When your kid moves from elementary school to middle school there is usually one big difference - they switch teachers and classrooms frequently throughout the day. This means that they will not have a desk to store their books and other materials in. They have to use their locker for these things. This can really throw a kid off if they are not organized from the beginning.
Most kids have no clue how to keep their books in their lockers. They just throw them in one after another, and then fish them out as needed. The problem with this method is that they aren't given much time between classes to grab their new sets of books, and when they can't find that homework assignment in the bottom of the locker, they are late for class.
Childrens Storage Shelves
A Simple Solution
There is a really simple solution to this problem. You can buy a locker organizer for your child's locker. They are very simple to use. Most are adjustable for lockers that are double stacked, or a taller traditional locker. The type that hang from the shelf allow enough room for a jacket to be hung next to it.
The organizer will give your student 2 or 3 more shelves to store books & binders. They are also sometimes equipped with mesh side pockets that are perfect for storing extra pens, pencils, erasers, and other school supplies.
Younger, shorter students may have a difficult time using an upper locker. Installing the locker organizer makes the locker much more functional by giving them lower shelves to use.
If your locker will not accommodate a hanging locker organizer, there are other products that can help in keeping your child organized. Stackable locker shelves are nice to use too. You can then also add a magnetic pencil holder for them to store the little stuff in.