Backpack for Success

Set Clear Organization Guidelines

1. • Teach students the importance of keeping their backpacks organized. Set clear expectations, such as keeping papers in folders and using pouches for small items.

Encourage Use of Organizational Tools

1. • Provide students with tools like pencil cases, folders, and binders to help separate items like writing utensils, assignments, and personal items.

Teach the “One in, One Out” Rule

1. • Encourage students to take out one item before putting something new in, helping to avoid clutter and maintain organization.

Create a Routine for Cleaning Out Backpacks

1. • Dedicate time each week or at the end of each month for students to clean out their backpacks, tossing out old papers and organizing their materials.

Label Everything

1. • Have students label their notebooks, folders, and pencil cases to make it easier for them to find and keep track of their belongings.

Model Organization Practices

1. • Show students how you organize your own materials, such as keeping important documents in specific places, so they can learn by example.

Use Folders for Papers and Assignments

1. • Encourage students to use folders or binders to store assignments, worksheets, and handouts, reducing the chance of papers getting crumpled or lost.

Teach Students to Prioritize What Goes Inside

1. • Help students understand the difference between what they need daily and what can be left at home or in a locker, avoiding overstuffed backpacks.

Check Backpack Organization Regularly

1. • Periodically check with students to ensure they’re maintaining their organizational habits. Offer gentle reminders or praise when they’re doing well.

Create a Backpack Organization Space in the Classroom

1. • Designate a space in the classroom for students to store their backpacks during the school day in an organized manner.

GROUP STUDENTS:  Create groups of three or four students for this activity.

RECORDER:  Groups then choose a recorder.

GIVE DEFINITION:  Give students the definition of organizing: "to put into order, systematize; to make into or arrange according to a system."

BRAINSTORM:  Have students brainstorm what it looks like to be organized with materials.

SHARE OUT & RECORD:  Choose a student from each group to share one or two ideas. As they share out, record the information on the board.

BACKPACK OUTLINE HANDOUT:  Distribute one copy of the Backpack outline to each group, or alternatively, students can draw a backpack on a sheet of chart paper. 

ADD BORDER TO BACKPACK PAGE:  On the backpack outline, one member of the group should draw a border at least one inch from the edges. Aid groups in the placement of their border, as necessary. (The border will be used later in the activity).

DECORATE AN ORGANIZED BACKPACK:  Groups of students will first discuss and plan how they will decorate the backpack to represent what it looks like to be organized. 

1. 1. • • Symbols, drawings, and words should appear within the finished product.

        • Encourage students to use a variety of colors.

        • Students can also use other groups' ideas to help guide the creation process.

        • Have students discuss why it is important to keep an organized backpack and how it might help them become a more successful student.

        • The groups should refer to their previously added border, and within it, write about the importance of organizing materials, making use of words that they included in their creation.

        • Close the activity by having students complete a gallery walk to view all of the backpacks. As they view each backpack, encourage students to leave sticky notes containing positive comments toward elements that resonate with them.