Organizing the Disorganized Student

By Ronda Battreall Colleen Damato Chris Middlemore

Kelly Sheridan

Why Help Our Students Get Organized?

Less Stress/Frustration for Parents, Teacher and Child

Life-Long Skill

Helps Organize and Process New Information with what is Already Known

Effects Relationships

Why Help Our Students Get Organized?

Helps Children to become Independent, Healthy, Productive Adults

Starts Your Child's Day Off in a Positive Way!

Helps Children Focus, Be Productive, and Responsible

Why are some people/ kids disorganized?

It is because of the organization of the Frontal Lobes

Frontal lobes are positioned at the front most region of the cerebral cortex and are involved in:

MovementDecision-MakingProblem-SolvingPlanning

The Front Lobes help us:1. Filter out distractions (Inhibition)2. Prepare and plan for the future (Foresight)3. Remember what happened last time (Hindsight)4. Make step by step plans for the future (Planning)5. Figure out how long the plan will take (Concept of Time)6. Talk to ourselves (reflect) as we work through the plan (Self Talk)7. Juggle the pros and cons about implementing the plan, and change a plan when it doesn't work (Flexibility)8. Start, carryout and complete the plan9. Do it all over for another task or subject!!!!

Teach the study skills, processing skills, and reasoning skills to complete tasks. Practice with the child and gradually release the responsibility to the child.The ultimate goal is for the child to accomplish tasks independently.

How do we help?

Ways to Help Your Child with Organization

1. Model the Expectationstoysschedulesclosetsdrawerschores

Lead by example!

2. Be Specific about what is Expected

For example...

Instead of saying: "put it away"

Say: "after your homework is done, put it in your homework folder, and place it back in your book bag"

3. Set up a Comfortable Homework Station that is Free from Distractions

4. Check Agenda for Assignments

5. Help your Child Develop a Plan for Long-Term Assignments

6. Keep it Simple! calendarchecklistchart

7. Have all Clothes, Folders, etc. Ready for School the Day Before!

Realities of Success:It takes approximately 30 days to make a habitThe plan should be flexible (Change and adjust what does not work.)It is a process that involves daily communication with your child and sometimes schoolIt has to be a team approach