Student Organizing Tips
The first semester of school has come and gone, and with it, all of the enthusiasm for school. Especially in parts of the country where snow is still falling, it’s hard to drag yourself out of bed to get moving. This time of year – before spring break, when you start feeling like it’s almost done – can be particularly difficult for students, whether they’re in elementary school or college.
Neurodivergent Challenges in Students Become More Apparent
Many neurodivergent children, especially those who started middle or high school for the first time, may start having unanticipated challenges. They may have survived the first semester on sheer willpower alone, but now that they’ve settled in, it may become more apparent what accommodations work and what don’t. A new set of expectations, a new type of schedule, all things that make the transition difficult for students, are especially difficult for those who struggle with executive function or have ADHD. Below are a few of our favorite student organizing tips for surviving school.
USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Prior to the pandemic, parents might have had more concern over device use. Today’s student, however, may be relying on their device not just to stay organized and keep in touch with friends but to actually do some of their homework. As edtech plays a bigger role in education, it’s likely that your student will need to use a laptop, tablet, or cell phone for their education. However, there are some good things that can come from allowing the kids access to technology as they work. Apps for timers, website blocking software, and even music can help your child focus and get through homework with less struggle. Tech savviness is also one of the advantages they’ll have in the workplace.
ENCOURAGE BREAKS
Taking breaks is an essential part to any study routine. It gives kids a chance to reset their attention, to check their social media and alleviate any FOMO (fear of missing out) that has been distracting them, and can increase the overall productivity of a study session. Balance is key for creating success in everything, but especially when you’re helping students get organized.
GETTING STUDENTS ORGANIZED AT HOME
Have some of the good habits you started at the beginning of the year fallen by the wayside? Now is a great time to renew those efforts. We recommend:
Getting homework done right after school or after practice, so that you don’t get to 10 o’clock at night and realize there’s a big project due the next morning.
Setting out clothes and packing lunches the night before so that the morning goes more smoothly. Get the backpack ready, too, so that there’s no last-minute searching for books or homework.
Getting plenty of rest. One of the best ways to stay focused and organized is to take care of yourself, and it’s never too early to learn the habits of rest, hydration, nutrition, exercise, and balance.
KEEPING STUDENTS ORGANIZED ON THE GO
Get a good planner (and use it). The earlier you can get your child to rely on organizational tools – whether they struggle with executive function or not – the easier it will be for them to make good habits. They may not have full time jobs and mortgages, but it’s likely they have a lot of after school activities, exams, and social lives to keep up with. Work with your kids to find a planner or app that allows them to track their tasks and learn how to prioritize for long-term success. The right planner can make student organizing a snap.
One of our favorite student organizing planners is the Academic Planner from fellow professional organizer Leslie Josel founder of Order Out of Chaos. Josel has developed an Academic Planner specifically designed to meet the needs of students who struggle with time management such as those with ADHD or other learning disabilities. She has taken the traditional student planner and transformed it into a powerful time management tool.
How It’s Different
It understands that students’ schedules extend past the school day. The Academic Planner not only leaves ample space, but actually encourages and expects students to use it as a place to manage their personal and extra-curricular activities as well. Students must get their homework and projects done, yes, but they must find a way to do this while balancing their complete schedule. Leslie’s planner allows them to do this.
It’s actually big enough for teenage writing. Let’s face it, not every kid writes neatly and even less take the time to write nicely when jotting down homework assignments. Leslie’s planner has big boxes to better ensure that kids will be able to read their handwriting when they sit down to do their work.
It’s not just a planner, it’s a tool. Leslie has clearly taken the time and poured all of her expertise into the development of this planner system. She has a great informational video on how students can use it to increase productivity and avoid the frustrations of forgotten or rushed assignments.
What We Love
The Subject Boxes. Traditionally planners come with either pre-printed classes or with empty boxes each week that students have to fill in. Leslie has created an ingenious way around this. The Academic Planner is designed so students can write their own schedule but only have to do it once for the whole year. It’s a seemingly small detail, but for me is a game-changer.
The crisp, clear layout. This planner doesn’t have flowers or baseballs or inspirational quotes. I love that it’s not a distraction but an easy to read and use place for students to visually organize their time.
Student organizing isn’t just something to think about for back to school in the fall. We often need a refresh to survive the spring semester.