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Today I was working with a new student who is quite bright, but struggling in school.  Have you ever heard that before?  We started at the beginning and reviewed all of his systems of organization.  He did not use his planner, but his binders were organized with 65% of the material where it should be.  He and I reviewed his latest reports from his online grading system at school to discover that in most of his classes, he received either A’s or F’s on his work.  Why?

Well, 90% of the F’s were due to not turning in his homework.  He either forgot to do it, or forgot to turn it in.

In this young man’s math class, he received A’s on all of his homework assignments and turned everything in.  It made me stop for just a moment to remember why this student was successful in this class.  He is handed a new sheet that must be completed each day.  The sheet is something tangible that he can locate, complete and return the next day.

The work is consistent and reliable.  This makes organization struggles much easier to manage.

So, how can we do this with the other subjects?  It’s not that easy, because if it were, we would have already instituted the plan.  I do think that today’s session made me think about how consistency is the key to staying organized.  Here’s my advice; if your son or daughter does not get a sheet to be handed in the next day, make sure that you substitute that “sheet” with a specific task for each class.  It may be reading, working on a long-term project, studying for a test, or just reviewing notes.  But, if your child can engage with each subject, even if it is only for ten minutes, he or she will remember to think about all of the subjects each day.

Oh, those summer reading lists languishing on the refrigerator, now obscured by camp schedules and pizza coupons. Many students hate these well-intentioned lists, the required books, thoughtfully chosen by librarians and teachers. Even children who love to read are often wildly resistant to being told what they HAVE to read during summer vacation. Sure, some children rip right through their summer reading lists, encouraged by library programs that offer prizes and recognition to prolific readers. Other students just read the required books because they are supposed to. And then there are the “rebels,” children who object to the intrusion of anything with the whiff of formal education during the summer months. What’s a parent to do?

Now that summer is coming to a close, try some of these tips to help your child’s required reading go a little more smoothly.

Create a reading plan with your child. Using a calendar, look at how many days there are left until school begins, and then make a schedule for finishing summer reading. The calendar will help you both visually see how few days are left, and put the responsibility for dividing and completing the requirement on your child.

Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family’s schedule, reading time might be in the morning, afternoon or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it as much as possible.

Alternate required reading with a reward. Your child will be more motivated to read if the task is followed by something fun.

Read books together and discuss them. You can read aloud together by taking turns by page, or you can get two copies of the book and each read silently. In either case, tell your child what you are thinking as you read and ask your child questions. By reading and discussing books together, you are modeling various ways for children to look at literature. For example, “What do you think this chapter says about the main character’s personality?”; “What will happen next?”; “Do you think the main character was right in what he did?” etc…

Consider an E-Reader. We all know that children love electronics. With an e-reader, your students can customize colors and fonts, and conveniently carry his/her summer reading in a pocket or purse. Anything that makes reading fun and easy is worth a try.

If your child is struggling with reading, try audio books. When reading is hard, using the audio version while reading along in the book is a good way to get through the text.

Studies show that students who read over their summer break perform better on academic testing in the fall, and their first quarter grades see a huge boost. It’s not too late to make up for lost time. Make a plan, commit to summer reading and get it done!

Although summertime is known for lazy days of freedom, many students begin to get bored midway through their break from school. Using extra time to volunteer helps children learn to count their blessings, experience a possible career choice and feel good about themselves. Teenagers have the added benefit of community service experience to list on college and job applications. Depending on their age, volunteer opportunities abound:

Help a child: Teenagers can become a Big Brother or Big Sister or volunteer to host a mini-camp at a local church, temple, hospital or daycare. Coach a sports camp, or find a local Special Olympics group and work towards a valuable cause.

Lift the Less Fortunate: Work in a soup kitchen or cook for one. Gather blankets, clothes, and food to donate to a shelter or charity group. Volunteer in a thrift shop that benefits a good cause.

Encourage Literacy: Read to a child, a visually impaired individual or a senior citizen. Hold a book drive to help a local school, daycare or library.

Promote Pets: Offer to walk a dog for neighbors going out of town, or a nearby dog shelter or veterinary office. Alternatively, hold a pet food drive for an animal rescue group.

Get Political: Even if your children aren’t old enough to vote, state and local candidates are usually grateful for volunteers in all kinds of jobs.

Save the Earth: Participate in a local clean-up day, or contact a nearby park for environmental community service. Plant trees, reclaim a vacant lot or start a neighborhood garden.

These are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities in which children can participate. Some of the greatest community gifts are unique, when kids see a need and work alone or with a group to fill it. When giving up their time, remind your children of these important tips:

• Be sensitive to the different needs, backgrounds and personalities of the individuals you encounter.
• Treat your community service like a paid job. Don’t skip a day, and work hard to do your best.
• Learn as much as you can.

Volunteering can be an eye-opening experience for young men and women, and a rewarding way to spend some free time. The benefits of helping others provide life lessons that will reinforce the values and ethics that form a generous, aware generation.

Your children and your community will thank you.

Congratulations to YOU! We at Thinking Organized would like to express our appreciation to our parents. You who have jumped through hoops to help your children through school; you who have sacrificed work hours and personal time to drive your students here and there; you who have visited teachers, tutors, specialists and school personnel to get your children the help they need; you who have nagged, cajoled, rewarded, set up and maintained structures, instituted schedules, checked grades online, edited papers, built confidence and reviewed study guides; you who go above and beyond every single day. YOU have earned this summer break.

There are so many examples of how Thinking Organized parents make extraordinary efforts to keep their children on track. Just last week when students were furiously beginning their exam preparation, I witnessed two interactions that are typical of the herculean efforts exerted on behalf of our students.

D.S., a high school junior, told his mother that he wanted to do an extra session with me the next day in order to be completely prepared for exams. His mother was thrilled that he was willing to put in the extra time, and suggested a Skype session because of her own work schedule. Looking at the student’s face, it was obvious he wanted to come in person. Looking at his mother’s face, it was obvious she was mentally trying to rearrange many commitments to bring him in person. Go Mom!

J.B., a high school sophomore is a bright, independent young woman who tends to procrastinate and get off focus. However, in therapy, she divided all the tasks necessary for her to finish her research paper and prepare for exams. She was leaving the session with a well-planned schedule to keep her focused and help her accomplish all her work. I asked her father to check in with her on a regular basis over the weekend to ensure that she was on task. You could almost see the aftermath of previous “nagging episodes” play across his face as he replied, “I’ll do my best, even if I get my head bitten off.” Go Dad!

These are just two examples of the events that were repeated all through the weeks before exams. Parents rearranged carpools, forfeited free time, left work early and hired extra drivers to help their children end the school year successfully. You are heroes and we want you to remember the following:

Your hard work is paying off. Your children are listening to the value you place on education and the strong ethics that you are trying to instill. Even when it appears like the last thing they are going to do is take your advice, it is sinking in. They may not be able to reach their goals independently or immediately, but improvement is taking place in terms of motivation, accountability and responsibility. We see it every day.

The entire staff at Thinking Organized would like to thank and applaud our parents for persevering in your efforts despite all odds. Here’s wishing you a very restful summer!

By Ben Zimmerman, Thinking Organized Tutor

As the school year draws to a close, parents begin to ponder many questions:

• Should we consider summer school?
• Do my children really need to read during the summer? They have to read so much during the school year.
• Should I spend hundreds of dollars on camps in the hope that they will generate a creative experience?
• How much help with learning do my students need over the summer?

Summer is a critical time for students, particularly those with learning difficulties, to retain the level of skills and knowledge gained during the school year.  Students lose roughly equal amounts of math skills over summer regardless of the resources in their home, whereas variance in reading comprehension differs largely due to socioeconomic situations.  The reality is that children will not improve upon the skills learned during the regular academic year if there is not an emphasis on continued cultivation in the summer.

Hence, the essential question, “What are the most useful ways to prevent the summer slide?”

Let’s explore some alternatives:

Summer school: Although not usually the first choice for students, summer school can be a good option.  A trusted teacher who knows the curriculum is available to facilitate learning in a familiar setting. Enough said.

Tutoring: Continuing with summer tutoring services through Thinking Organized, provides a myriad of opportunities for students to progress their education as well as work on their areas of difficulty.  Thinking Organized provides convenient, personalized, professional support.  One-on-one tutoring or therapy can be tailored to individual needs, giving children a jump on the school year.

Summer camps: Camps are an excellent opportunity for children to experience activities that are outside of their regular realm of learning.  Socialization, independence and many life skills are among the benefits of summer camps.

Do it yourself: The “easier said than done” option.  In an ideal world your students would be willing to practice math and read independently during the summer.  If you live in the real world, the next best option is having your children work with you to further cultivate the learning done during the school year.

Regardless of what option you choose, don’t forget the FUN! After the routine of school, the pressure of grades and the stress of exams, parents and children both need to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate the end of another school year.

A tenth grade high school student came to see me yesterday because he was having trouble getting his homework finished and handing it in.  Something I see all the time. So, I asked him what system he used for writing assignments down and keeping track of his papers.  He said that he uses his memory for assignments and puts all paper in folders or just in his backpack. Also, something that I hear all the time. Well, I had my job cut out for me.

I introduced three alternatives for writing his assignments down:

1. Use a planner; that was immediately rejected.
2. Use the calendar on the computer; again rejected.  He said that he likes to write work on his hand, so he always has it with him.  Now, some of you might think that this is silly, but I agreed to let him try this because he will have a clear listing of his work and he came up with the idea.
3. Use a  standard monthly calendar; he reported itis too annoying..  But, we agreed that he will use a small, not an 8×11, size monthly calendar to list long-term projects.  This is not your standard way of listing work, but if it works for this student, then it will be extremely effective!!

Next, we tackled the issue of papers.  Many students in high school don’t like carrying binders, that’s ok, as long as they choose something else.  Because this student has trouble keeping track of papers, I suggested using spiral notebooks that have at least one pocket folder for any handouts.  I even like using a spiral graphing notebook for math.  He agreed to use one for math and one for history.  He didn’t think he needed any others because he doesn’t need to take notes in his other classes.  I’m NOT so sure about this, like what happened to taking notes in a literature class, but I left it for the moment.  The final agreement was spiral notebooks in the classes that require note-taking and folders for all the other classes.

We have made a start; it is not where I hope this student ends up, but at least he said he would try.  That’s all I can ask for now because without compliance, I cannot teach any skills.  He is supposed to email me tomorrow to let me know how the new systems are working.  Let’s see if he does and we will see how he progresses.

Some students, especially those with executive functioning weaknesses, have a rather unique view of material organization. Ellie, a conscientious high school student, kept every single piece of paper she received at school. Her backpack kept getting heavier and larger, and by the end of the year, she was toting around a rolling suitcase!  Alex, an easygoing middle school student, showed a strong desire to please his parents (translated from “get them off my back”), although he admittedly didn’t understand the big fuss about sorting and filing papers. His method of cleaning out his backpack was to throw away everything, resulting in seemingly orderly binders. Alex panicked when he needed a study guide for an exam that he had thrown away.  Poor Alex had to dig past coffee grounds, rotting vegetables and last week’s uneaten leftovers to find his much needed notes.

Nevertheless, a new year means new resolutions, and even if you haven’t been well organized yourself lately, now is the perfect time to help your child learn how to maintain important school papers. Pocket folders are a great tool for the disorganized student because papers don’t have to be hole-punched during school hours and therefore are less likely to end up crumbled in the bottom of the backpack.

If your child seems to be disorganized, then make a resolution to go through your child’s backpack every day. Help him decide which papers can be thrown away, which should be kept at home and which should be kept in the binder. Papers that will be saved should be neatly filed in date order. Once your child catches on to this system, you can pull back and monitor the daily clean-out, helping only when necessary. When you think he’s got it, reduce your backpack checks to once a week. Although the final objective is independent material organization, maintaining weekly checks prevents anxiety attacks and desperate late night calls to friends in order to find homework, studying materials and other necessary papers – as well as safeguarding against dumpster diving!

As the year winds to a close, anxiety-producing situations abound. Say “Hello” to Emily, who doesn’t want to spend her whole winter break studying for exams or getting organized, despite the best intentions of her parents and tutors. Meet Jordan, who is frantically trying to produce the perfect college essay by the January 1 deadline or he won’t get into a good college and then won’t be able to get a good job and might as well just kiss his dreams goodbye. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad are struggling to organize the holidays on a budget, while balancing out of town visitors, teenage drama and their own careers. Is your blood pressure rising yet?

It’s true that a moderate amount of stress is normal and can even be a good thing. Some individuals work better under pressure, and enjoy the extra boost of energy that nervous tension can provide. However, everyone’s tolerance for stress differs, and the pressure that can enhance one person’s performance can cause undue anxiety for another. Warning signs that students are experiencing overwhelming pressures may include:

• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feeling overwhelmed, out of control or overly anxious
• Unreasonable or unexplained anger

Learning to manage stress is a process that will help students cope with the rigors of not only academic life, but everyday challenges as well. It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of being over-stressed, and develop techniques to manage pressure appropriately. Students who have practiced effective Thinking Organized strategies throughout the school year will find themselves better prepared and less likely to succumb to “cram-for-exams” panic. However, anyone can find himself behind schedule, and students can practice some basic stress management techniques to help get through this hectic time of year.

• Thinking Organized time management strategies will help students schedule and prioritize tasks to maximize efficiency.
• Remembering to take good care of themselves physically will help children perform their best. Exercise, sleep and nutritious meals keep body and mind healthy and productive.
• Thinking Organized memorizing and studying strategies will help students prepare for tests with confidence.

Students who learn to manage the stress of responsibilities work more efficiently. Using a realistic study schedule that includes breaks and balance will optimize academic performance, and reinforce good coping skills for years to come.