Using your Child’s Organizational Style to help them Succeed

In my last post I talked about finding out your child’s organizational style. The reason we start with this is because the best way to help your child succeed is by creating an environment in which they can be successful. It’s like if we ask someone in a wheelchair to go to the 2^nd floor of a building that only has stairs. We wouldn’t expect them to do that without environmental accommodations. It is the same thing with executive functioning skills. 

            So, if you found your child’s organizational style, here are some ways you can help arrange the environment they will be working in.

Supports for Individuals with a “Visual Organizational Style”

“Your child is sensitive to what she sees. If there are a lot of visual stimuli at her work area, she will be easily distracted.”(Kutscher and Moran)

Motto: Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

• A backpack that has less pockets. The more pockets there are, the easier it is to lose things
• A planner that is bright so that it is easy to find
• Separate binders for each subject (this makes it easier to find items that are related to a specific subject. Lots of papers in one binder cause visual overload)
• They may not like an accordion folder, because it has lots of pockets and can be overwhelming
• They prefer single subject notebooks (a three subject one can be overwhelming)
• They prefer specific subjects to have specific colors (blue=math)
• They need to have all essential items within viewing range (essential items= pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, tape, stapler, calculator)
• If an item is tucked in a drawer, the child will forget about it
• Use file boxes with removable tops instead of drawers
• Avoid deep containers where things can get lost in the bottom
• Working on a bed may be too distracting
• A locker at the end of the hall may work better because there are fewer distractions
• Need to see items directly or they will have a difficult time finding them
• Remind your child to keep things up close to the front of the locker, once it goes to the back it will be impossible to find
• Consider using locker shelves
• They like to see upcoming activities in the month (calendar)

Supports for Individuals with a “Spatial/Cozy Organization Style”

• They need a backpack that feels good and is comfortable
• They need a planner that displays the week across a two page spread
• They prefer a single binder which keeps all the school work in one place
• They may prefer a three subject notebook because of the convenience of having a few subjects together within reach
• They have to feel good when they sit at their desk
• They need to have everything within reach
• They need to be able to move freely/ they learn best while moving
• May like an open file cabinet on wheels, so they can move it to their location
• Do not use deep containers, they need easy access to items
• Feeling comfortable is essential for these learners
• May prefer to study on a bed; however, studying in an unkempt bed may result in wasting time looking for things
• May want a locker at the end of the hall for more elbow room
• All items in locker should be within reach
• They will difficulty finding an item that is not within reach
• Calendar= like spaces provided to write their activities for each date

Supports for Individuals with a “Chronological/Sequential Organizational Style”

• A backpack that has compartments that will provide order
• Prefer placing subjects in a sequential list in a single binder
• Prefer accordion folders
• May prefer a spiral notebook because it can go into a binder
• Containers that are stackable work sell since they can access the material in the order they prefer
• Lots of desktop space
• May want a locker close to their classes
• They need to make their own order. It may not make sense to anyone else, but it will make sense to them
• May prefer electronic planners/ways to keep track of assignments
• These are number people. They want to know how many days till something is going to happen
• Prefer tech calendars

The biggest thing to remember is that our organizational style may not work for you kid; a system taught by a well intentioned teacher may not work for your kid; the most expensive and evidence-based system may not work for your kid because your kid has unique learning needs. And that is great!