Getting Organized and Staying Organized for School

Many children need help from the adults in their lives to get organized and stay organized in school. Children with problems paying attention and remember things, like children with ADHD, are especially in need of help. Below are some ideas about organization for school.

• Use color coded folders and notebooks or binders. Along with your child, pick a color for each class your child is taking (for example, red for English) and buy corresponding folders and notebooks in those colors. Write the name of the subject on the front of each folder and notebook. You could use binders instead of folders and notebooks. Be sure to fill binders with lots of paper. You could even add dividers for extra organization.
• Have a planner. Help your child choose a planner and have him/her write down when assignments are due and tests that are coming up. Be sure to get a planner that gives enough space to write. If your child has ADHD he/she may have big, sloppy handwriting so make sure the planner has large boxes for each day.
• Check and re-check. Before your child goes to school, check to make sure he/she has his/her homework and all necessary supplies for the day. Teach your child to write down assignments in his/her planner throughout the day and put homework worksheet in his/her homework folder. Encourage your child to check the planner and homework folder at the end of every class (you may be able to find a watch that beeps at the end of a class period to serve as a reminder to your child).
  Enlist the teacher's help. Ask the teacher to check written assignments for accuracy and the homework folder at the end of class. Also, see if the teacher could check your child's backpack at the end of the day for necessary assignments and books. This could be an official accommodation under a 504 plan. Ask your child's teacher about a 504 plan and work together to make a plan.
  If your child is picked up from school, be sure the person who picks him/her up checks the backpack before driving away.
• Have extra supplies. Have a cabinet in your house filled with extra pencils, pens, erasers, folders, paper, and other school supplies. These things will get lost. Being prepared can prevent problems. Restock school supplies regularly.
• Clean out backpack, desk, and locker weekly. Have a time each week to help your child clean out his/her backpack. Take this time to organize everything. Restock pens, pencils and papers. Put this time on your calendar to make sure it happens. You can also ask your child's teacher if there can be a time each week for your child to clean out his/her desk and locker (this could be an official 504 accommodation). Regular organizing and cleaning can prevent big problems!
• Start at the beginning of the school year. Preparing and organization before school starts can make the school year go smoother. Over the summer, pick up school supplies a little at a time each time you go to the store. Have folders and notebooks labeled and prepared. Get your child's backpack filled with supplies. Talk to your child about how he/she is going to stay organized during the school year.

If the school year has already started and you haven't gotten organized, do not worry. With a little extra effort you can still help your child get organized and stay organized.