Get Organized! Laura Kennerson, MA MFT Intern IMF # ext. 6 Supervised by Cathy Chambliss MFT MFC 39875

Workshop Goals…. Identify areas needing organizational growth Target areas to help your child organize using his or her own style Understand the systems that the school/teacher uses to assign homework Prepare your child for organizational success Help your child to manage and balance the workload

Let’s face it… Middle school children are not Big communicators….

In every aspect of life: NO COMMUNICATION = PROBLEMS

First we need to be able to recognize the problem

Signs of Poor Organization Fails to bring home homework assignments Does not know the exact homework assignment Fails to return completed homework

Signs of Poor Organization Continued… Does not know when the teacher gives homework (e.g., days of the week) Does not know how the teacher typically informs of homework assignments Fails to bring home books or needed materials

Signs of Poor Organization Continued… Does not know when assignments are due Does not have papers and study guides to study for the test Does not know when tests are Does not have a regular study space

Signs of Poor Organization Continued… Does not have needed supplies for homework Waits until the last minute to start homework /studying Runs out of time when studying for tests

It’s never to late to start being organized!

Where to start? Observe your child What system are they using? How does your child work through a task? Listen for comments from teachers or caregivers What comments are made? What comments are absent? Note your child’s personal belongings. How are they stored? What is lost? And How often?

Recognizing the problem is the easy part!

Barriers to Successful Organization Not having the correct supplies Not having personal space and schedule for homework/activities Lack of knowledge or understanding of organizational skills.

Be Aware that what works for you may not work for your child…

Involve your child in the process The child/student needs to be involved in their own organizational process in order for it to work for them. Stick with one method.

Organizational Methods

Color Coding It is sometimes helpful to Color code. One color per subject and then buy notebooks, folders, etc. in that specific color…

Agendas The school sells agendas these are an organizational MUST! This doesn’t have to be the school agenda… it can be a notebook, or a calendar with room to write down assignments, tests, quizzes, etc.

Agendas Most teachers are ok with signing an agenda –if STUDENT initiated. Use a teacher signature to help form a habit. Consistency from you and your child –It takes 30 days to form a habit and 90 days to break one!

Map out a daily / weekly schedule A dry erase board attached to your door Make a large paper schedule or a week at a glance calendar Before school reminder After school schedule builder

At the beginning of each week list out ALL the activities for the coming week. I.e. if your child has a social studies test on Weds. And needs two days to study for it, he can plan on bringing his social studies book home Mon. and Tues. Nights.

Internet Postings and Schoolnotes.com MANY teachers are using schoolnotes as a place to post homework and tests Websites and Blogs You can check this at anytime…. Whether your child tells you about it or not!

Zangle.com Soon Calle will allow you to access your child’s grades via the computer/internet at anytime!

Filing Papers There are a few ways that can be used for this…. A single binder/folder for each class split with two sides (to do / and completed work) A single binder with dividers/folders inside clearly labeled for each class

Filing Papers Continued… Remember the importance of including your child/student in this process! suggest ideas and ask what would work best ask what system they are using and help them to make it work!

Post its reminders of which books to bring home, what problems they need help with, etc.. Mark pages to read or questions they have.

Lists Make a to do list in an agenda or on a sticky note Crossing them off as they are completed

Before your child comes home each day They should look at their agenda – –Bringing home any folders, books, workbooks, or materials they may need! Look for any post it reminders they left for themselves or check their to do lists.

I forgot my homework, lunch, paper, pencil…. Parental feeling of obligation Enabling Create a system for a lack of future incidence.

Creating Personal Space at Home This could be a place at the table in the kitchen or a place in their own bedroom… it isn’t necessarily where that is important. Quiet, Supplies accessible Lack of distraction

Weekends Find lag time in family outings, activities, and events. Long term projects Clean out the backpack/binder on weekends Catch up on any late or missing Reading

Nightly Check ins It is often a VERY helpful task if the parent does a nightly check in. –Ask if there are any papers to sign –Look over the homework –Look over the agenda

Stay Involved Read the Marquee each morning PTSA newsletter s Watch for flyers or call teachers with questions Know the dates of progress reports and report cards, and be sure to ask for them!

Quiz your child whenever possible Utilize trips to school, practice, or wait time at dr. appointments.

If homework is taking too long… Make an appointment with the teacher

Communicate Early Communicate with the teacher early on! Don’t wait for a problem or a bad report card. Teachers are eager to help the students – that is why they teach!

Shape up your child’s skills over time Start where your child is at and set small incremental goals Do not expect perfection right away Reward small steps Move Gradually toward the desired goal!

Monitor the organization skills daily In order to help your child establish a daily routine of staying organized, you will need to monitor several things. –Morning and Nightly check in –Check her agenda daily –Assist with nightly planning time.

Motivate your child through encouragement and rewards A general rule for praise is to do it soon, strong and often. i.e. “I really like how you have been keeping on track of your homework assignments! Great Job!”

Tangible Rewards Struggles with organizational skills. - behavior chart. Provide your child with small, but meaningful rewards stay up later, rent a game, play a game with a parent, etc. Daily, Weekly or Monthly rewards based upon the needs of your child.

Try to keep Positive! Avoid using criticism or punishment When problems arise, your job should be to understand the problem and help come up with solutions.

Organizational Tips Model strong organization skills Show examples of organization around your home: bookshelves, cupboards, recipe files, computer desktop, calendars, etc.

Resources Cozi.com Gosimplymobile.com Reqall.com

What have you personally tried at home that has worked?

You Can Help Your Child Succeed! If you have further questions Please Contact me - Laura Kennerson, MA ext. 6