Tips for Teens on Getting Organized

Tips for Teens on Getting Organized

 While nobody likes to be disorganized, for students with learning disabilities disorganization can spell certain disaster.  Searching for lost assignment or course handouts can take up valuable time, and it's almost impossible to study and meet deadlines when notes from different subjects are all jumbled together.

There's no "right" way to get organized.  Teens need to be creative and flexible until they discover what works best for them.  Here are some tips and suggestions from successful students and adults.

Tips for Students:  Ideas to Help Them Get Organized

Do you know students who are challenged when it comes to staying organized? Share the following tips and ideas with the teen in your life.

• If you work well with technology, use organizer software on a computer, a smartphone or tablet.
• Retype your class notes and save them (with dates and course titles) on your computer.  You can email them to yourself for easy access or use file-sharing software like Dropbox.
• Write reminders on sticky notes or keep list pads around your room, by your desk, in your notebooks, and consolidate all of the reminders on a single "to-do" list every day.
• There are also plenty of smartphone apps that provide digital sticky notes.  Use these when you're on them or all the time if digital sticky notes are easier to compile than their paper counterparts.
• Divide your notebooks into sections for each subject.  Hole punch and insert handouts or assignments in appropriate notebook sections.  Be sure to use dividers, and consider using different colored tabs for each subject.
• If you tend to lose papers, try using a zipper binder to keep track of homework assignments.
• Create a system for tracking papers.  A file cabinet might work well, or you can find a cardboard box large enough to fit file folders, label a folder for each subject, and insert papers in the appropriate file folders in the box.
• Keep keys on a big ring so that you can find them easily, or use a brightly-colored key chain.  If you store homework assignments and other important papers digitally, you can transfer these documents onto a USB device that can attach to your keychain.
• Try a dry-erase calendar board if you want more space (and like using markers!) to keep track of daily times and events.
• Make a daily list (on paper or on a smartphone) of everything you need for classes, labs or meetings.  Include reminders for money, transportation and food.  Check the list every morning before leaving your room so that you know what you have to do.
• If you have trouble keeping track of passwords, try using password manager software like mSecure.

Check out our entire list of iPhone and Android apps that can help your teen stay organized.  If you're unsure which apps to choose, read on for tips on how to choose the right app.

As always, add more suggestions in the comments!

(See: www.ncd.org/students-disabilities/homework-study-skills/tips-teens-getting-organized)

Back to School Organizing Tips for Parents

Back to School Organizing Tips for Parents

     It's that time again!  The new school year is upon us.  During the summer months, we tend to get slack in our organizational skills, both kids and parents.  So, it can be difficult to get back into a good routine once school begins.  Hopefully, parents were easing into their normal school schedule a week or so before school started by practicing earlier bedtimes and getting up with an alarm. Some general suggestions for helping the school year to run smoother and get parents reorganized and re-energized include:
  
Create a morning checklist on a chart or chalkboard for kid's "to-do" items.  Checklists can also be used for after school "to-do" items/activities.

• Plan menus and do prep work for meals on Sunday to free up time for after-school activities and helping with homework.
• Make lunches the night before (have the kids help out with this if possible).
• Help children choose and set out clothes for the next day.
• When supervising homework, set a timer for each subject to help with staying on task.
• Make sure homework and other needed materials are in backpacks before bedtime.
• Create a bin filled with homework tools and supplies that can be easily moved from room to room and checking/restocking the bin on a regular basis.
• Check with teachers to see what is expected for homework (time suggested for doing homework, materials needed, etc.).

LDA of America also provides examples of some more tips for organizational problems: 

• Provide structure as best as possible within your family.  Structuring the entire family along with your LD/ADHD child will provide the child with the guidance he needs. An example:  arise at 7 a.m., dress by 7:15 a.m., bed made by 7:30 a.m., teeth and hair done by 7:40 a.m., breakfast done by 8:00 a.m., and out the door by 8:05 a.m. for the bus at 8:15.  Book bags, homework from the night before should be by the front door.
• Do not allow your child to gain control of any situation.  You are to structure the tasks.  If he throws a "fit" when given responsibilities (for age), then he should be told, "When you are finished you may start with your responsibilities.
• List jobs appropriate for age.  Start with short work periods, i.e., 10-15 minutes in length. Increase the time as his/her interest grows.  Compliment on the job done.  Try very hard not to redo it. 
• Color-code drawers and hangers in his room.  For example, red hangers for shirts, drawers with the red dot for underwear.  Then make a chart so they can follow the colors and hang it on his wall.
• Put a chart with words and pictures in the bathroom for times and chores.  An example would be brushing his teeth with toothpaste (be explicit) at 7:30.
• Always be prepared to redirect the child.  Never take for granted that the child remembers, but try not to hang over him while he is doing the responsibility.  Present the task in short directions and have the child repeat them.

Try using these time-saving organizational tips to help cut back on the often chaotic times parents face, especially when school is in session.  It is important for parents of children with organizational skills challenges (including ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder and others) to stay on top of things by keeping themselves and their children well organized so everyone will have a successful school year.