Pre-school through grad school, students have things to transport between home and the classroom.  Many students rely on backpacks throughout their education to contain and transport their things.  Too often backpacks become cluttered and finding things in the backpack becomes difficult.

Lessen your stress and your load with these tips for making the most out of your backpack.

• Buy the right bag.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends looking for the following qualities in backpacks for children:
  • Lightweight (leather weighs more than canvas)
  • Wide, padded shoulder straps
  • A padded back for both comfort and to protect against pokes from sharp objects in the pack
  • Multiple compartments to evenly distribute weight
  • A waist belt to help distribute weight
• Lessen the load.  Doctors and physical therapists recommend kids carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in a backpack.  A child weighing 80 lbs shouldn’t carry more than 8-12 lbs.  Weight adds up quickly in a backpack with books, lunches, supplies, technology and clothing.  Consider ways to lessen the load by encouraging students to avoid carrying things they don’t need.
• Duplicate resources.  In the spirit of lightening the load of a backpack, look for opportunities to have the same resources at home and at school.  This eliminates the need for the student to transport items in the backpack to and from school.  Consider asking for an extra set of text books to keep at home in addition to the books the student uses at school.  For students using tablets and laptops in the classroom, keep a charger at home and one at school.
• Regularly declutter.  Clutter can quickly build up in a backpack.  Help students engage in a daily or weekly routine of decluttering their backpacks.  This means pulling everything out, putting needed items away and tossing trash, food and other un-needed items.
• Assign homes for things in the backpack.  Teach students how to be organized in the use of their backpack.  Help them assign homes in the bag for the things they carry.  Use the rear main compartment for planners, binders and heavier items.  Use smaller forward compartments for food, supplies and smaller items.  It’s easier to find things when you know where to look and you can always find things when you put them where they belong.

Learning how to successfully transport things between home and school is a life-long organizational skill.  Teaching students how to effectively and strategically use their backpacks is beneficial in the short- and long-term.  Need help getting your student started with an organized backpack or helping your student dig out from a backpack disaster?  Contact us.