Say this: “I know I’ve been on your case a lot about being more organized. You’re getting older and I don’t want to nag you. Let’s get prepared for the trimester by setting up an organization system that works for you. Do you have some ideas?”
Or this: “I’ve been thinking about how we fight over homework – especially staying organized. I wish our evenings could be less stressful. What do you think is causing assignments to be turned in late or go missing? Can you think of a better way? I have a couple of ideas that may help. Let’s start out the week on a good note by cleaning out your binder on Sunday evening after dinner.”
SET A “TIME TO TALK"
With your child, agree on a specific day and time to start the process of getting more organized. Set aside 20-30 minutes. Think about scheduling this meeting at a time that would be most beneficial, such as: On Sunday, to prepare for the upcoming week and beyond. Before a new quarter, semester, or school year. On the first day of the month.
CREATE A LAUNCHING PAD & CHARGING STATION
Launching Pad is a contained space for everything related to school that needs to get out the door each morning. It launches the child into the day, equipped with all the right essentials – backpack, charged chrome book, library books, etc. Put it in a well traveled area, preferably near the door your child enters and exits from each school day. A "Launching Pad" can be: a box large basket, dish, pan or any container big enough to house your child’s school items.
Charging Station: Chromebooks that are charged in the same place at the same time every day are more likely to come to school charged. Students who come to school with a fully charged Chromebook are better prepared for their school day. With your student, decide where and when the Chromebook will be charged. Could it be placed inside the backpack on the launching pad and charge over night?
*Consider having an extra copy of the book at home so your student has a home copy and a school copy.
*Students should read with post-its-----Students develop questions to discuss in book club meetings- as students read when they find evidence to help in discussion, they should note it on a post-it.
1. What are you working on? (This requires student to put the directions in his/her own words so you can check for understanding)
2. What is your strongest answer? Why?
3. Ask me a question before you continue. It works better if this is phrased as a request not a question.