Age group for which this tool is beneficial:
Middle School
High School & Beyond

To what category does this tool belong?
No-tech tools (no power supply necessary)

Skills strengthened with the help of this tool:
Both organizational and academic

How does the tool work?
Tickler files have slots, envelopes, or pockets numbered sequentially from one to thirty-one followed by twelve labeled for each month of the year. Material is filed by date due. Material due in the current month gets filed by date due in the one to thirty-one section. Material due in upcoming months is filed by month.

What is the benefit to the user?
This system allows your child to work through upcoming projects in a sequential way. It puts the due date and the material necessary to complete the assignment together in one place. A review of the file cues your child to upcoming work, and allows her to take a visual scan of upcoming projects. The pattern of bulging and slack slots also serve as a visual reminder to kids of peak work periods.

Other information to consider:
At the beginning of each month, material from the previous month gets refilled and the upcoming month gets distributed in the daily section. The system breaks down if it's not regularly maintained, or if it starts to bulge with uncompleted projects.

Tickler files can be created easily with manila file folders, and most stationery stores have them as manila envelope folders. Those who want one to match the office furniture can find one in fine hardwood from retailers who sell organization systems.

The above content was researched and written by Frank Sopper.