School Smarts: Creating the perfect study space

Like a lot of kids, 13-year-old Billy Malloy of Norwell sometimes struggled with his homework.
 
Billy Malloy, 8th grader
"Some of it I wasn't getting it done in time and I'd be doing it on the bus, and I'd be getting it done and I'd be forgetting it in my locker, or I couldn't find it because my folder was messy."
 
What Billy needed -- organization.  That's where Laine Dougherty steps in.  The professional organizer says having a smart study space at home is the first step to success.
 
Laine Dougherty, Laine's Logic
"Being organized can save you time, can save you energy, can improve your grades..it can really help a student do better in school."
 
She recommends there be enough room on your child's desk to spread out a book and a notebook or paper, and always have enough supplies.
 
Laine Dougherty, Laine's Logic
"On the desk it's really important to have the supplies that you need within reach, pencils, pens, a pair of scissors so that you can find what you need when you need it, that saves you so much time."
 
Laine says folders are a great way to make sure homework and papers don't get lost.  Label each one with the specific subject.
 
Laine Dougherty, Laine's Logic
"When they're done with a unit or a test they can stick in in the folder and it's there when they need it to study."
 
And always get an organized jump on the next day.
 
Laine Dougherty, Laine's Logic
"When you're done with the homework pack the books and homework back in the backpack and set it by the door so you're ready for tomorrow."

LAINE Dougherty http://www.laineslogic.com/

*Watch the full interview with Laine Doherty in our School Smarts flash player.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)