talk
about the huge caseloads of students that are referred to them for
suspected
learning disabilities, only to discover that a large percentage of
these
students simply lack organizational skills. It
is a growing epidemic.
There
are two root causes of disorganization: too much "stuff" and no
routine or system for managing the things students really need.
Let's
first address the issue of too much "stuff" by considering the number
of folders and notebooks that students are required to maintain for
school. In most cases, teachers
require a student to have one folder and one notebook for each class.
Students
typically have 6-8 classes at one time; this can mean
12-16
different folders and notebooks to organize, maintain, and juggle
around
between home, their locker, and class.
Not only do they have to carry 12-18 different folders and
notebooks at
various times throughout the day, they are expected to use, store, and
retrieve
papers from them regularly.
Let's relate that to our
lives, as adults...
Imagine
if you had 12-16 different email accounts to maintain. Imagine if you
were
expected to log into each account several times each day, respond to
emails,
and retrieve old/sent emails at the snap of a finger.
Would you be able to remember which account was housing the
information you needed? Would you
even be able to keep up with the tasks and correspondence that came
into each
inbox everyday?
Chances
are that the thought of this scenario sounds absolutely absurd,
pointless, and
counterproductive….so is the scenario of our students carrying and
maintaining
12-16 different folders and notebooks daily, even though it is a
practice that
is beyond common! No wonder
students have a hard time bringing the correct folders, notebooks, and
papers
home everyday!
The
sheer volume of folders and notebooks (not to mention text-books and
workbooks)
then leads to the next set of problems... a messy book bag and lost
assignments.
A
messy book bag is the culprit behind many problems, but especially
missing
assignments. I cannot tell you how
many times I have completely exasperated parents complain that they saw
-or
even helped- their child do an assignment, only to learn that the
assignment
was never turned in. Every single
time I hear this complaint, I peek into the child's book bag and
wouldn't you
know... it looks like a dumpster.
Their problem is that they cannot find their completed
assignments in
the depths of their book bag.
The
first step in any organizing process is to eliminate the unnecessary
items
filling the book bag, including old papers, crusty lunches from two
weeks ago,
and anything else that is not strictly needed for school.
Next, eliminate the volume of folders
and notebooks. Yes, it is possible
to condense students' supplies... significantly! Try
condensing folders and notebooks into one streamlined
binder.
Then,
develop a routine for maintaining order in the book bag. Consider
offering a
small incentive to your child for cleaning it out daily. Following this
routine
will help your child retain the organization skills that he needs to be
a
success in school and in life.
About Author: Susan
Kruger of SOAR(r) Study
Skills is a Certified Teacher with