Organisation skills for going back to school
Polly (she/her), Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Going back to school can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about remembering everything or getting back into a routine after the holidays.
One thing that can help is getting organised before school starts. Parents, carers, or other trusted adults can support you with this by helping you look through your timetable, make checklists, or get your school bag ready until you feel confident doing it yourself.
Try looking at your timetable and planning what you need for each day.
If your school uses a two-week timetable, make sure you know whether it’s Week A or Week B, as your lessons may be different. Some young people find it helpful to use different colours for each week so they can quickly see which timetable they should be following. You could even put a copy on your bedroom wall as well as take one with you.
A laminated copy is a good idea, as it can survive the inevitable water bottle leak.
If your timetable feels busy or difficult to read, you could make your own version. You might use colours, pictures, or highlighters to make important information stand out. Just make sure you include all the same information as the school timetable, like lesson times, classrooms, and any important reminders. This can make it quicker and easier to check what you need for the day and help you feel more prepared. Some people find it helpful to use different colours for different subjects, or to keep reminders on their phone, in a planner, or on sticky notes. If you need to create a new timetable that helps you remember
Some students end up carrying everything around because they’re worried about forgetting something. Emptying your bag each evening and keeping your books organised at home can help you stay prepared without carrying unnecessary weight around all day.
Packing your school bag the night before can make mornings feel less stressful. You could use a simple checklist to make sure you’ve got things like your planner, PE kit, or any homework you need to hand in.
Think of packing your bag like planning your day. Put the things you’ll need first at the top and the things you’ll need later at the bottom. So, if you have English and Maths in the morning, keep those books near the top of your bag where they’re easy to reach. If PE is in the afternoon, your PE kit can go underneath. That way, you’re not searching through your whole bag every lesson, and it can help the day feel a bit more organised and manageable.
Another useful tip is to wear a watch if your school allows it. A watch can help you keep track of lesson times, breaks, and when you need to start getting ready for your next class. It can also help you arrive on time and feel more in control of your day without needing to constantly check a phone.
During the school day, keeping your things organised can also help you feel more in control. Using folders, notebooks, or colour-coded files can make it easier to find what you need. Writing down important information, homework, or reminders as soon as you get them can stop you having to remember everything in your head.
If homework feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller steps and keeping track of deadlines in a planner or calendar. Crossing things off a list can help you see what you’ve already achieved.
Remember, organisation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding small strategies that make the school day feel easier and less stressful. The more you practise these skills, the more confident, prepared, and independent you can become when returning to school.”