Helping Your Disorganized Child in School
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The Forgotten Textbook
To adults, it seems like a simple matter to remember a book. But for kids with organizational issues, it is not a simple thing. Don’t use, “Remember your textbook,” as a way to teach responsibility. Find something else like taking out the garbage or feeding the dog to teach that lesson. Right now, you just need to solve the problem. Request a second set of textbooks to keep at home. Teacher says “No?” Go to the principal, and if that doesn’t work, then go to the superintendent. Just be sure to return the books at the end of the semester or school year.
Large or Ongoing Assignments
Help your child break larger assignments down into more manageable chunks. For example, if your child has six weeks to read a book and complete a book report, write down a chapter in the planner for each night. Then write down a night to work on the draft copy, and so on. Be sure to add in a few extra days and a day or two “off” so your child learns to add some flexibility into his or her schedule.
Incomplete or No Note-taking
Some kids just can’t seem to take notes, or write anything more than a sentence or two. On the outside, it may seem like they’re “lazy” and just don’t want to do it — but that is far from the truth in most cases. Sometimes a child’s difficulty with taking notes may be a symptom of a larger problem. One of the easiest strategies is to request that the teacher make a copy of his or her own notes (or the notes of a strong note-taking student) and give them to your child at the end of the class. Some kids actually listen better if they are allowed to doodle during the lesson.
Forgetfulness
My mother used to say, “You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached.” So true. It’s simply what happens with a disorganized mind and the anxiety of being rushed along. Allow plenty of time and write simple lists when it’s feasible. For instance, put up a list that says exactly what your child needs to do in the morning to get ready for school: “Wash Face, Brush Teeth, Brush Hair, Get Dressed: Shirt, Pants, Socks and Shoes, etc.” This helps start a pattern that children will naturally follow once they have repeated it enough times. Forgetfulness and lack of organization can also be symptoms of ADHD.
Daydreaming and Not Paying Attention
Many parents assume that if their kid isn’t bouncing off the walls, there is no way he or she has ADHD. That is flat-out wrong. There are many types of ADHD, and not all include the “hyperactive” component. Some have a “hyper-focus” component that looks a lot like OCD. I can’t urge you enough to have your child tested by a licensed psychologist to rule out any anxiety or learning disorders.
504 Plans
A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for a student with learning disabilities to succeed in school. 504 plans might include a peer note-taker, an extra set of textbooks, a tape recorder or keyboard for taking notes, or any other accommodations your child’s doctor recommends. Most districts will insist the school psychologist (who is not always a licensed psychologist) evaluate your child and decide what accommodations are necessary. I highly recommend you have your own psychologist assist with writing the 504 plan. Schools are so bogged down with politics and funding issues, you need to be your child’s personal advocate.
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 aware of which type of paper works best for your child. If loose-leaf paper works best for notes, provide a folder of loose-leaf paper. That way, all that fine artwork can be left at home or thrown away and not interspersed with schoolwork.