Provide a day planner to record homework assignments and their due dates. Encourage the student to review the planner before leaving school to ensure all items required for homework are brought home. Verify the student checks off each assignment as it is completed.
Coordinate colored folders and notebooks so that each school subject has a specific color. Green for science, blue for writing and red for math, for example. Allow the student to use the colors they prefer so they will remember the coding. Label one side of each folder for homework and one side for items that are done and can be taken home. Review each folder daily.
Create a family calendar, and color-code individual activities. Dad's activities in blue pen, Mom's activities in black pen, brother in blue and sister in red, for example. This will provide information at a glance to help plan and track activities and events.
Use a whiteboard and markers to list tasks to be done at home. The list might include chores such as feeding pets, washing dishes, taking out the trash or any tasks the student needs to perform on a regular basis. Keep the list in a central location for everyone to review daily. Check off tasks as they are completed.
Utilize a large tub for items related to school activities. Place all items needed for school in a large tub the night before. These items might include backpacks, sports equipment, musical instruments or winter clothing. Placing all items together in one location will prevent forgotten items in the morning rush to school.
Review all organizational tools regularly--daily for the planner, weekly for the calendar and as needed for the task list--encourage the student to properly use all the tools and stay organized.