorporate storage solutions into the homework station. Utilize stackable drawers, a rolling cart, or shelves to keep textbooks, notebooks, and other study materials neatly stored and easily accessible. This will prevent clutter from accumulating on the work surface, enabling your child to focus on their tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

A great idea is to have a bulletin board or whiteboard within the study area. This can serve as a visual aid for reminders, schedules, chore charts, important deadlines, or inspirational quotes, adding a touch of motivation to the space. You can also use this area to display a chore chart and to pin important school-related documents like permission slips or papers to be passed in. Just remember to update this area often to stay organized and well-informed.

The key to maintaining an organized homework station is regular tidying and decluttering. Take some time each week to go through the materials, discard any unnecessary items, and restock supplies as needed. This simple routine will ensure that the study area remains conducive to productivity and creativity.

By choosing and organizing a designated area for the homework station, you not only provide your child with a dedicated space for learning but also instill a sense of responsibility and ownership in them. This organized and personalized study space will foster positive study habits, boost academic performance, and contribute to a harmoniously organized home environment.

Youbetia Desk Organizers and Accessories - Double Tray and 5 Upright Sections, Office File & Supplies Organizer with Drawer, Binder Clips, Gold

Tools for Organizing Your Child’s Homework Space and Supplies

When it comes to keeping all types of supplies in check and making sure things run smoothly, having the right tools is the name of the game! From keeping that homework station tidy to getting all the stuff ready for school, these key tools for keeping school supplies organized are absolute lifesavers. In this section, we’ll dive into a bunch of awesome organizational tools that’ll help parents and students rock an uncluttered and super-efficient study space. Get ready to ace school and bring some order to your daily life!

Repurpose Shoe Organizers and Shoe Boxes for organizing school supplies

Get creative and repurpose those shoe organizers to stash all your pens, pencils, rubber bands, binder clips, or extra supplies. They’re like magic pockets for your supplies! Simply hang them on the back of a door and they will be easily accessible.

And those shoe boxes ? They’re perfect for keeping small items like pencils, paper clips, and other home office supplies organized and tidy. Separate your pencils, erasers, and markers into different boxes – it’s like giving each item its own cozy home. And don’t forget to slap some labels on those shoe boxes so you can find what you need in a jiffy! You can stack ’em up on shelves or slide them into drawers for easy access. No more digging around for that elusive eraser – it’s all right there, neat and tidy!

24 Pockets - SimpleHouseware Crystal Clear Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer, Gray (64'' x 19'')

Utilize File Folders and Clear Pockets to keep your schoolwork organized

A file folder and clear pockets are like the superheroes of organization when it comes to handling school papers and important documents! Those graded papers and ongoing assignments? They’ll find a cozy home in those trusty file folders, making it a breeze to keep track of everything. No more lost assignments or forgotten test scores! 

But wait, let’s not forget the power of labels!  Stick some labels on each one, and voila – instant identification magic! When you need that specific assignment or permission slip, you won’t have to go on a treasure hunt. Just look at the labels, and they’ll guide you straight to what you need. No more rummaging through a mountain of papers – it’s all organized, and you’re the superhero!

And those clear pockets? Oh boy, they’re perfect for storing those crucial papers you don’t want to misplace – think permission slips, school announcements, and any other important notices. The best part is, that you can see through them, so you’ll always know what’s inside without any guesswork. Simply keep them inside a 3-ring binder and place them on a shelf and you’ll have everything right where you need it.

Don’t have a drawer to hang the file folders?  You can purchase a desk file folder holder to place on the desk or a shelf.  Don’t want to spend the money on one of those, a plastic dish rack will do the trick.

GoldOrcle 2Pack Foldable Hanging File Organizer with 14 Hanging File Holders, Letter-Size File Holder Foldable Filing Box, Metal Mesh Desk File Folder Storage Box

Organizing school supplies with Plastic Bins, Baskets, and Stackable Drawers

Get ready to level up your organization game with the mighty duo of plastic bins, baskets, and stackable drawers! These champs are all about tackling the bigger stuff, like your art supplies, school projects, and all that gear you need for after-school activities. 

So, let’s start with those plastic bins. They’re like mini treasure chests for your artsy goodies and school projects. Just toss all your paints, brushes, and crafty bits into these bins, and you’ll never have to hunt for them again. Plus, they’re perfect for storing those big science projects your kids have been working on. No more tripping over them in your room – just pop them in the bins and keep things neat and tidy!

Stackable drawers – Not only do they give you extra storage space, but they’re also super versatile. Label each drawer for different subjects or activities, and you’ll be the master of finding what you need in a flash! Say goodbye to the days of searching high and low for that elusive math book or your construction paper. Everything’s organized, labeled, and ready for action!  And kudos to you if they have wheels!  

Keep these mighty helpers right in your homework station or stash them in a nearby closet for easy-peasy access. No more running around the house looking for your stuff – it’s all right there, ready to go! 

Finally, baskets come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials.  Choose decorative baskets for items you will be storing in the open like on a shelf or desk.  Use hanging labels to identify what’s inside at a glance.

JUXYES 2-Tiers Stack Carry Storage Box With Handle, Transparent Stackable Storage Bin With Handle Lid Latching Storage Container for School & Office Supplies

Repurpose Tin Cans and Glass Jars to get organized

Upcycling tin cans and glass jars to organize homework supplies is a fantastic and eco-friendly way to create a charming and functional study space. Don’t toss those empty cans and jars – instead, transform them into stylish storage solutions! Use them to hold pens, pencils, markers, and paintbrushes, while glass jars can house colorful paper clips, erasers, and other smaller items.

To add a personal touch, let your child get creative with decorating the cans and jars. Use colorful washi tape , stickers, or even a coat of paint to make each container uniquely their own. Not only will this inspire creativity, but it also ensures that the homework station complements their bedroom decor.

Arrange the tin cans and glass jars on a shelf or desktop, creating an organized and delightful display of supplies. This clever DIY approach not only keeps things neat and accessible but also encourages your child to take pride in maintaining their study area. With a touch of imagination and resourcefulness, these repurposed containers bring a touch of fun and order to your child’s homework routine.

8 Adorable Mason Jar Crafts

Homework Caddy for a portable homework station

If you don’t have a designated study space for your child, try creating a homework caddy . This is a brilliant way to streamline your child’s study routine and keep their supplies handy. Simply gather a sturdy caddy or tote and fill it with all the essential school items your child may need while doing homework. Pens, pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, and glue sticks – anything that often gets lost can now find its designated spot in the caddy. Add some notepads, sticky notes , and even a timer to help them manage their time effectively. 

Personalize the caddy with stickers or their name, making it uniquely theirs. This mobile and compact organizational tool allows your child to move around the house while studying, ensuring they have everything they need wherever they go. A homework caddy is a fun and practical way to encourage organization and independence in your child’s academic journey.

Label Maker or Cricut Machine for staying organized

You’re about to discover the secret weapon that will take your organization game to a whole new level – the label maker ! This nifty gadget is like having a personal assistant for all your organizational needs. No more messy handwriting or confusion – it’s all about clear and consistent labels!

A Cricut machine is also like a creative label maker. You can add sleek and professional, or colorful and creative labels to every nook and cranny of your organizational tools, from those plastic bins and stackable drawers to your file folders and bulletin board. Everything gets its own name tag, so you always know what goes where.

PAINT SWATCH

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Want to know everything the Cricut Machine can do around your home? Read my post “ What is a Cricut Anyway ?”

Conclusion​

In conclusion, maintaining an organized homework and school supply process at home is not only essential for supporting your child’s academic success but also for fostering a harmoniously organized living space. By utilizing smart organizational tools such as shoe organizers, file folders, clear pockets, plastic bins, stackable drawers, label makers, and more, you can create an efficient and clutter-free study environment for your home. 

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10 Homework Tips for High School Students

  • by Daniel Friedman
  • 6 minute read

homework tips for high school students

Having trouble getting focused with homework? Here are 10 simple homework tips for high school students to make life much easier!

Hopefully after reading this, you’ll find a more enjoyable way to do homework while also being focused and efficient.

Let’s get started…

Prioritize Your Classes

Write down your homework everyday at school as it’s being assigned in some sort of agenda, planner, or notebook.

At the end of every day, list your homework assignments in order of how you’re going to do them. I recommend starting with the harder assignments first and finishing off with the easier ones.

Be sure to keep in mind what homework will need more time than others. If you have a project, essay, or long studying to do, start with that first.

This is going to give you the basics of how to organize your homework after school and what to prioritize.

Blue Pen, White Paper

Writing with a blue pen on white paper is the easiest way to remember your writing. It is scientifically proven to help retain information more efficiently than any other writing combo.

This is literally hacking your brain to memorize things easier. It is one of the best homework tips for high school students to use.

Try using this trick during your actual classes in school. That way when you study, you’ll already have your notes written in the best format.

Using other memory tools such as bullets, numbers, drawings, and highlights are also efficient ways to make studying a breeze.

Related Post: 7 High School Hacks Every Student Should Know

Take breaks often.

homework tips for high school students

There is a technique in efficiency known as the Pomodoro Technique. Here is the basic formula for how it works:

  • Work for 25 minutes
  • Take a 5 minute break
  • Repeat 4 times
  • After the 4th cycle, take a longer 30 minute break

This is the best studying technique in the world for not only retaining information, but also no burning out while working on any task.

It will come in handy when you have long hours of homework that may seem impossible for your attention span.

There are actually Pomodoro timers out there online that you can use to remind you when it’s time to take a break.

Get Rid of Distractions

This one is obvious, but crucial!

Clear your desk, turn off your phone, avoid social media on your computer, and even clean your room.

A decluttered environment is a decluttered head. You will be able to focus much harder on the task at hand when there aren’t a bunch of distractions in your face.

You should also allow as much light to enter your room as possible. Open blinds, turn on lamps, and turn up your computer’s brightness (if you do homework on it).

More light in a workspace is proven to improve focus and efficiency.

Start Right When You Get Home

Getting in the habit of starting your homework right when you get home as a high school student is going to save you a lot of procrastination.

When you get home, eat something and then prepare yourself homework. Getting it done early will also give you unlimited free time until you go to sleep.

Taking your break first and then doing homework can cause anxiety from the fact that you don’t know how much time you have left to complete your assignments.

Do yourself a favor and avoid that anxiety. It feels much more rewarding to finish your homework and have the rest of your day to do whatever you want.

Related Post: 10 Time Management Tips for Teens

Finish homework during school.

This might be one of the best homework tips for high school students who don’t do much during lunch breaks.

This will save you so much time when you get home. I have literally finished over half of my homework before I even stepped foot in my house most days.

Utilize your breaks in between classes to work on smaller assignments that can be done without much focus.

Doing this homework in a group of friends that share the same classes will also help you get the homework done faster. Win-win!

Do Homework with Friends

When you get home, hop on a FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom call and do homework with friends.

This will benefit you in 2 main ways. One, you can share answers, insight, and make the work go by faster. Second, it’s simply way more fun!

You can essentially split the workload depending on the type of homework. You’ll also learn from each other, create closer bonds, and quiz each other for upcoming tests.

There are clearly many benefits to working in a group that most high school students miss out on. Even 1 friend can save you a ton of time and effort.

Related Post: How to Manage Online Classes

Utilize outside sources.

Homework doesn’t only have to be done with your class textbooks and notes from school.

Utilize certain outside sources such as Youtube, Khan Academy, and Slader.

Slader is one the greatest homework apps of all time, especially for math. It provides step by step solutions to all of your textbook’s questions.

They have so many subjects on their app! Here are a few:

  • Foreign Language

If your homework is done directly from textbook questions, chances are that Slader has the answers for you already. Look up your book name or ISBN number and find solutions to everything you need.

Same thing goes with Youtube, Khan Academy, and other online sources. This generation has more access to information than any other generation ever. Take advantage of it!

Work on a Full Stomach

Starting homework on a full stomach eliminates the need to get up from necessity.

Our brain naturally starts to focus on our hunger, thirst, or going to the bathroom if it exceeds the need of the task you’re currently doing.

When you’re doing homework, take breaks, but take them voluntarily. You won’t be able to focus one bit if your mind is on other things.

Get home, eat a nice meal, drink water, go to the bathroom, and start doing your homework. A full stomach from a good meal will also help your brain work better.

You’ve probably been told to eat a good breakfast before a test day to be “smarter”. The same thing applies to doing your homework.

Pro tip: Dark chocolate is proven to regain your focus on the task at hand. If you start getting distracted easily for no reason… have a treat.

Related Post: 10 Habits of a Successful Teenager

Listen to music without lyrics.

I highly recommend listening to music while you work. However, listening to music with lyrics is a bad idea.

Find a no lyric playlist on any Music platform such as Spotify, Soundcloud, or even Youtube. Youtube has a constant live stream called “lofi hip hop radio” that has no lyrics and is excellent at helping you work.

Listening to music will not only help you focus, but it also makes homework more enjoyable. Without it, your mind will wander to different places.

Plus, music in your ears means less noise from the outside world. Everyone hates being distracted while doing homework by someone yelling outside your room.

Pop those headphones on and tunnel vision into your assignment!

Hopefully these were the best 10 homework tips for high school students you’ve ever heard. Try implementing them into your next homework session at home and in school.

They helped me so much during the last couple of years of high school. I wish for them to do the same for you!

Good luck this semester!

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions leave them down below. Thanks for reading!

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Daniel Friedman

Hey, I'm Daniel - The owner of Modern Teen! I love sharing everything I've experienced and learned through my teen and college years. I designed this blog to build a community of young adults from all around the world so we can grow together and share our knowledge! Enjoy and Welcome!

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How to Create a Homework Binder

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 15,593 times.

Keeping all homework assignments in one place makes it much easier to find everything when it comes time to do your homework. You can simply open your binder, pull out the worksheets for the day, and get started. Dividing the binder into subjects also helps organize everything as you complete assignments. With a homework binder, you’ll never forget about or lose your homework again. Keep reading to find out how you can create your own homework binder to keep your worksheets organised

Organizing a Homework Binder

Step 1 Choose a binder.

  • You might also consider a binder that zips shut, so you can’t lose any papers.
  • Determine if you want a large 3-ring binder or if you want thinner binders to use for each subject.

Step 2 Make subject dividers.

  • Using dividers with pockets can make it even easier to store your assignments.

Step 3 Put new assignments at the front of your binder.

  • Alternatively, keep each new assignment at the front of each subject so it is near your notes.

Step 4 Move completed assignments to each subject section.

  • For example, when you finish a math worksheet, put it in the math section of your binder.
  • You can also place returned homework assignments in the subject section.
  • Consider if you want to store your assignments in chronological order so you can easily page through them later on.

Using a Homework Binder

Step 1 Put only homework assignments in the binder.

  • At the end of the school day, make sure you put the binder in your backpack before you leave for the day.

Step 3 Put assignments in the binder right away.

  • Remember to keep all unfinished assignments in the front of the binder or in the front pocket so they are separated from work you’ve already completed.

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Ashley Pritchard, MA

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Organizing Your Schoolwork

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Learning to get organized, stay focused, and get things done are must-have skills when it comes to schoolwork.

These skills can help you with just about everything in life, too. The more you practice, the better you'll get. Let these skills become go-to habits that make your life work better.

Get Organized

Organize your stuff. Everything is easier when you’re organized. You can get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.

Keep your assignments and class information organized by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it's time to stop and reorganize!

Clean out your backpack every few days. Decide where to keep things you want to hold onto. Offload things you no longer need to carry around.

Organize your space. You need a good workspace — someplace quiet enough to focus. It's best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work. Have a set place for homework. That way, when you sit down, you can shift into work mode and focus more quickly.

Organize your time. Use a planner or planning app to keep track of your schoolwork:

  • Write down all your assignments and when they're due.
  • Break big projects into parts. Mark the dates when each part needs to be complete. Be sure to schedule when you'll work on each part.
  • Mark the dates you'll have tests. Then make a note of when you'll study for them. One sure way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare by studying (really!).
  • Enter other activities on your calendar. Fill in times for team practices, drama rehearsals, plans with friends, etc. This helps you plan ahead because you’ll see when things might be too busy to get all your work done. Use your planner to schedule a time to do your schoolwork on days you have other activities.

Get Focused

Avoid distractions. When you multitask, you're less focused. That means you're less likely to do well on that test. Park your devices and only check them after you finish your work.

Some people focus best when it's quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. But music with lyrics can distract you. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it's a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help. If you need to block out other sounds, try white noise or nature sounds.

Take breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused. Get up from your desk. Move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Take some slow deep breaths. Then get back to your studies.

Refocus yourself. If you get distracted, guide your attention back into study mode. Resist checking your phone or device. Remind yourself that now it's time to stay on task.

Get It Done!

Get started. It’s not always easy to get started on homework. But you’ve got to get started if you want to get it done. Sure, you can think of a million other things you’d rather do. But if you procrastinate, you’re more likely to feel stressed — and less likely to do your best work.

To help yourself get started, break down homework into small tasks. Pick one small task to do first. Some people like to start with the hardest thing. Others like to start with something easy. Then do it.

Keep going. When you finish the first task, tell yourself , ‘Alright. I got this done.’ Then move on to the next task. Keep it up. Cross off each task as you do it.

Some people find it helps to set a timer for five (or 10) minutes. See how much you can get done before the timer goes off. Coach yourself to keep going for another five minutes. Don’t rush. Just try to work at a steady pace.

Finish it up. Stay focused as you do the final steps and details. Cheer yourself on — you're almost at the finish line!

Check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder or binder. Pack up your backpack for tomorrow. Now you've got it DONE.

These skills may sound simple. But they’re not always easy. If you need more tips to organize your work, stay focused, or get it done, ask a teacher, school counselor , or a parent for help.

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How to better manage your homework time | Ask Kelly

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Dear Kelly,

Last week I began classes, but I already feel like I’m overwhelmed with homework. I spent the bulk of the weekend doing the work, and I still have more to do. I know I need to work on managing my time better. Do you have any advice for me? What do you do?

This is an excellent question and one that I am so happy you are asking at the beginning of the semester. Juggling different classes and all of the coursework that comes with them can be very daunting, especially if you don’t plan ahead. This is something I learned the first week of my freshman year, when I spent that entire first weekend drinking pots of coffee while sitting for countless hours in front of my computer answering multiple discussion posts, taking three quizzes, writing a reflection paper, and reviewing an assigned article. I’ll never forget that weekend. I cried. I literally broke down and cried! I wondered why in the world I would have signed up to subject myself to that much stress. I kept saying, “What was I thinking?” No, I take that back. I kept yelling, “WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?”

That weekend taught me something: To make sure I made the most of the time I had available. I remember sitting and talking with my husband, Garrick, and saying, “I wish I would’ve started on this work earlier. I could have even done some of the homework on days that I had class.” I had to be honest with myself. There was plenty of time during the week that I could have focused on homework, but since it was just blocks of time, I kept seeing the weekend as a more viable option. I didn’t realize how that would lead to an enormous amount of stress because I had so much to complete in just those two days.

I made the conscious decision to never paint myself into that corner again. I decided I had to get organized, and the very first thing that needed to happen was I needed to buy a calendar. I went to the store and purchased a large, wall-mounted, dry erase calendar, and I hung it in my office. Before I began, I decided on my “homework time.” This was the time each day that I knew I could devote to homework. Immediately, I began recording my class schedule on the calendar, along with some assignments and their due dates, but something didn’t seem right. It still looked jumbled to me. You see, I was writing everything down with the same colored pen, nothing stood out.

I went back to the store and bought a pack of different colored dry erase markers. When I came home, I assigned each class a different color, and then I began writing things down. I chose the color blue for the first class. I wrote down all of the nights I had class and underlined those to show that those were class nights, not assignments. Then, using the syllabus from that class, I began to place my assignments onto the calendar on their due dates.  

That’s when I stopped and reflected on the past weekend.

The problem I had wasn’t making sure assignments were turned in on time. It was giving myself plenty of time to get the assignments completed, without causing unneeded stress. So I began to plot the assignments not based on due dates but based on the time it took to complete them. I also made sure I had flex time to make any edits or adjustments to the assignments before I turned them in. I added study time onto the calendar to prepare for quizzes. For large assignments, like research papers, I wrote down the date that I wanted to have my research collected by, the date I wanted to have the outline written, the date that I wanted to write my rough draft, and so on. I broke things apart, so I would have time to complete each assignment or quiz and still have time for myself and my family.

I repeated this process for recording my other classes and coursework onto the calendar, as well, using different colors for each class. As assignments were completed, I would cross through them with a black marker. When I turned in the assignment, I would erase it off the board. Each and every day was scheduled, and I knew what I was working on each day. Yes, there were times when I had to make adjustments, but with the calendar and the way I had scheduled everything, it was easy to do.

This one simple task of writing everything down on the calendar completely changed the ballgame. My stress lifted. I knew what I had to do and when. I could plan events with friends and family and still have time for me. I knew my availability each and every day, and that was wonderful! If, for some reason, I finished an assignment early, I would use the extra time to get a jumpstart on a different assignment. I was always ahead of the game, and it felt amazing!

Now, I am in my senior year. The calendar has gone digital, since I did eventually wear out the one on the wall. I still color-code each of my classes, even going so far as to change the color-coding of the course in Canvas (do this by clicking on the three dots at the top of the course box on your dashboard).

Getting organized is one of the reasons why I believe I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, even when I was juggling three jobs and a full load of classes.

I promise, if you make the conscious effort to organize your time, you will reap the benefits of not only completing all of your assignments before they are due but also doing so while maintaining your sanity.

As always, I wish you health, happiness and continued success throughout your journey.

Do you have a question about Mercer or coping with school in these challenging times? Each week Kelly Browning, an early childhood education/special education major and student ambassador at the Henry County Regional Academic Center, answers questions from the Mercer community. Email her at  [email protected]  or  fill out our online form  to submit your question anonymously.

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Two Ws and an H: Establishing a Homework Routine

Tired of disorganization when it comes to your child’s homework routine learn how answering “when where and how” can help create an after school routine that includes doing homework for the same time each day, steering clear of electronics, and more..

Vicki Siegel

Back to school means back to homework. It may also mean arguments, tears, and frustration, because homework demands more discipline and consistency than many children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or any kids, for that matter!) can muster. But you can make it easier by creating a homework routine built around three key questions: When? Where? and How?

  • Schedule homework for a set time each day. Base this after school routine on your child’s temperament. Perhaps he’s at his best right after school, or maybe after an hour of downtime. Avoid late evening, which for most children is meltdown time.
  • Be consistent from day to day. If after-school activities make that impossible, post a daily plan or weekly calendar in your kitchen that includes homework start and finish times each day.
  • Schedule enough time to complete assignments without rushing, based on your child’s grade level and history of completing assignments.
  • Give advance notice of homework time. This is important, because kids with ADHD/ADD don’t easily shift from one activity to another — especially from fun time to work time. You might say, “You can play for 15 more minutes, then come in for homework.”

[ Free ADHD Resource: Solve Your Child’s Homework Problems ]

  • Help your child select a homework place. Try the kitchen table, where she can spread out materials. Or perhaps your child would like to sit at a desk in the quiet den.
  • Steer clear of proximity to electronics (TV, CD player). But if your child concentrates best with soft noise, try some gentle background music.
  • Stay nearby (if possible).  Kids with ADHD concentrate better when they know you’re close by. If your child needs to use the bathroom, remind him to come right back afterward. After he leaves the bathroom, remind him to return to his work.
  • Set up rules. Draft and print a sheet that specifies: homework start and finish times; place; when and how long breaks are; and that you will be nearby to help her understand assignments, get organized, offer support — but not do the homework for her. Avoid arguments — calmly refer her to the Homework Rules.

[ Free Sample Schedules for Reliable Family Routines ]

  • Help him start. Make sure your child knows what the assignment is and how to proceed. Offer assistance that matches his learning style. For a verbal processor, read directions to him or have him read them out loud; for a visual learner, show him how to use highlighters and colored markers to outline key words and sentences.
  • Keep him going. If your child tries to stop before he’s finished, encourage him to go on a bit longer, and remind him there’ll be a break soon.
  • Give her a break. Kids with ADHD and LD may become fatigued due to distractibility, challenges to concentrating, frustration, and restlessness. Help your child recharge by scheduling frequent, short breaks.
  • Check in at the finish. Review your child’s work to see if it is complete. If your child consistently takes more time than she should, speak to her teacher to see if he’s willing to adjust the amount of homework.
  • Offer praise. Compliment your child when he stays on task, works with focus, is creative, and so on. Be specific. Say, for example, “I like the way you concentrated on that problem and stuck with it until you solved it.” Give him an acknowledging pat or a squeeze mid-homework, too.
  • Give rewards. It’s OK to offer a “prize” to motivate. For a younger child, try extra playtime, a favorite snack or game, or a special read-aloud; for an older child, a favorite TV program, computer time, or phone time.
  • Stick with it. A new homework routine is part of a daily schedule and requires solid commitment. It takes one to three months for a routine to become a habit — even longer for a person with ADHD. But the payoff is discipline, self-control, and success-building skills.

[ Read: 12 Schoolwork Shortcuts for Kids Who Hate Homework ]

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7 Tips for How to Organize a Homework Station

Create a space that kids can use to do their homework. Get tips for how to organize a homework station and what to include in a homework caddy. 

How to Make a Homework Station for Kids

This post contains some affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy  here.

Tips for an Organized Homework Station

School is almost in session and now is the time to get organized for the after school homework hustle. Whether your kids are in elementary school or high school, they most likely come home with some school work. Set your kids up for homework success with an organized homework station. Are you not sure how to get started? Here are some tips on how to set up a homework station.

1. Decide on the best location to do homework.

First things first, it is important to pick out a good spot to do homework. Older kids might prefer a desk or table in their rooms. Younger kids might need to be in the main spaces of the home so you can help them when questions arise.

Also, some kids need complete quiet to do homework while others kids like to have some background noise.

Kids do not necessarily need a designated desk. But is is nice for them to have a specific homework spot that they can go to each day.

When my kids were online learning last year, I carved out some room in my home office. It was a perfect spot for my youngest spot to study in. I was nearby to help him with questions and it was out of the way from the rest of the house (which can be noisier).

It is important to be sure that the homework station has good lighting! You might need to purchase a small table lamp if there is bad lighting. One of these simple desk lamps will offer plenty of lighting for homework.

2. Remove potential distractions.

It is easy to get distracted while doing homework. Kids go to school for a full day then come home and spend 30 minutes to several hours doing homework. It is no wonder they can have a hard time focusing.

You can set your kids up for success by anticipating potential homework distractions.

They should be away from electronics including phones and TV.

Some kids can not do homework near their siblings. So, let each kid have the space he needs. Pets can even be distracting! Figure out what gets your kids off track and try to eliminate those potential set backs. You can even talk with your kids about what those issues might be and work together to come up with solutions.

3. Provide the right tools.

homework caddy organization

The biggest time waster is having your kids track down all the supplies they need for a particular assignment. So, make sure the homework station is fully stocked with the supplies they need.

4. Keep supplies organized with a homework caddy.

The best way to keep a homework area organized is to have a homework caddy. Essentially, you want to gather up all the school supplies your kids will need to do homework.

Homework Caddy Organization

I like to use leftover school supplies from the previous school year to stock our homework caddy. We are at the point now that the kids do homework in different spots in the house. My older two kids do homework in their rooms while my youngest likes to do his at the kitchen counter.

So, I made individual homework caddies for each of the kids! You can find containers to use for homework caddies at Target, Homegoods and even the Dollar Store. I still use a big supply caddy that all of the kids utilize. But then, they have individual supplies for their own desks.

Dollar Store Homework Caddy DIY Ideas

I plan to give my kids these individual homework buckets at our annual Back-to-School dinner celebration.

how organize your homework

It is nice for each of the kids to have their own supplies. This year, I made sure all of the kids had a small stapler. I also will sharpen all of the pencils! Then, there is no time wasted dealing with un sharpened pencils!

What do you put in a caddy for homework?

Depending on the grades of your kids, you will need different supplies.

At a minimum the homework caddy should include:

  • Highlighter pens
  • Index Cards
  • Post it Notes
  • Graph Paper and Loose Leaf Paper
  • Markers/Crayons
  • Colored Pencils

I can not tell you how helpful it is to have a container of supplies for homework. There have been many times in the past that my kids are tracking down scissors or another school supply for a project. They end up spending so much time looking for something which delays the start of their homework time!

5. Set up a homework routine.

I thought I had the perfect homework routine for all of my kids. My older two kids always came home from school and had a snack and started homework. Then, my youngest son threw me for a loop when he resisted doing homework right after school. I tried to stick to the same routine I had done with the older kids, but I finally realized he needed a little bit different routine.

There is no right or wrong homework routine. You have to figure out what works best for each of your kids. Some kids need some downtime before starting on homework and other kids prefer to get things done right away.

Often times, evening activities an dictate when homework needs to be done. Now, my older two often have after school activities so they can not get homework done until the evening.

Decide on a homework plan at the beginning of the year and make sure all of your kids are on board. Then, if you need to make changes with the routine, adjust your routine accordingly.

6. Organize the homework station daily and weekly.

Are you kids neat and tidy or does their work space look like an absent minded professor? All of my kids have homework spaces that look like the latter. When a homework space gets messy, it is hard to find the tools the kids need. Plus, it can be very distracting to have a messy homework environment.

Each day have the kids clean up their homework area. Then weekly, go through paperwork and supplies and discard unwanted items.

7. Make changes to the homework set up as needed.

Perhaps you start with a homework station in one spot and you realize it is not working for your student. It is never too late to make changes.

Each child might need a little bit different space. If you find that the location is too distracting for your child or perhaps too remote (and you can not keep an eye on him when needed), make a change!

Homework Organization Supplies

I’ve rounded up some homework organization supplies. Most of these items we have at home including the three tiered rolling cart (perfect for art supplies!).

Are your kids ready for the first day of school? Now is the time to get organized for back-to-school, so that your kids can have a great start to the school year!

Lets stay connected!  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest

I’ve teamed up with Keri Lynn Snyder to share our best back-to-school tips.

Read her tips for Prepping Your Home for the Start of School!

More School Organization Posts You Might Like:

The Best Desks for Kids

How to Organize Kids Art Supplies

How to Set up a Small Homeschool Space

Tips for Doing Homework

You always have the best organization ideas- love everything about this!

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At home, the homework period is generally a stressful activity for children and their parents. Often it is difficult to know how to go about avoiding conflicts. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips and strategies to help you get the most out of homework.

5 Tips to Improve The Homework Period

1. make simple and short rules that are consistent.

To have a good homework period, it is important to establish ground rules such as:

  • If I have a question, I raise my hand
  • When an adult allows gives me the permission to talk to others, I do not scream
  • When I have difficulties with a particular question, I skip to the next if no one is available to help me
  • I make a list of things I have to do
  • When I am done with my homework, I put my things away

We also suggest that you establish consequences that will follow if the rules are not followed. In your house, you can use the means that suit you best to avoid falling into relationship traps. It is absolutely necessary to avoid conflicts that have no connection with the homework period.

Finally, it can be very practical to create a “homework bin”, where the different school items are found (glue, scissors, paper, geometry material, eraser, etc.). This will allow your child to be well prepared for homework.

2. Time management

First, it is important to have a fixed schedule for the homework period. What is best for you? In the morning, in the evening coming back from school, after dinner? Everyone has a different routine, but it has to be the same every day.

In addition,  you can plan homework time with your child.  For example, on Monday evening you can organize the homework to do for the week by using small squares with the first letter of the day of the week and write a list of what has to be done on each day. This way, the child will know what to do and there will be no room for argument.

Did you know that, in general, the number of minutes allocated for the homework period and lessons should be equivalent to 10x your child’s school year? For example, if your child is in grade 1, he should do 10 minutes of homework and lessons each evening. Whereas if he’s in the 6th grade, it should be 60 minutes.

  • Important : If the homework period exceeds 60 minutes, it is important to review everything with the teacher to find out if it really meets your child’s needs and if he can give you other advice to lighten the period.

Do not forget to allow yourself a short 5 minutes at the end to vary your exercises and check if your child has understood everything. You can make short quizzes, sentences, games, etc. The important thing is to avoid monotony because it does not stimulate the acquisition of knowledge. If your child needs a study routine, I suggest you go with the days of the week. For example, on Monday and Wednesday he can write his vocabulary words, while on Tuesday and Thursday he dictates them to you.

3. Create an environment that is conducive to concentration

Where your child does homework is very important. You must find a space where he can do it without being disturbed. This place should be well lit and away from screens and televisions. If your child does not have a ‘’duty corner’’, the kitchen table can be a good idea. If you choose this option, we recommend that you explain to your child that during the whole period of homework, it will be the “homework corner” where the rules of homework apply at all times.

4. Take breaks

Like anyone, a child should have short breaks. Since you know your child well, you know how he will react if you make little jokes from time to time. You can also give him water or snacks.

5. Let them to their thing

I advise you to keep a distance from your child to make sure you help them as best you can. If the homework period often leads to conflicts in your family, it might be worth considering the option of having the help of a tutor . The latter will help your child complete his homework and lessons in addition to consolidating his learning.

The frequency and duration recommended for homework

As you know, it is not always easy to know if our child is doing enough (or too much) homework to ensure his academic success. There is no magic recipe, but research has found the minimum, average and maximum time recommended by grade level in elementary school.

High school and college students : Given their age and cognitive maturity, they can stay focused longer and know their limits better. We therefore advise you to adapt to the capacities as well as the work and exam schedule to determine the best time management strategy for you.

The most opportune moment

During the week, it is important to take into account that after school or in the early evening, your child’s day at school may have been demanding, which will have a considerable impact on his level of concentration. It’s all about adapting and being sensitive to your child’s non-verbal communication.

Advice from a remedial teacher

  • If your child has not finished his homework period, make sure you don’t insist . It is best to close the textbooks and continue the next day. A tired child is unwilling to learn and it could cause frustration.
  • If your child tends to lose concentration quickly, it is possible to spread the work over two or three periods. In my practice, I often like to illustrate my learning to my students with the following quote: An elephant can be eaten one bite at a time. It is better to do a little bit every day in order to preserve motivation and concentration.
  • It is important to allow your child to move during breaks , since this oxygenates the brain and changes his ideas. Kill two birds with one stone!
  • Another good strategy would be to allow him to stand or sit on a bouncing ball in order to release energy while advancing his homework.
  • Learning by playing is always a winning strategy so that your child does not feel like he is doing homework. Why not write your vocabulary words with erasable pencils in the kitchen windows or use the iPad to explore various learning applications!
  • One last piece of advice, if your child’s teacher submits the list of homework and lessons on Friday, why not take advantage of the weekend to get a head start. This way, you will be able to shorten the homework period during the week.

How to promote the concentration of children during homework?

It is well known that the homework period for children is not always easy. Some people find this moment too long, too difficult or even boring. In all cases, it is not necessarily obvious as a parent how to help his child optimize his concentration. Here are three tips to help your child focus:

1. Find a good spot to study

Doing homework in a quiet space away from distractions is essential for a child who has trouble concentrating. If you choose to place your child in the dining room for homework, in the living room or in any other common area, make sure to keep all distractions away from his environment. Television, pets, electronic devices and toys are all things that can easily distract a child during his work period.

Also, try to have only the basics in your child’s work environment. If he doesn’t need his crayons for homework, remove them from his field of vision. To maximize concentration, it is best if your child maintains the same work environment each time he settles down for homework. Consistency and routine are key!

2. Eat and release energy beforehand

What could be more distracting than a noisy belly?

Obviously, I suggest that you let your child choose a snack (we try to avoid crisps, cookies and sweet juices) before starting the homework period. An empty stomach will certainly affect his concentration.

Make sure your child has had the opportunity to release some energy before he starts homework, especially if he has trouble sitting for long periods of time. If your child has a constant need to move, it is important to listen to this need if you want the homework period to go well and his concentration to be optimal!

3. Use tools that promote concentration

Many tools that increase concentration are available on the market. Noise canceling headphones are already very popular in the classroom and children get used to them very quickly. They cut out surrounding noise and help focus over a longer period of time.

Outils pour favoriser la concentration

Heavy stuffed animals are also great tools for children with a lot of energy. The child can put it on his legs or on his neck and the heaviness of the teddy bear helps him concentrate better!

Animaux lourds

Finally, Disco’sit textured airbags promote concentration. They are ideal for young people who constantly have the need to move and find it difficult to sit still.

Coussins gonflables texturés Disco-sit

Need help with homework?

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6 Homework Apps to Help Keep You Organized

homework apps

Managing everything you have to do as a student can seem like a full-time job. With so many classes, activities, club meetings, and homework assignments thrown at you every day, it can be very overwhelming to keep track of it all.

Luckily, there are some great homework apps you can install on your phone or tablet that can help you know what classes you have coming up each day and stay on top of all of your assignments.

Here are six of our favorites. We hope these help you stay organized all year long!

Although the myHomework app supports traditional school schedules as well as block schedules, it does not support alternating block schedules, so if you have an A/B schedule, this is probably not the app for you.

  • My Study Life This app is a full-fledged homework management app with its own web application, which is awesome because you can check your assignments from your computer or your phone. Plus, the calendar view shows all of your classes and assignments at the same time, and it shows you incomplete tasks that are due soon so you know what to work on first. The design is unique, too, with circles showing what percentage of a task is completed and how much more you have to go. Available for: iPhone, Android, Windows 8, Windows Phone and the web. Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Cost: Free

Another cool feature is that you can organize all of your assignments by date, course or priority, and you can sort them by pending and completed as well. Other bonus features include the ability to add contact info for all of your teachers and the ability to enter your grades so you can track how your GPA is doing.

Unfortunately, none of the apps listed above will actually do your homework for you — that part’s still up to you — but at least they’ll make it more likely that you’ll get it finished on-time and stress-free.

The organization was established over 50 years ago and works “to change the trajectory of high-potential Black youth by providing unique programming in the classroom and beyond.” Their scholars complete a four-year fellowship that includes academic enrichment, leadership development, career exposure, mentoring and college access.

Students must maintain a grade point average near 3.0 to remain in good standing with the organization — a bar the organization sets knowing full well that access to scholarships and grants for college will be the only way that most of its students can afford to go. Not all students meet this threshold despite mentoring from caring adults and strong support from administrative staff. Thus additional academic supports are needed.

Over many years, EE provided programs to help get students back on track if they started to flounder and to establish academic habits that put them on a trajectory for success. We started by offering weekly group tutoring events at the organization’s facility that not only helped students with homework completion and exam prep but also provided lessons on learning strategies, goal setting, and self-advocacy. However, traveling to the facility after school was a burden for some scholars, so EE tutors also met students at libraries and other public locations to provide support in specific subject areas where students requested help. Year after year we met with administrators and added additional resources: a summer school study skills workshop for freshmen and final exam prep workshops for all grade levels. Our unique array of programs allowed the organization to support their scholars at every stage of their academic journey.

The mission of the organization is to fight for economic mobility among highly motivated, first-generation college students by providing mentoring and intensive career development. The agency was founded on the belief that socioeconomic status should not be a barrier to college persistence and career success. 

Their staff found that many of their participants were struggling with writing assignments of all sorts in college. From essays in English class to writing cover letters for potential summer internships, many students were not effective writers. The organization provided various career development workshops throughout the academic year, but they lacked a writer’s workshop to specifically address this area of weakness. 

We met with program managers and the executive director to discuss their students’ needs and what type of program would be beneficial. The Writer’s Practice Workshop was an ideal fit for them. The course allowed students to understand that everyone is a writer even if they don’t think of themselves as such. Over the course of four sessions students assessed their own writing process; discussed the tools of a good writer’s practice; considered the audience, purpose, and the needs of any piece; and produced writing on topics that were important to them. Students left the workshop with a greater understanding of how to start assignments and follow steps to revise, edit, and polish for best results, giving them confidence in their writing. 

The organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for underserved youth to achieve academic and personal success via financial, educational and personal support during their high school years. They provide tuition assistance to attend a high-quality school along with the guidance and commitment of caring, adult mentors. They aim to serve an often overlooked segment: academically “average” students from the city’s most challenging and underserved neighborhoods.

Program staff wanted to help their students prepare for final exams and train mentors to more effectively support students in their exam prep efforts. Volunteer mentors were available to give support, but the organization lacked a consistent approach on how best to help students and make them better learners.

EE met with program administrators and board members to plan and implement a Final Exams Workshop in the lead-up to final exams. The 3-hour workshop was attended by students and their mentors on a Saturday morning. The curriculum helped students create DIY study guides for any class, plan a study schedule, prioritize final exams by difficulty and need, assess and discuss their strengths and weaknesses in regards to learning strategies, and share with peers their successes or concerns. We also facilitated a conversation between mentors and mentees as to how they could best support their students in the coming weeks. Students and mentors left the workshop with a blueprint for attacking finals week in the most efficient way — a plan they could use for high school and college.

The organization supported immigrants and their families by connecting women from over 60 countries who share a dedication to the pursuit of global understanding and universal human rights. As part of their philanthropic arm, the organization supported a local elementary school they had identified as highly diverse with a large number of immigrant students. Before engaging EE, the organization relied mostly on volunteers to provide reading support to students during school hours. 

After discussions with the organization and the school principal, teachers, families, and other stakeholders, we developed a school year calendar of after school programs that would help students develop the skills needed to succeed in elementary school and beyond. We provided courses for grades 5-8 in the spring and fall, greatly expanding the enrichment opportunities the NFP was able to provide. In doing so, we developed a close relationship with the school administration and their teaching staff, who saw the positive impact the program was having on their students. Additionally, the NFP was able to expand their mission to areas where they saw a great need: improving study skills, raising test scores, and increasing access to high school opportunities for immigrant youth. 

A scholarship foundation funded by a suburban country club was disappointed with the caliber of student who typically applied for their college scholarship offerings. Knowing that the skills needed for success in college must be cultivated from an early age, they wanted to establish a summer enrichment program for students entering 9th and 10th grade that would serve as an early intervention and better position the pool of applicants when the time came a few years later to apply for the college scholarships.

We collaborated with the foundation to identify areas of strength and weakness in their applicant pool and listened to their personal beliefs about what it takes to succeed in college. With that understanding, we customized a version of the Summer Learners’ Workshop that lays the foundation for college-level skills and caters to the learning styles and academic backgrounds of the particular students at this organization.

The resulting program has gained a reputation as one of the top summer enrichment experiences in that community with parents routinely reporting that the results exceeded their expectations. The program is now attended by an even wider array of students than those who were first targeted by the foundation.

A charter school network was seeking to implement a test prep program across eight campuses to prepare their 8th grade students for the Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment entrance exam. The high school admissions process is highly competitive, and it was the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic when students were learning from home. The schools did not have expert knowledge about the contents of the test, and finding staff at their schools to cover a program outside of school hours would be challenging. Administrators knew how competitive the admissions process was and that even their strongest students were not guaranteed a spot. For equity, they wanted to offer the course to all of their students – even those who were very unlikely to be admitted to a selective enrollment school. 

Given the wide array of students, the EE team worked with individual school counselors to create ability groupings, determine a process for reporting attendance, progress, and behavior issues, and create a curriculum that would be effective in a remote learning model. We knew that remote engagement for an after school program would be a challenge, so we incorporated competitive team games, a leaderboard of accomplishments, and other incentives to encourage maximum participation. EE provided all management and instructional staffing to deliver the test prep course successfully while freeing up teachers and counselors at the charter school to focus on their daily workload. Students received a robust course focused on strategies, practice tests, and concept review that put them in the best position to maximize their potential on test day. 

A leading scholarship fund that provides financial assistance for highly qualified, low-income students knew that financial aid alone would be insufficient to ensure their students’ success at rigorous private and parochial high schools. Therefore, they sought an intensive summer program to prepare scholars for what lay ahead. 

EE worked with the organization to determine the biggest challenges scholars would face. We landed on a wide array of non-cognitive skills that are not necessarily taught in middle school: time management, organization, self-advocacy, focus, growth mindset, etc. Inspired by this challenge, we developed our Ideal Student Workshop, which would later become the basis for our Learners’ Workshop.

Over a decade later we are still delivering the program to students at this scholarship fund and others. The program works to develop the three dimensions of successful students: character, learning strategies and habits. We update the program yearly to keep up with changes in student needs and the educational landscape. Our fun and research-based curriculum continues to be a popular summer bridge for various organizations. 

A prominent sports-based youth development organization wanted to improve one of the core elements of their program: providing educational enrichment programs to their participants.

Their goal was to offer a continuum of services for 9th-12th graders that would support students in their schoolwork, provide a pathway to college, and create a culture of learning amongst players. EE was uniquely positioned to offer a variety of services to meet this need: private tutoring, study skills classes, writing courses, high school admissions test prep, SAT/ACT prep, and college readiness seminars. We listened to the players, parents, and other stakeholders to determine which programs were most effective, established expectations for participants, and decided on the best timing and format to deliver the courses.

Since 2017 we have successfully delivered these services allowing their administrative team to focus on their primary coaching responsibilities. Ultimately, the best praise we have received is that we have provided a wide circle of caring adults to support students academically and emotionally and that we have listened to their needs and adapted our offerings to suit their participants.

Never forget a class or assignment again.

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The MyStudyLife planner app supports rotation schedules, as well as traditional weekly schedules. MSL allows you to enter your school subjects, organize your workload, and enter information about your classes – all so you can effortlessly keep on track of your school calendar.

Homework planner and task tracker

Become a master of task management by tracking every single task with our online planner – no matter how big or small.

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” My Study Life is a calendar app designed specifically for students. As well as showing you your weekly timetable– with support for rotations – you can add exams, essay deadlines and reminders, and keep a list of all the tasks you need to complete. It also works on the web, so you can log in and check your schedule from any device.”

“MyStudyLife is a great study planner app that makes it simple for students to add assignments, classes, and tests to a standard weekly schedule.”

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“Staying organized is a critical part of being a disciplined student, and the MyStudyLife app is an excellent organizer.”

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Top 7 Homework Planner Apps for Students

Whether you are attending classes, completing your assignments, studying for a quiz, project work, extra-curricular activities, or squeezing some time for friends and family. You’d agree that organizing and planning goes a long way. That’s why a homework organizer or a homework planner app can be a lifesaver to keep track of all your assignments, tests, submission deadlines, and exams. I did the research and shortlisted the perfect homework planner apps for Android and iOS. Let’s check those out.

Read:  Best Notes App for Windows to Increase Productivity

Homework Planner Apps for Students

1. student planner- homework agenda & notes.

The first app on the list is a simple homework and notes management app. It keeps track of homework, assignments, projects, and to-do lists. The layout is minimal, all the tasks are neatly organized with a colored bookmark for easy identification. You can mark a task complete and remove it from the pending list.

Courses can be added easily and color-coded as well. The calendar shows any upcoming deadlines so you can prioritize accordingly. The tasks have a progress bar that you can adjust as you make progress which enables you to get a quick summary without actually opening every task.

You can also break your assignments in small chunks as subtasks that would make finishing a task much easier and the progress bar will fill automatically. It also allows you to attach media files to your assignments or projects for easy access to the important information in one place.

homework planner apps- agenda

  • Progress bar
  • Deadline Reminders
  • Calendar View
  • No option to sync data to the cloud

Student Planner is a great app for all the students, it has all the necessary features like Deadline reminders, subtasks, progress bar, color-coded tasks, and courses. It can significantly increase your productivity when used regularly. You can get this app for free in the Play Store.

Install Student Planner- Homework Agenda ( Android )

2. Student Planner

Student Planner is another fast and simple homework management app which is wrapped by a beautiful and intuitive material designed UI. What Student Planner adds to the table is the inclusion of a schedule or time table which you can use to either store your class schedule or it might even be a study schedule for your exams.

You first start by adding your subject and the schedule then you can add an assignment or set a reminder. The due assignments are arranged as separate cards and can be swiped away once done with.

homework planner apps- Student Planner Android

  •  Simple and easy to get started with
  •  Fast and small in size
  •  Beautiful Minimal UI
  •  Option for Schedule
  • No sync/backup
  • Timetable implementation not perfect

I would recommend this app to anyone who is looking for a simple homework management app with timetable support and a minimal UI.

Install Student Planner ( Android )

Egenda is simple. Open the app, add all the classes or subjects to the app, and once that is set up, you have the option of adding a new Homework, Quiz, Project, or Test and choose the respective subject deadlines. The app also arranges the due work in cards that can be swiped away when done. But what I love the most about this app is that the fact it allows you to go subject-wise and view all your upcoming tests, projects, or pending assignments which is a huge convenience for planning your schedule ahead of time instead of the previous day.

Unfortunately, the app doesn’t have a timetable option, but in its latest update, it added a  Calendar View  where you can see your whole month at a glance with your assignments, tests, and projects.

homework planner apps- Egenda Android

  •  Subject-wise sorting
  •  Calendar View
  • No timetable support

Egenda provides some great tools for Homework and Test planning and I am sure anyone would find them extremely convenient and useful. But keeping its single con in mind, go for this app if you are not too keen on having a schedule or timetable.

Install  Egenda  ( Android  |  iOS )

4. ChalkBoard

The next app on our list is ChalkBoard, which I found out to be a pretty smart homework planner app. Chalkboard strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and features.

Although the setup process is a little longer than the previous three apps, as you have to feed meticulous details about the classes, teacher, and schedule. It is worth the effort.

On the home screen, you are shown upcoming classes, events tab, and upcoming tests. ChalkBoard fetches the dates for every subject from the Timetable for your future classes. Little features like these make the app stand out from the rest and give an overall great experience. You can also view classes and assignments subject wise.

homework planner apps- ChalkBoard Android

  • Proper Timetable
  • Ability to add teachers for subjects
  • View tomorrow’s classes as well as assignments/tests/quizzes
  • Smart features
  • Little longer to set up
  • No calendar view

If you are looking for a homework planner as well as a school planner, Chalkboard is the app as it strikes a great ground with almost all the features one might need while not being too bulky.

Install ChalkBoard ( Android )

5. School Planner

School Planner is a full-fledged planning application designed for students to manage their career as a student. Along with your homework and timetables, School Planner offers you to keep track of your grades and attendance, add contacts for teachers, add recorded lectures, and even multiple planners.

The app supports backing up of all your data via Google Drive, Calendar View along with a weekly report, attaching snapshots to your assignment reminders, student accounts from ClassViva, and a lot more. In spite of so many features, the app doesn’t feel slow at all and delivers a powerful performance with its beautiful design.

homework planner apps- School Planner Android

  • Full-fledged student companion
  • Feature-packed and free
  • Supports sync and backup
  • Widget Support
  • Tedious setup procedure
  • Big in size
  • Complex, not so smooth learning curve

While it is not for someone who is looking for a fast and easy way into homework management, School Planner is a great student companion app and serious students will surely get the most out of hit.

Install School Planner ( Android )

6. My Study Life

My Study Life comes with its own web app and syncs with the Android app, essentially making your data accessible from any device as long as it has a browser.

It implements a goal-centric circular tracker that shows your progress. The Calendar view combines your timetable, deadlines, and shows all your classes and assignments, projects in a single place.

homework planner apps- My Study Life Android

  • Refreshingly new UI
  • Access from anywhere through its web app
  • Sync and Backup
  • Lengthy setup process

If you study from your computer or laptop, My Study Life makes it easy to access your homework planner on your phone from your computer, while not compromising on features and being completely free. What more can you ask for?

Install My Study Life ( Android  |  iOS )

7. iStudiez Pro

Like School Planner, iStudiez Pro includes grading and subject wise organization of tasks. iStudiez Pro takes it further with the integration of Google Calendar that allows you to directly get all your holidays, exam schedule, routine from Google Calendar itself.

It also offers separate apps on all platforms including iOS, Mac, and Windows. All the apps sync seamlessly between themselves, so studying on your computer consulting your planner won’t be an issue.

homework planner apps- iStudiez Pro Android

  • Google Calendar Integration
  • Cross-Platform
  • Cumulative Price

If Google Calendar integration and cross-platform support is a must for you, iStudiez Pro is definitely the app you want.

Install iStudiez Pro ( Android   |  iOS )

So this was our roundup of the best homework planner apps for Android. We genuinely think that there is an app for every need and we hope that you found a Homework Planner that suits your need whether you are a high school student or a college senior. So which one was your favorite or did we forget to add yours? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read:  Take a Picture of Handwriting And Convert to Text – Android Apps

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How to Stay on Top of Homework

Last Updated: April 15, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 12 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 201,014 times.

It's sometimes tough to keep up with excessive amounts of homework each week. You might enjoy a subject, but feel overwhelmed at the same time. To stay on top of your assignments, it is a good idea to log all of your work details into a planner or calendar. Maintaining a regular study schedule will make it easier to finish everything on time as well. If you are stuck, you can always approach your teacher, classmates, parents, or even a tutor for additional help.

Making the Most of Your Time

Step 1 Use down time to study.

  • Lunchtime is a great opportunity to work on an assignment and so is the commute home, as long as someone else is driving. If you have a part-time job, take advantage of the slow moments.
  • If your instructor gives you time during the class period to study, take advantage of it. It is especially important to make good use of study halls if you are an athlete. [2] X Research source

Step 2 Keep a homework planner.

  • This system only works if you keep up with it. Spend time each Sunday evening looking over your planner and making sure that all dates and assignments are entered in correctly. Estimate if you've allowed yourself ample time for each activity.
  • Some people prefer to schedule their week down to the hour. Others prefer to create a basic “to-do” list for each day. Try a few different approaches to see what works the best for you. [4] X Research source
  • Consider using an app, such as iHomework, to keep track of your assignments and deadlines. These apps can alert you when an assignment is almost due. Many homework apps are free or inexpensive. [5] X Research source
  • Alarms or alerts can also be useful for reminding you to sit down and go over your work schedule or update your planner at a designated time (e.g., every Sunday evening after dinner).

Step 4 Start with items that are due first.

  • For example, if a paper is due tomorrow, it gets priority over a worksheet that you must complete by next week. Don't get distracted by the idea of multitasking—try to focus your attention on 1 project at a time.

Step 5 Stick to a study schedule.

  • When creating your schedule, consider when you work the best. Some people prefer to work late into the night, while others enjoy working in the morning. There is nothing wrong with getting up early to get a jump on homework as long as you can stick to that schedule.

Step 6 Take short breaks.

  • Get up and move around during your breaks. You're probably sitting while working, so now is the time to get the blood flowing and re-energize. Take a quick walk. Eat a healthy snack, like some almonds, and drink a bit of water too.

Step 7 Set study goals.

  • When a major research project is due, a good goal would be to complete the research part of the process well in advance of the final deadline, giving you time to write. This is a realistic goal and it breaks up a larger project, making it seem more doable.
  • Part of setting goals is keeping your priorities in order. Recognize those activities that can wait until the weekend, such as shopping, and do them then. Also, keep an eye on your extracurricular activities to make sure that you can still achieve your academic goals while participating. [9] X Research source
  • Your phone can be a major source of distraction. Consider turning it off while you're studying, or put it on airplane mode so that you can't browse the web or receive notifications.

Doing Quality Work

Step 1 Pay attention in class.

  • Try to find something interesting within the subjects that you might consider “boring.” For example, if you dislike history but enjoy fashion, you might find the history of fashion and dress really exciting. Ask your teacher about it and see if you can use this interest in your homework.

Step 2 Take note of the assignment details.

  • This is a good practice to follow as it will help you on most tests as well. It is usually better to leave nothing blank on an exam, as your instructor may be able to award you partial credit for the attempt.

Step 4 Check your final work.

Joseph Meyer

When doing practice problems, promptly check to see if your answers are correct. Use worksheets that provide answer keys for instant feedback. Discuss answers with a classmate or find explanations online. Immediate feedback will help you correct your mistakes, avoid bad habits, and advance your learning more quickly.

Step 5 Encourage yourself.

  • Have a designated area where you put projects that are “in progress” so you don't confuse them with homework that needs to be turned in.

Getting Help from Others

Step 1 Ask your teacher questions.

  • For example, if your teacher normally assigns 5 chapters to read over the weekend and she didn't say anything about it this time, you might want to ask her. You could say, “Do we need to do our usual chapter reading this weekend?”
  • If your teacher is okay with it, you could also ask how long a certain assignment should take to finish. This will help you to better schedule your time for the week. [13] X Research source

Step 2 Request extra help from your teacher.

  • You might approach your teacher and say, “I'm just not getting that math worksheet. Is there a time this week when we can sit down and look it over together?”
  • If you ask for help in this way, make sure that you've started the work yourself. Don't expect your teacher to do the work for you.

Step 3 Get your parents involved.

  • If you live and study at home, your parents could also help to create a good study space by keeping the area quiet and preventing other family members from interrupting you. [16] X Research source

Step 4 Study in a group or in pairs.

  • Make sure that you are only working together on projects that given the “okay” for group work by your teacher. Otherwise, you could be committing a version of academic dishonesty by not following the rules of the assignment.
  • You can also meet with your group virtually thanks to various programs that allow you to video chat with numerous people at once, such as Google Hangouts.

Step 5 Hire a tutor.

  • Libraries are a great source of information about tutoring and other resources. Just call your local library and ask what programs they have in place to help students. [19] X Research source

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

1 - Study For Exams

Expert Q&A

Emily Listmann, MA

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Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

  • Make sure to eat right, get a good amount of sleep, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your body will lead to better work and it will also help to counter the stress of constant assignments. [20] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Choose a few designated study spaces where you feel the most productive. They should be quiet and comfortable, allowing you to concentrate all of your attention on your work. If you are in public, wear headphones to cut down on distractions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If the homework is on previously covered material, use your notes to aid you with it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how organize your homework

  • Be careful when doing your homework on a computer. Make sure to save your work regularly and have a back-up plan in case your technology fails. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Try not to take on too many classes at once, if you can. Every class will add to your homework burden and can create a very stressful scenario for you. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Plan a Homework Schedule

  • ↑ https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/performing-and-visual-arts/blog/sketching-margins-how-stay-top-homework-art-major/
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
  • ↑ https://blog.jjc.edu/3-tips-for-staying-on-top-of-homework
  • ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/08/20/6-homework-help-apps-students-will-love
  • ↑ https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/school-and-learning-issues/time-say-homework-management-101/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/
  • ↑ https://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/establish-good-homework-habits/
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html#
  • ↑ https://www.ritzvillelibrary.com/homework-help-kids
  • ↑ https://time.com/41981/six-ways-to-end-the-tyranny-of-homework/
  • ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/top-advice-sixth-formers.html

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how organize your homework

How to Organize Your Homework Routine in 8 Easy Steps

how organize your homework

As a student, you cannot run away from your homework. You need to finish all the work assigned by your class teachers at home. After knowing the reality, it is quite better to manage your routine to do your assignments with ease.

Everyone wants to get free quickly and switch to other entertaining activities. But it requires more concentration and a perfect environment to achieve your goals.

If you want any help from a tutor, then HomeworkMarket can help you with that. It is necessary to make specific rules and do all your assignments with discipline. After completing all the tasks, you can go outside and enjoy yourself with your friends.

But you have to follow specific steps to set such a fantastic routine. In the following write-up, we will discuss how to organize your homework routine in some simple steps.

Table of Contents

1. Create a Study Space

how organize your homework

Start your routine by creating a study space where you can concentrate on your studies. Ensure that you pick a peaceful environment where there are no distractions and noises. Get a sturdy desk with perfect lighting that will help you to sit comfortably for a long time.

Make sure that the lights should be soothing to your eyes. Consider the big space where you can spread all your essentials. Do not keep devices like mobiles, laptops, etc., in front of you to avoid distractions. Keep all the things in a drawer or a box on the table.

Make sure that you clean your table once a week. Never forget to keep stationery items to avoid going anywhere and look for these things. It can waste your time and distract you from your homework.

2. Start Prioritizing Your Assignments

Now, you have to start prioritizing your assignments. You have to give priority to all the projects from most important to least important. It is essential to use a planner to keep track of all the tasks and know when to do them.

Write down all the work on a sheet and start prioritizing them. Consider your syllabus and urgency to submit the most vital one. With the help of a planner, you can mark the due dates.

In this way, you can complete all your assignments within the deadline. You must know yourself very well, and it is easy for you to decide the exact time you will need for every task. You can manage things with ease and go with the flow.

3. Choose Time to Work and Do Other Activities

how organize your homework

You have to prepare a schedule through which you can manage all your daily activities. Assign the time when you can work, and later, you can do any of your enjoyable activities. In this way, you will stay managed and do other activities after completing your homework.

If you cannot work at once, you can set time breaks and complete work within that period. In this way, you can manage your snack time, breaks, etc. You will stay energetic all day long and do your work productively.

4. Take Small Breaks

You can lose concentration if you work continuously. The result will be awful because you cannot perform the same for a day. It is necessary to relax and take small breaks . You can eat a meal or do anything you love during that break.

In this way, you can rejuvenate your energy and start doing your assignment with the same concentration. It is better if you do some exercise or take healthy snacks. It will relax your mind and prepare your body to resume your homework.

5. Create a Checklist

how organize your homework

It is necessary to create a list of all the assignments you have to do in a day. After completing the task, tick the list and start doing another one. In this way, you will never miss any work and do them efficiently. You have to devote some time to prepare the list. But after completing it, all your tasks will be well-organized.

6. Store Your Papers Properly

Your teacher gives notes to revise all the things that are done in the classroom. Make sure that you create a folder to manage all the papers. Keep them aside and take them out whenever you need to revise anything.

It will help you do your homework because it is easy to remember what your teacher has taught you. Sometimes, you need to take out a photocopy of some documents. You have to manage them properly to use them in your future.

7. Keep Your Backpack Clean and Organized

how organize your homework

After doing your homework, make sure that you clean the desk and backpack . You have to organize all the books according to the next day. There is no need to carry the bulk of books and make your shoulders stressed.

If you want to keep things organized, then you must add this habit to your routine. You should know how to store your assignments and make space for new books. Keep the stationary very well and throw all the useless things out of your backpack.

8. Reward Yourself

After completing all your tasks, it is time to reward yourself. There is no need to be harsh on yourself. You should always feel happy for completing all the tasks on time. It is okay if you promise a movie or playing activity once you finish your work.

In this way, you will be more focused on your goals and complete them to receive rewards. This routine activity will help you in keeping energetic while doing homework daily.

It is necessary to organize your homework routine, and you can do it by following the steps mentioned above. If you know how to manage things, it will be easy for you to stay focused while doing homework. It is better to enhance your independent learning skills by doing all the assignments by yourself.

You need to set up a peaceful environment and keep yourself energetic while doing all your tasks. Keeping yourself organized will help you complete all your assignments on time, and later, you can enjoy other activities.

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  1. How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

    You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you've got SAT studying to do. It's just more fun to watch people make scones. D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you're reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time. 5.

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    Before I began, I decided on my "homework time.". This was the time each day that I knew I could devote to homework. Immediately, I began recording my class schedule on the calendar, along with some assignments and their due dates, but something didn't seem right. It still looked jumbled to me. You see, I was writing everything down with ...

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    Check in at the finish. Review your child's work to see if it is complete. If your child consistently takes more time than she should, speak to her teacher to see if he's willing to adjust the amount of homework. Offer praise. Compliment your child when he stays on task, works with focus, is creative, and so on. Be specific.

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    Just make sure to save enough time to circle back and give it another shot. 4. Take a break every hour. Set a specific amount of time you will spend every hour doing something besides homework, and stick to it. Be sure you set how long after the start of the hour, and how long you will take.

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    5 Tips to Improve The Homework Period. 1. Make simple and short rules that are consistent. To have a good homework period, it is important to establish ground rules such as: If I have a question, I raise my hand. When an adult allows gives me the permission to talk to others, I do not scream.

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    Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Cost: Free, $2.99 for in-app products. Chalkboard. The best time to write down your homework is right when it's assigned. That's why it's great that at the end of each class, Chalkboard displays a notification that lets you add your homework assignment quickly and easily.

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    7. Keep Your Backpack Clean and Organized Source: unsplash.com. After doing your homework, make sure that you clean the desk and backpack. You have to organize all the books according to the next day. There is no need to carry the bulk of books and make your shoulders stressed. If you want to keep things organized, then you must add this habit ...