Where's My Stuff?

November 1, 2019
For middle graders through high school students needing help with organization, this second edition of Where's My Stuff? (originally published in 2010) is a user-friendly resource to get them started. The guide begins by offering the reasons why kids should get organized: extra free time, minimize costly damage, less stress, more independence. The first step instructs students to assess their "stuff," including books, homework, and handouts, to create a School Organizing System. After establishing the SOS, the book next demonstrates how students can efficiently schedule time and activities, starting with a Brain Dump of tasks to be done: It's a "proven method for turning the muffled static in your head into clear-signal action," say the authors. The most relevant advice to kids and teens who are constantly engaged with social media are found in snippets called "Your Digital Life," in which the authors give advice about how best to minimize social media time in order to complete work. Free online resources are listed for file storage as well as tips for how best to use digital planners and calendars. Though much of this organizational self-help information for students is readily accessible online, this book is a breeze to reference, with helpful illustrations to boot. Cheery diagrams of well-organized lockers and study areas give kids concrete models to work from, although such privileges as sequesterable space are assumed. Sensible information well organized and presented. (Nonfiction. 11-18)

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