 Homeschooling our children is a tremendous job. Although intimidating, we took on this duty with courage for our children. Sometimes we blind ourselves with our courage to what is really involved in the task at hand. That brings us back to our key elements M.O.D.T. (motivation, organization, discipline and teamwork). They will help us through our mission Insha Allah.
Last issue we talked about Motivation , now let's talk about Organization. It is another element that plays an enormous role in educating our children. We should realize its importance, then take the time to come up with a plan that involves our families in seeing this plan through. We must reflect on how organization affects our homeschooling. As we become organized, we will see that the quality of our homeschooling experience will improve.
Disorganization can result in a negative teaching/learning experience. Let's take a look, it is Monday morning time for math class, Maymunah sits at her desk prepared to start class. The parent (teacher) says “wait a minute,” while shuffling through papers unable to find the lesson at hand; Maymunah sits waiting at her desk idly staring at her surroundings. Be careful, for if this were to prolong she would naturally become bored, lose interest and have difficulty focusing. Occasionally this may happen, and is even to be expected, so worry not. However, if this becomes something that is habitual, it would be quite problematic and have a serious effect on the child's education. Disorganization takes away valuable time and impedes the flow of the teaching/learning experience; like a domino effect: we're not prepared, child loses interest, we get in a bad mood, all of which changes the quality of our teaching, resulting in poorly taught children.
Disorganization takes away valuable time and impedes the flow of the teaching/learning experience; like a domino effect: we're not prepared, child loses interest, we get in a bad mood, all of which changes the quality of our teaching, resulting in poorly taught children. 
The first step to becoming organized and saving valuable time is planning. Try planning a monthly menu and doing all of the shopping ahead of time. Take one day to write a weeks worth of lesson plans. Many people also write a "to do" list, this way they will not forget what needs to be done. Can you imagine having everything in its place with a system that really works; enabling a productive and yielding environment. This may sound like a lot but take your time to find what works for your family and begin the process, which can help to lift and reform your homeschooling experience.
Things to consider when organizing your homeschooling area
1. Make a list of what needs to be accomplished (giving consideration to the immediate areas)
2. Pick a day that suits your schedule (to write lesson plans)
3. Check your supplies (so you know what you need)
4. Have a specific place for everything (no clutter)
5. Involve the children in the process of getting the class area organized and clean (they help make the mess)
When you have a plan or a system that you abide by you will become an effective instructor. The quality of your teaching can improve by just being organized. Understand that I am not trying to say that you cannot miss a beat but, rather have a regiment that is flexible and practical. Balance is the key and as a Muslim we should all be balanced in our life.
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