Students with ADHD, learning challenges, and executive functioning problems often struggle to organize their materials, their time, and their tasks. Parents and educators are encouraged to consider these suggestions as they collaborate to help the disorganized student.
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Try Different Organizational Tools
“Being organized” is not a product you can buy at a store: it is a process of figuring out what will work for your student. Help your student flexibly consider alternatives to keep track of her materials.
Some students do best organizing their materials in one big notebook, while others like to have one notebook for each subject. Some enjoy using an accordion folder, while others like to have a separate folder for each subject. Involving your student in making these decisions increases the likelihood she’ll use her new organizational tools.
When considering backpacks, look for one that has two or more large (full-size) compartments and then designate what to put in each. Try to avoid a lot of small pockets as these usually gather trash. Lots of pockets can result in lots of places to have to look for things. This can’t be avoided entirely, so have her designate what goes in each smaller pocket (keys, phone, pencils, pens, etc.)
Some students do well with one large binder or a “trapper-keeper” style notebook that zips up to avoid losing loose papers. These usually include built-in accessories including a 3-ring binder, accordion folder, and compartment for pens, pencils, and other similar items. Again, it is important to designate what goes where.
Older students may want to use separate binders or folders for each subject. If so, it is important to keep these organized, so that papers are quickly and easily found when needed. For folders, it may be helpful to organize papers from newest to oldest.
Try Two Separate Homework Folders
Some people recommend having a homework folder and marking one side “homework to do” and the other side “homework done.” While this is a good idea, most students I’ve known don’t take the time to put their work in those pockets. It may be more helpful for students to carry two separate work folders:
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One folder that contains homework to be completed (including parent permission slips).
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Another separate folder containing work to be turned in.
Reviewing these work folders should be a daily activity.
After Tests, Keep Papers at Home
After a chapter test, it can be helpful for your student to store graded assignments, notes, and other papers in a file box, file drawer, or accordion folder (sorted by subject). This limits the amount of searching necessary when finals roll around.
Set Up a Good Home Study Area
It is best to complete assignments and study at the same place every day. A desk or table is best, but any flat surface with limited distractions will work. The bed is rarely a good place to work: it’s too comfortable and makes one prone to falling asleep while reading, and then over time, students begin to associate their bed with work and struggle to go to sleep when they need to.
Whatever flat surface your student chooses, it can be helpful to clear off the clutter, and then place the work to do on her left and a folder for completed work on her right. Moving the “work to do” across to the “work completed” file visually shows your student she is making progress and can build motivation to keep going when the going gets tough.
If most of her homework is available electronically, your student would benefit from having a way to check off assignments as they are completed. He or she could also write each assignment on a post-it note and then throw each note away as each assignment is completed.
Make Time to Stay Organized
Disorganized students can benefit from having a regularly scheduled time to clean their desk, locker, notebooks, and backpack. Your student is encouraged to pick a specific day each week and put it on her calendar. This will improve her ability to quickly and easily find her supplies, papers, and materials. For a short time, this may require the assistance of an adult to make this a successful experience.
Consider Alternatives to the School Planner
Because of trouble organizing their time, students with ADHD and other executive functioning challenges may benefit from using a simplified alternative to the typical school planner as suggested in my article about Planner Alternatives.
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(c) 2009-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
