Get organized!

Before you head out the door to get those supplies, get organized. Have a plan. The Yak--who often has a lot of assignments to remember and a pretty cluttered work space--talked to expert Maria Bailey--a mother of four kids and a super organizer--about how to get the school year organized. You can start now before you even have your first homework assignment.

Maria says she tells her own kids, "Start from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes" in figuring out what you'll need each day. What does that mean?

She thinks it's helpful to picture what you'll be doing and wearing. So if you have a soccer practice right after school, you may be taking along a water bottle or cleats. And if you have a book report, make sure you have the book in your bag and the report in your folder.

But, of course, many people also need a written list. Being a list-maker (even if it's just in your head) is a really helpful way to think and organize yourself. And when it comes to writing things down, make it fun and in your own style. If you like to use different color pens, use them.

If you like an unlined journal with blank pages, use that kind of journal.

If you love to see your week in advance, try a big dry-erase board in your room.

This year, Maria says there are more colorful supplies and accessories so you can do what her kids do--they match every color to a subject. Green pens, green folders and green stickers for math; blue pens, stickers and folders for social studies.