Making the jump from primary school homework to secondary school standards can be difficult and, as you move up the years at school, the workload will increase and get more difficult. It’s important to begin to develop your organisational skills as early as you can.
But don't worry, it's never too late to up your organisation game. Watch this short video from our Homework Helpline heroes and then scroll down for a recap of their tips.
Our Homework Helpline heroes are comedians Louise Young, Inel Tomlinson, and actor Lenny Rush – happy to help!
Louise: Oh, we've got one.
Daniel: How do I get myself organized so I can keep track of all my homework. I have dyslexia. This can make keeping tabs on work trickier.
Inel: Ah, I hear you there Daniel I hear you there.
Lenny: I think I can help with this one actually, I've had to do a lot of this when filming or other activities, it's just organization. Ive got to keep really organized and that doesn't come easy to a thirteen year old boy. I keep a printed out diary or a schedule. Sometimes I will stick it on my wall just so I know the day ahead.
Louise: Our experts do say to try and keep your homework in one place. So like it could be a desk or a box whatever but just if it's in one place, then you're not wasting loads of time like search and every single room in the house for to find it.
Inel: Yeah, you're talking about me Louise. I'm always hunting around for all my stuff.
Lenny: if you always do your homework in the same time same place you’ll get into a good habit.
Louise: Yeah, and also every school is a little bit different. So your teacher might be able to help you sort of distinguish exactly what being organized looks like as a pupil at your school.
Inel: Maybe you can ask a friend and you can tell each other when you're gonna do your homework, then you can do it at the same time and then checking in on each other. Yeah and hold each other accountable.
Lenny: Maybe we should be homework buddies Louise?
Louise: Really? Okay. So, well do your homework right now?
Lenny: We're filming right now. Maybe we shouldn't be homework buddies. Yeah?
Louise: Sorry.
Lenny: That's okay.
Inel: So it's a recap use a planner or a scheduler to help schedule your week ahead. Maybe use some templates that you find online or some apps.
Louise: But if you do use a printed out version make sure it's somewhere where you can see iteasily
Lenny: Have a place to keep all your homework related items
Inel: And plan your time well and maybe ask someone to help keep you on track
Louise: For more help go to BBC Bitesize support.
Expert organisation tips
One place
Choose a place to keep all your books and school items. This might be a shelf, a desk space or even just a box or container that is only used for these things. Be disciplined about putting things back in there when you've finished with them, or when you come home from school, then you’ll always know where to find things, and they will always be there when you’re looking for them.
Stay on track
You should also find one place to keep track of all the homework you're set. This can be as simple as a notebook or a piece of paper you stick on the wall each week, or you might be given a homework diary at school or have an app that tracks things for you. You need to have a record of the subject, the date homework was set, a summary of what you have to do, and the date it’s due in.
Be consistent
Keep your books in the same place and keep track of your homework using the same system all the time. It can also help if you find someone to keep you accountable. You could ask someone at home to check in with you periodically to see if you’re on track. This will help you to build routines that will eventually become habits, so that eventually you won’t need someone else to check in with you.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
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