Two areas where students are often in charge of keeping organized are their bedroom and their desk. These two areas hold important books, papers and materials that are needed to complete assignments. Help your child keep these areas organized by creating a map. When your child's bedroom is neatly organized with all items in their place, tell her to take a picture of each wall with a digital camera. Post these pictures on a bulletin board. When it comes time to organize, she can refer to the pictures as reminders of where out-of-place items must be placed. Similarly, take a few minutes after school to organize her desk and take a picture. Post this picture inside her desk so she can put books, folders and utensils back in the correct spot.
All items must have an assigned "home." You may need to purchase a few attractive organizational tubs, cubbies or drawers. Label each tub with what items belong inside so parts, pieces and papers do not get lost. Reinforce the need for each item to go back into its correct tub.
Establish a routine that you can reasonably enforce until it becomes habit for your child. For example, when your child comes home from school, ask him to empty his backpack, show you the important papers and place all the materials into a paper cubby where they can be retrieved later if necessary. Decide when the best time will be to do homework each day. Set up an area where your child can work with all the needed supplies and with minimal distractions. Remind your child to follow this regular routine until it becomes a habit.
Children often learn by observing. Model organization for your child. Write a list of chores to be done and show your child your list. Keep your keys, phone and purse in the same location at all times. Pay bills in the same work location. Keep your items neatly organized. By modeling this consistent behavior, your child will learn through example to keep his life organized as well.