1. Organizational Skills for Students Marcia Laus marciala@thewatsoninstitute.org marciala@thewatsoninstitute.org

2. Why Are Kids Disorganized?

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

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

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

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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?

13. Tools for Binder Organization

14. Locker Organization  Zones: Books Supplies Personal Belongings

15. 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)

16. Locker Organization

17.  Include Schedule Color coding Organizing tools

18. Locker Organization

19. www.lockerdog.com www.amazon.com www.organize- everything.com Tools for Locker Organization

20. Other Locker Organizational Tools www.boarddudesdirect.com

21. Desk Organization

22. 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????

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

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

25. 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

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

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

28. 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

29. 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”

33. Desktop Organizer for Homework Desk

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

36. Websites  www.howtostudy.org www.howtostudy.org  www.studygs.net www.studygs.net

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

38. Tell Me About Today

40. Available at Target