Organizational Skills for Students Marcia Laus

Why Are Kids Disorganized?

Frontal Cortex & Executive Function Provides executive control – all purposeful actions A neuropsychological process in the pre frontal cortex

This process underlies purposeful behaviors such as: Planning & organizing Attention & concentration Flexibility to try new problem solving strategies Abstract & complex thinking Decision making

And More: Self-monitoring for accuracy Progress towards a goal Emotional responses Judgment & reasoning Inhibit incorrect/inappropriate responses

Why is Organization Difficult for Adolescents  Changing classes – no “home base”  More teachers with different teaching styles  Expectations for independence and self-regulation higher  The “Adolescent Brain”

The Adolescent Brain  Just prior to puberty – a lot of grey matter is created, neurons develop, myelin is formed – transmission of electrical impulses speed up  This takes place in the frontal cortex of the brain – essential for such functions as response inhibition, emotional regulation, analyzing problems and planning – Executive Functions  Executive functions continue to develop through young adulthood (earlier in girls than in boys)  Synaptic pruning – “use it or lose it” – eliminates weaker synapses – strengthens stronger connections

Teaching Organization  Labeling  Model organization  Options – involve student in planning organization  Frequent checks (binder, planner,)  Routines Where to do homework When to do homework Get ready the night before

P.A.C.K.  P urge  A ccessorize  C ategorize  K eep It Up The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

Key Organizational Skills  Organization at School  Time Management  Organization at Home The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

Organizing Tools  3 ring binder or accordion file  Desk organization  Locker organization  Planner  Desktop filing system The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

The Binder(s)  Tools (dividers, pencil pouch, 3 hole punch, pockets)  Color coding  Schedule  How many? AM/PM; one for each class; one for entire day?

Tools for Binder Organization

Locker Organization  Zones: Books Supplies Personal Belongings

Locker Organization  System: All books start on top shelf in AM When putting books in after class they either go:  on bottom shelf OR  In backpack (homework)

Locker Organization

 Include Schedule Color coding Organizing tools

Locker Organization

everything.com Tools for Locker Organization

Other Locker Organizational Tools

Desk Organization

Other Desk Organization Ideas  Chair “sacks”  Loose paper folder or envelope  Boxes or office trays for books  Mailboxes (gets loose papers out of desk)  Accordion file folders  Other????

Locker and/or Desk Organization  Periodic Checks: Checklist Motivators Assistance with “decluttering”

Locker   No loose papers  Books on shelf or in backpack  Coat and backpack on hook  All small items in containers  ________________________________

Assignment Planner  Teacher check or  Peer check after giving assignment – have each student explain it to a peer Peers check each others planner  Parent check at home  Routine and Time  Teach to abbreviate  Teach to prioritize – parents help at home with this!!!  Work to do checklist  Long Term Assignment Planning

Work To Do Check- list Work To Do: ___________________________ 

Assignment: ___________________________ _______________________________________ Date assigned:Date due: Steps to complete:by when:  when complete Notes: MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Long Term Project

What Can Parents Do?  Begin slowly. Focus on one problem at a time  Start with “stuff management”  Make sure your child has a proper study space  Help your child develop a study schedule  Have your child study or read even when she has no homework  Check the planner, check the backpack and folders  Teach your child to take (approp) breaks From: Get Organized Without Losing It by Janet Fox

Organization at Home  Homework Area  Desktop File Box  “Toolkit”  Calendar (“where is everybody?”)  Habits and Routines!!  Avoid the Morning Rush  Visual supports – schedules, checklists, post its, etc.  “A place for everything and everything in its place”  Schedule times for regular “decluttering”

Desktop Organizer for Homework Desk

How to Study  Mnemonic devices  Repetition  Variety of ways  Movement breaks or movement while studying  Music? On or Off??  Ongoing – (rather than cramming)

Websites  

Schedules  After School Schedule  Tell Me About Today  Mini schedules  Work To Do Checklist  Work Systems  Schedules you can purchase

Tell Me About Today

Available at Target