organizational skills for students marcia laus marciala@thewatsoninstitute
DESCRIPTION
Organizational Skills for Students Marcia Laus [email protected]. Why Are Kids Disorganized?. Frontal Cortex & Executive Function. Provides executive control – all purposeful actions A neuropsychological process in the pre frontal cortex. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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