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Is your child disorganized at School?

Is your child having trouble paying attention and staying organized at school?  Here are some tips and strategies to help them.

For some children, staying on task and being organized to get their work done at school can be very challenging and a source of great frustration for the child and educator.  The classroom environment can have numerous distractions such as noise in the classroom or hallway and visual distraction such as kids getting up, watching things happening out the window etc. Teachers may comment that your child is unorganized and doesn’t pay attention or you may notice the same difficulties at home. 

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

 Organization and increasing attention span are developmental skills that develop with age and practice; however, many children can struggle with these issues. Having difficulty in these areas does not mean your child has ADHD, but might benefit from some strategies to support success. Children with attention deficit disorder can have a very hard time staying on task and staying organized. Having supportive strategies taught early on will help minimize frustration and build success.  Organization and attention on task are key elements to school success and can be enhanced with some simple strategies. Share the strategies listed below with your child’s teacher as well as implement for at home. 

  • Have students facing the teacher and/or the backboard
  • Follow a routine: place timetable/task list on desk or board so students can learn to structure time.
  • Keep student’s desk clear, expect for needed materials
  • Give directions in written form, picture sequence or verbally depending on what works for the child.
  • Break down larger assignments or provide shorter assignments
  • Give one or two directions at a time. Be specific and concise. Repeat.
  • Allow extra time to formulate an answer and to complete tasks and assignments
  • Be aware that complicated workbook pages may be confusing for the child- highlight the main points.
  • Collaborate with the child in developing a system for managing desk top, desk storage, book bag, locker, binder and other personal belongings.
  • Designate a specific time each day to organize belongings.
  • Use one binder with different colour dividers to help them organize their classes all in one place.
  • Use file folder or basket to manage loose papers and schedule time to clean out.
  • Give them the tools such as different colour highlighters, hole puncher, stapler, etc
  • Choose 15-minute work/5-minute break rhythm— use a timer.
  • Allow for use of hand fidgets and/or gum chewing.
  • Flexible class seating- standing desks, laying on floor with clipboard; quiet pillow corners etc. can offer students options for success. 
  • Provide movement breaks to help alert and organize nervous system. 
  • Get your child involved with developing their own solutions to their problems.

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About Sabrina

Occupational Therapist, Mom of 4 and Founder of Enabling Adaptations. Bringing practical advice to parents that can help in those everyday situations. Building connection, and communicating effectively with your unique child to help them reach their greatest potential is my number one goal.

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