Organizing the Disorganized Kid

Presented by:Toby Pleszkun and Hayley

McGovern

Executive Functioning

…refers to a person’s ability to manage or regulate a collection of basic cognitive and emotional processes.

•Response Inhibition/Task Initiation

•Working Memory

•Emotional Regulation

•Sustained Attention

•Planning/Prioritizing

•Organization

•Time Management

•Goal Directed/Persistence

•Flexibility

•Metacognition/Reflection

Does this sound familiar?

What does it mean to be organized?

Easy as 1-2-3 (Ideally)

• Getting organized -the child is where he or she needs to be and gathers the supplies needed to complete the task

• Staying focused -the child sticks with the task and can filter out distractions

• Getting it done - the child finishes a task, checks his or her work, puts it in the right folder, inside a backpack and ready for the next day.

ADHD

Students with ADHD are more likely than students without a diagnosis to display executive dysfunctions

Executive dysfunctions DO NOT mean a student necessarily has ADHD

EF and ADHD are linked, but not mutually exclusive

What Can We Do? In general…..• Remember “One size doesn’t fit all!”• Model systems that work for you• Make structure and consistency a

priority• Create a space just for your child to

work with an organizational system• Files, supplies needed,organizers with

labels,• Build in breaks • Provide rationales• Use Overt Strategy VS. Covert Strategy

What Can We do ?

Specifically….• Use monthly/weekly/daily calendars

(Paper based and/or electronic)

• Color Coding systems• Timers• Alarm watches• Backpacks with several compartments

Strategies

• Daily planning sheet• Break work into smaller parts• Backward Planning• Notepad by their side• Mind Mapping “Mind Maps help you remember information, as

they hold it in a format that your mind finds easy to recall and quick to review.”

• Busy Board• Supply bucket (add snack and water)

Technology

• Skype with a friend • Use electronic devices to record

lists, voice memos, plan projects)• E-reader• Apps (Notes Plus, Evernote, Voice

memos, World Pocket Reference, Course Notes, ireward)

Next Steps…..• Collect my handouts and refer to them as

needed• Think about your child’s learning style(s)(http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/)

• Create a system that works for your child (include child in planning)

• Start small• Create checklists and calendars• Revisit and review systems and progress along

the way.• Keep in mind the three components of success

in planning• 1.materials management• 2.time management• 3. information/idea management.