Get Energized to Organize # 1009


Name:_______________________________      Date:____________________________

Some people organize every day. They throw out things they don't need, put things away, and straighten up. Other people organize only when the mood strikes them. Here are some tips to stay organized.

1. When the mood to organize strikes you—ACT!
Jamie came home from visiting her friend, Sue, and decided to clean the clutter in her room. She noticed how neat Sue's bedroom was. Jamie started by picking up the clothes on the floor and putting them away. She tackled her desk drawers next, filling up three wastebaskets with unwanted pens, papers, tapes, etc. Next came her closet.
Describe a time when you were in a mood to organize and tell what you did.
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2. Take advantage of opportunities to stay organized
• when you hang up a shirt, put two or three other things away
• when you file a school paper, check to see if other papers need to be filed
• if you open your desk drawer to find a pen, clean out something from the drawer you don't need
• before leaving, scan your room for cups, glasses, pizza, etc. to take away
Write some other ways to take advantage of opportunities to get organized.
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3. Find a clean-up coach—a friend, parent, brother, or sister who is willing to help you or keep you company while you organize.
Who did you choose as a clean-up coach? _____________________
What ideas did your coach give you that were helpful?
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4. Do a ten-minute pickup.
Set a timer for ten minutes and pick up all the clutter in your room that you can before the timer goes off. Challenge your brother or sister to a ten-minute pickup race to see who can clean up the most. What were you able to pick up in ten minutes?
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Adapted from Study Strategies for Early School Success by Sirotowitz, Davis & Parker. Specialty Press, Inc. All rights reserved. This form may be copied for for use in your pracitce.