10 Ways to Teach Planning, Time Management and Organization

Teaching students planning, time management and organizational skills is necessary in the classroom as well as at home.  Although some find executive functioning to be quite obvious, there are those that need to learn the process.  Here are 10 recommendations:

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1. Provide verbal, written and even electronic reminders.
2. Let students select their preferred calendar option.  There are daily, weekly and even monthly calendars.  In addition, a calendar can be maintained on electronic devices, computers, wall charts, as well as printed planners.  
3. Offer a calm, supportive and mindful environment.
4. Avoid name calling.  Using terms like "careless" or "unmotivated" only creates negative energy, frustration and helplessness.  
5. Provide short breaks.  Schedule "unstructured time" in your daily routine.
6. Offer a structured and organized environment with clear expectations.
7. Set an example and show how you plan, manage time and organize materials.
8. Praise and reward self initiation.  In the beginning, recognize any movement in the right direction.
9. Schedule time, post routines and communicate expectations around the house or classroom.
10. Provide structure, by offering support and guidance.  In the beginning, do the process together.

Here is a free downloadable PowerPoint on the topic:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Helping-Students-that-Struggle-with-Executive-Functioning

To learn all these strategies and more you can purchase my recent publication Planning Time Management and Organization for Success: Quick and Easy Approaches to Mastering Executive Skills for Student. 

 http://goodsensorylearning.com/planning---organizing.html

Good Sensory Learning