Pakiti

Your Backpack:

Backpacks. They're typically loaded up with things and knick knacks too with anything you'd want or need. So the question is..can you find it? Dora will not be there to help you find whatever you need in your backpack. As a teenager, you have been called upon to take responsibility for the contents of your beloved backpack. Make sure you know WHAT is in your backpack and WHERE to find it. I have a best friend who has always had problems finding anything from papers to keys in her backpack. She frequently loses gum to the recesses of its deep pockets as well as any and every pencil. If this sounds even remotely like you, then take note..

1. Dump out your backpack.


2. Use the pile technique to decide what you wish to keep in your backpack and what belongs in the trash.


3. The deciding factor of whether or not you have an organized backpack lies within what the contents of it are. If your folders and spirals are messy and you plan on putting them in your backpack, the clutter will spread. Unsure of how to do this? Let's take a sidebar..

SIDEBAR

Over the years, I've experimented with different ways to organize my school work. This is a system that I've found most successful:

1. For school, you need at least a half inch, three ring binder for each class. In each of these binders, you'll want to have dividers that you can personalize after being in class for a week or so because then you'll have a better understanding as to what you'll be putting in your binder. In the back of your binder, put some loose leaf paper, just in case you need it. When you get papers, place them behind their appropriate divider. Usually, binders have a built in sleeve; there, you can place a paper that you might need in the near future. This system should make finding papers a breeze.


2. The only other thing you'll need is a folder: nice and sturdy. THIS is your homework folder. On the left side of it, place your homework. Transfer your homework over to the right side once it's completed. It's that simple. You may not see the benefits you'll reap from this yet, but let me explain. By having all your homework in one location, you'll save yourself time and back strains and you'll lose a significant amount of stress. All miracles, right? So now you wonder How will I save myself time and from back strains? You'll spend less time searching for your homework and have less in your backpack. Instead of taking each binder home, since binders typically only have the materials you'll need for class, you'll just take this folder. Now, when you go home, all you have in your backpack is a homework folder and any books you might need to accomplish your homework. How can this be a stress reliever? Well let me ask you this: how many times have you forgotten about, lost, misplaced, or can't find your homework (either done or not done). I used to find myself hitting my head against a wall because I didn't do my homework since I'd forgotten it was assigned. With a homework folder, EVERY assignment you have will be on the left side. Go through it when you get home. Decide what needs to get done and what you have a little bit more time on. This will save you from forgetting to do your homework. How many times have you gotten to school and realized that you have NO idea where your homework is. Now everyone is passing theirs up and you're searching though every binder, flipping every page, going over your steps countless times in your head. Where is it? With a homework folder, as soon as your teacher asks you to pass up your assignment, just whip out your folder and snatch it from the right side. And there you are. Homework folders are life savers. There is one catch though: if you forget your homework folder at home, you are in SO much trouble for the next 8 hours of your life. So make absolutely sure that you have your homework folder before you leave. It only takes one day without it to remember every morning from then on.

Back to business..

4. Now that your school supplies are organized, you can confidently store them in your backpack.

The last thing I have to say about backpacks, is that they have lots of fun pockets. Get organized. Don't just throw everything in your bag, you'll never find it. So use all those zippers and pockets. Don't be shy to use your backpack to its fullest potential.

Finally, revisit the state of your backpack often; if it appears as though it's getting cluttered, spruce it up abit. Once you're organized, it's just a matter of maintaining that organization.