Some suggestions for Eileen about organisation?

[Amanda Gray]

Hi, Eileen

I thought, as a special ed teacher, I may be able to help with some suggestions for organisation that may (or may not :) ) work to help you and your son keep on top of things.

First, for assignments and homework, you might want to approach the school and see if they will email them to you/your son. It is much harder to lose an email than a piece of paper, book or diary.

Second, having a designated, colour-coded place to put things can help. Eg. Have a yellow container/folder for Maths books, colour, cover or label everything to do with Maths yellow. And so on with different colours for each subject.

Third, have a set, written routine that your son has helped to write for before and after-school activities. These should include time frames, tasks (and some free time and rewards), and what to do with equipment.

Eg. home time might read:
4pm Arrive home, put bag on desk.
4.15 Snack time. Free time.
5pm Unpack bag, putting all materials in their colour-coded boxes.
5.15 Maths homework
...etc

Hope this is useful. I write about these types of things on my blog as well.

[Eileen]

First, I have to tell you that your blog blew me away. It's awesome!

Next, I just want to say thank you! I cannot possibly explain how difficult these types of things are for me to do. I NEED to have step-by-step, real-world practical suggestions that I can visualize and then DO in order to stay focused and organized. If not, the whole thing will fall apart and I will not follow through.

One of my biggest challenges as a parent has been consistency and follow-through. With an ADHD child to boot, it has tested my resolve to the point of breaking. These may seem like simple suggestions, but to me they are a revelation.

Thanks so much Amanda!

[Amanda Gray]

So glad I could help :)