Even as we are enjoying summer days, the start of the school looms closer. The key to your students' success could rely on how organized they are. Get a jump start before the first school bell rings:

At the mall

Kick off with a shopping trip to get the supplies needed to help with organization. Many stores and websites are advertising sale prices, so take advantage. Aside from the usual necessities, think about what will help keep things together:

• A backpack with several pockets can serve as a daily portable file and a place to keep lunch items, water bottle, etc.

• A clip-on desk lamp can double as a bedside reading lamp.

• Purchase clear-plastic containers and label them according to needs, i.e. crayons, pencils, markers.

• Student heading to school? Pick up bargains on dorm-room needs, and compare cellphone plans.

A place for everything

Help your child understand that an organized work space will help him do his best job during the school year.

• A homework center does not need to be elaborate, it just needs to be a designated area. If there is room in your home, that's terrific. If not, clear a bookshelf to keep materials contained.

• Place books on a bookshelf according to category: fiction, science, math, reference,

• Label contents of desk drawers on the inside of the drawer so that your child will know what is in which drawer.

• Items that are used frequently should be within easiest reach: pencils, paper, markers, etc. Less-frequently used items can be placed in lower drawers or moved to the back.

• If there is room, use a small file cabinet.

Email Doreen Nagle at doreennagle@yahoo.com.

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