Disorganization

Any tips or advice for helping students get organized should be posted here

Binders and folders- many students do not know HOW to use these things. Show students HOW to put them in logical order, such as sections for tests, homework, materials that are already graded etc. The student had a hard time turning things in and was loosing points on completed work she forgot to turn in. We made sections that were TURN IN, and another that was GRADED. This helped her remember to turn things in and her grade shot up. user:cartierm

Consider numbered hanging file folders in the classroom- Each student has a number and can put things in it-- This is also a good way to pass back papers that don't contain grades- (check marks for completion for example) user:cartierm

Homework: Have students write their homework in their planners during class. Most schools offer a planner/agenda for students. Make an effort to announce homework before class ends, and direct students (esp. younger ones) to take out their planners, write this down, etc. Students need to be shown how to use their planners as a tool. user:decortem

Notebook checks- Have the students take notes, requiring they have certain elements in it, for example the date, title and info from the board. This helps show the students what is important, and you KNOW if they have their notebooks, they can complete their homework. ( I also suggest the teacher have one, so you know what they should have, and it is a good record for absent students) When it is a grade, they are a lot more diligent about keeping it up to date and together. Then before you collect them go through and tell them what they should have in it. I tell them I will collect them on a certain day, but only collect about 5-10 randomly chosen students at time. I check them for the grade, and return them the next day. (This helps with grading overload and pure weight lifting issues) I like doing these about once a month, or once every half unit or so. user:cartierm