+1!!Anonymous wrote:I also think that working on the binder can be huge. Helping children understand which papers to keep and which papers to toss. Going through Edline and making sure that papers are turned in. We tell students to check out their grades, but then don't really tell them the next step - see what you are missing, check if you have the paper, turn it in.
Anonymous wrote:Well, what do you do when your kid (5th grade) fights and refuses to let you go through binder? Says he has it under control but you know he doesn't? My mother never went through my stuff, so I understand where he's coming from…but I've seen middle school organization sessions they should be teaching in the lower grades!
Anonymous wrote:I would suggest this book: " Get Organized Without Losing It (Laugh & Learn)" by Janet S. Fox, I've seen it in the Scholastic flyers the kids bring home, as well as the usual online sources and bookstores (at bookstores you may need to order it).
Even though it looks like a book for little kids, the middle schoolers appreciate the humor and maybe the book will teach them some useful skills. It's great for younger kids too.
Anonymous wrote:You need to have weekly meetings with calendars (online or paper) and list all to-dos, short, medium and long term goals. This is easily a couple hours long meeting the very first time, but it becomes better.
This is the first essential step.
Have a daily routine calendar and also a work calendar.
It is so true! It is the MOST important skill to develop in kids. Come high school, it really doesn't matter if they have done A quality work if they don't have a system for handing it in!
We have already seen in middle school -- brilliant children of brilliant parents -- pulling C's or worse!