tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post3337780132865125227..comments2023-05-23T03:21:28.972-05:00Comments on Operation: Organization!: The Binders of DoomUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-61726693460723346542011-09-27T07:59:48.179-05:002011-09-27T07:59:48.179-05:00We use electronic files in a computer, actually. I...We use electronic files in a computer, actually. I have a paper file that I use to hold backup discs, instructions for the printer, and various letters sent from the school, but that's it. All textbooks are online, assignments are completed and submitted online, and more complex projects, etc. are stored in a thumb drive. There is virtually no paper unless it's a checklist of steps to complete, and we rarely even do that. Math classes generally have practice problems that we print, as well, and that is probably what consumes the most paper. But that's generally...oh, five sheets a week? I have a parental answer key, I check the work, and then put the paper in the scrap tray to use the back for other homework or notes or scribbles, etc. If the teacher requires us to submit it so that he or she can view the work, it's scanned in and submitted in a document file.<br /><br />Weight is definitely an issue with all of those binders, etc. as well-when you're also carrying textbooks that can really get heavy!<br /><br />I would DEFINITELY be up in arms over being expected to purchase supplies that weren't even required! That is a communication error somewhere!Schmoomomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251824918338376827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-83625101763057152062011-09-26T14:21:21.995-05:002011-09-26T14:21:21.995-05:00What's truly irresponsible is that we were giv...What's truly irresponsible is that we were given HUGE supply lists including reams of copy paper, but my children didn't even get their lockers assigned until the 2nd week of school and I still have bags of supplies sitting under our homework bench because now none of the teachers are accepting them? We just pulled as needed as each class syllabus came in - and there's a lot left over. <br /><br />This is our first year at this school, so next Spring I am definitely going to be relating my concerns as to the supply list. A single 5 subject spiral would take care of the majority of that need, and could go from class to class; a single 3" binder could then hold maybe 2 sets of the 8 subject dividers and work well; etc. That would also quadruple or more the weight of what they lug to each class though. I'm not sure there's a perfect solution.<br /><br />The children are given a large assortment of assignments and handouts, so the binders do work better than simple folders. I imagine with homeschooling that you can just use file folders or have some more permanent method of organization that isn't required to be portable on a daily basis (from class to locker to class to home).CaveatEmptorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06357149327386488616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-24577134362987112552011-09-26T09:20:42.677-05:002011-09-26T09:20:42.677-05:00I don't mean to sound horrible, but has the pa...I don't mean to sound horrible, but has the parents association ever considered questioning the need for this huge mountain of office supplies? I am undoubtedly biased as my child goes to school online and my supplies consist of the occasional round of printer ink or ream of paper, but that amount of supplies seems far in excess of what is truly necessary. There must be a veritable mountain of trash created at the end of the school year when these kids throw all of these mangled binders, spirals and folders in the trash.<br /><br />Again, I'm really not trying to be horrible, it's just shocking to me that so much is required. In this economy it seems a bit irresponsible of schools to require this much expenditure.Schmoomomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251824918338376827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-16620304568863639602011-09-23T22:32:01.428-05:002011-09-23T22:32:01.428-05:00Wow! Those binders are pretty impressive. Very or...Wow! Those binders are pretty impressive. Very organized and your kids are learning good habits that will help them as adults.Liz @ Wonder Woman I'm Nothttp://www.wonderwomanimnot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-62882803469765634262011-09-23T22:18:13.321-05:002011-09-23T22:18:13.321-05:00Yes, all the binders come home on Fridays. Actuall...Yes, all the binders come home on Fridays. Actually, EVERYTHING is supposed to come home on Fridays (folders and spirals addressed below) until the kids have a good handle on it; then I'll scale back to less frequent checks. There is a label reminder at the bottom of each Friday's agenda page that says "bring home all binders, spirals, folders, loose papers and materials" for now. <br /><br />Since they are only 1" all 4 fit in their backpacks together. Miscellaneous (here that would be Music, Art, PE, Character Ed, and Infinity Project) mostly use just the Homework folder in terms of things from those classes coming home, but each have a spiral or folder (color coded) as required by the teachers. The binders incorporate those elements so they are just "spiral + folder PLUS Binder" and the other classes remain "spiral + folder" or whatever.<br /><br />Also, since they are not core classes, and those teachers don't do binder check grades and such, if they forget something in their locker it doesn't have the academic grade impact that the core classes do. Prioritizing is important when you're dealing with so many different classes, imo. <br /><br />I own the fact that I am a bit of a helicopter mother when it comes to keeping the kids organized. It's easy to spend a few minutes a day on it (or 30 minutes tops, on Fridays) keeping them on track. My parental hopes are that they will tell me what is and isn't working for them (or I'll be able to tell, in some cases) so we can try different solutions, and that having external organization support will help them start doing better internal organizing and remembering as they mature untul they are alone at college - hopefully with both study and organizing skills intact and helpful to them for their classes when I'll no longer be there to help them out.CaveatEmptorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06357149327386488616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-65127993057213045892011-09-23T20:52:20.598-05:002011-09-23T20:52:20.598-05:00Do all of the Binder's of Doom come home on Fr...Do all of the Binder's of Doom come home on Friday? Also, what do you do with the miscellaneous class stuff - like Art, PE, Music, etc. Things that just require a folder & no binders. Did this with my daughter, youngest son didn't want to do this at Middle School & wanted just one large binder.... it's not workin' out so hot... but it's only been a couple of weeks to get used to something brand new.Livin' In Duckvillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03910676569546053809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351691416548926213.post-25645459961347364732011-09-23T03:09:45.840-05:002011-09-23T03:09:45.840-05:00This is a great idea. But one of my son's tea...This is a great idea. But one of my son's teachers last year required the 2" notebook and took points off at notebook check if it wasn't 2" (she measured it!). I hope I can find this post in 2 years when my youngest goes into middle school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com