Organizational Skills for Students Marcia Laus marciala@thewatsoninstitute

Organizational Skills for Students

Marcia Laus marciala@thewatsoninstitute.org

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 stylesExpectations for independence and

self-regulation higherThe “Adolescent Brain”

The Adolescent BrainJust 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 OrganizationLabelingModel organizationOptions – involve student in planning

organizationFrequent checks (binder, planner,)Routines

• Where to do homework• When to do homework• Get ready the night before

P.A.C.K.PurgeAccessorizeCategorizeKeep It Up

The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

Key Organizational Skills

Organization at SchoolTime ManagementOrganization at Home

The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

Organizing Tools3 ring binder or accordion fileDesk organizationLocker organizationPlannerDesktop filing system

The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

The Binder(s)

Tools (dividers, pencil pouch, 3 hole punch, pockets)

Color codingScheduleHow many? AM/PM; one for each

class; one for entire day?

Tools for Binder Organization

Locker OrganizationZones:

• Books• Supplies• Personal Belongings

Locker OrganizationSystem:

• 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

Locker OrganizationInclude

• Schedule• Color coding• Organizing tools

Locker Organization

www.lockerdog.com

www.amazon.com

www.organize-everything.com

Tools for Locker Organization

Other Locker Organizational Tools

www.boarddudesdirect.com

Desk Organizati

on

Other Desk Organization Ideas

Chair “sacks”Loose paper folder or envelopeBoxes or office trays for booksMailboxes (gets loose papers out

of desk)Accordion file foldersOther????

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 PlannerTeacher check orPeer check

• after giving assignment – have each student explain it to a peer

• Peers check each others plannerParent check at homeRoutine and TimeTeach to abbreviateTeach to prioritize – parents help at home with

this!!!Work to do checklistLong Term Assignment Planning

Work To Do Check-

list

Work To Do:______________________________________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Assignment: __________________________________________________________________

Date assigned: Date due:

Steps to complete: by when:

when

complete

Notes:

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Long Term Project

What Can Parents Do?Begin slowly. Focus on one problem at a timeStart with “stuff management”Make sure your child has a proper study spaceHelp your child develop a study scheduleHave your child study or read even when she has no

homeworkCheck the planner, check the backpack and foldersTeach your child to take (approp) breaks

From: Get Organized Without Losing It by Janet Fox

Organization at HomeHomework AreaDesktop 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 StudyMnemonic devicesRepetitionVariety of waysMovement breaks or movement while

studyingMusic? On or Off??Ongoing – (rather than cramming)

Websiteswww.howtostudy.orgwww.studygs.net

SchedulesAfter School ScheduleTell Me About TodayMini schedulesWork To Do ChecklistWork SystemsSchedules you can purchase

Tell Me About Today

Available at Target