Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork

A child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has difficulties focusing on many things, especially schoolwork. Because of this, it is necessary to incorporate certain organizational methods into his routine. There are a number of ways to help a child with Attention Deficit Disorder organize schoolwork, and all of them are easy to implement. Just remember that children with ADD need consistency, and so if you decide to set up some organizational methods, you have to be willing to continue implementing them for as long as necessary.

Steps

 * 1) Set your child up for organizational success and purchase the items she needs to get organized. For example, let your child choose a backpack with sectioned out storage space that can be labeled to help her get organized at school, as well as find and put items away quickly.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 1.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 2) Create a color-coded system for each subject so that your child can find related items fast. Color folders and dividers can hold worksheets and homework. Use color tape and stickers for textbooks that match. Make sure your child is clear about how the color system works.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 3) Pick a location for your child's backpack so that it never gets misplaced. Additionally, get your ADD child into the habit of organizing the backpack when homework is complete. This will ensure that homework is placed in the backpack and that he has everything else he needs for school the next day.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 4) Establish a homework zone that is well-lit and away from distractions, and make sure your child has all the tools needed to get the work done.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 4.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 5) Be a part of the homework process. Set up a time for homework and stick with it. Consider the delayed gratification approach to homework that enforces homework as soon as a child gets home from school, rather than allowing a child to play before homework. Help organize it from the most difficult to the easiest and always review the work when completed. Put up a dry erase board that lists the homework, assignments, and projects. Children with ADD often work better with visuals. Your child can refer to this list and erase what is completed. Break the homework timeframe up by allowing for snack breaks, but only if your child is showing signs of being overwhelmed. You should also be available if you are needed during homework.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 5.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 6) Partner with your child's teacher to create a communication system so that you are aware of all homework and assignments. You want your child to be responsible for this, but having the information will allow you to make sure he is on track. You may also want to ask for progress reports so you and the teacher can deal with issues as they arise and come up with solutions together. Remaining consistent at home and at school is a necessary goal with ADD children.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 6.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 7) Teach your ADD child organizational skills. When you create systems and tools, explain to her what you are doing and for what reason. This way she will learn the methods that work and continue to use them independently and throughout her life.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 7.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 8) Don't enable your child. Your efforts at getting him organized should stop at that goal. Create the system and provide the tools, but don't do anything else for him. Explain how it all works and make sure he follows through.  [[Image:Help a Child With Attention Deficit Disorder Organize Schoolwork Step 8.jpg|center|550px]]

Tips

 * Consider having a second set of text books that stays at home so your child has less to remember. This would be in the event that your child has a really hard time remembering to bring them home.

Related wikiHows

 * How to Help Your Child Get Organized
 * How to Organize Home Systems for ADD
 * How to Care for a Child With Mental Illness

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/organization.htm