Just for Teachers
Keeping a room full of students organized is no easy task. No two people organize things the exact same way. Different brains naturally organize differently. Through our School PLANit product trials, the teachers at our test sites found the following to work well in their classrooms.
Use the School PLANit. Recommend the School PLANit for the more disorganized students. If you work in an underprivileged area, seek out a corporate sponsor to get a PLANit for each of your students. We will work with you and any corporate sponsors on pricing. In the end, it is about helping kids succeed, period. Contact me directly if you’d like to use this tool and need assistance with finding funding: Liz Regenold, 515-249-1194.
Coordinate folder colors. Ask students to use a yellow folder for math, or a green folder for science. Then when you need them to get out that subject folder, you can use the visual cue along with the verbal one: “Students, take out your green science folders.”
Create a Homework and Turn-In folder. Mimic the School PLANit setup and have each student use a pocket folder with “Turn In” written on one pocket and “Homework” or “ To Do” written on the other.
Three-Ring Binders: I know so many teachers who love the three-ring binder system (each student has one and the teacher passes out notes for the kids to put in their binders in order). It sounds like a great concept, but it sets kids who are chronically disorganized up for failure. Have them keep handouts they need in a folder, then once you’ve tested them on that subject, tell them to throw those handouts away.
Loose-leaf Paper vs. Notebooks: Some kids just can’t use a notebook. They fill it with doodles or simply don’t use the pages in any particular order. Be flexible on which type of paper works best for each student. If a student works better with loose-leaf paper for notes, then file those pages with the handouts for that subject.
Paper Overload: If students don’t need to complete a handout or use it for studying, don’t hand it out. Kids and parents get paper and information overload from schools. Give them what they need to learn the curriculum and pass the test. Nothing else. All those baseball, family night and ballet lesson handouts should be sent home on Fridays in one chunk.
Flexibility: You may prefer one way of organizing because over the span of your life you’ve learned what works best for you. Don’t require students to organize in the same way. Be flexible and willing to work with them until they come up with a way to keep track of their stuff on their own. If you have students who continually fail at keeping track of their stuff, they may need more one-on-one help. You may even need to talk with their parents about seeking additional help on organization. Chronic disorganization is not laziness — it’s usually a symptom of a much deeper issue.
MIA Parents: Yes, we all know there are parents out there who aren’t involved in their children’s lives — let alone their education. Try to find a school counselor to stand in as their organization guide. If that isn’t possible, look around to community and government programs. You are the one person who can make a difference, and all you need to do is put this child in touch with an adult who has the time to give them. Look at area churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Sisters, YMCA — even think about retired teachers and seniors who may have the time to help.