Disorganized students often forget homework, have messy desks, cannot keep track of their materials and have poor time management skills. Does that sound familiar to you? A student's poor organizational skills can easily be improved by providing a routine and by clearly stating directions and expectations. This will require the help of parents and teachers. Use the following tips to help your disorganized student manage their responsibilities.
By providing structure the disorganized student will have no choice but to stay organized. For instance, a classroom schedule or timetable will allow students to be less frustrated and confused with the timeline. It provides them with a sense of what they are learning and what materials they will need. Taping a timetable to the desk can also help students better reference the schedule throughout the day!
A checklist is a great tool for a disorganized student because it shows them the expectations that they need to accomplish for the day in a visual format. For younger students, have the list already prepared for them and go over it with the student each morning. For older students, provide strategies for prioritizing their own checklists.
Encourage parental support by writing a letter to parents describing your homework policy. Require that each night after the homework is completed, it is signed by a parent and returned to school the following day. This process will ensure the student stays on task and encourages parents to be involved.
A disorganized student will not take the time to clean out their desk So set some time weekly for students to complete this task! Brainstorm organizational ideas with the students on specific ways they can keep their desks tidy. Suggest that they label materials for easy access and throw away items they no longer use.
Memory aids are a helpful way to remember tasks and materials. Have the student use tangible items such as sticky notes, rubber bands, index cards, alarm clocks, and timers to remind them to complete their tasks for the day. Encourage them to use memory aids like this acronym: CATS. (C=Carry, A=Assignment, T=To, S=School)
Teaching these new strategies will help students complete their tasks efficiently and effectively. These tips give students the tools they need to manage their obligations and to be successful in school. With a little help and encouragement, disorganized children can easily get on a new path.