The Cougar Connection

Dear Middle School Parents,

As your local AVID teacher, I often see firsthand how organizational skills can make a significant difference in a student’s academic journey and overall well-being. Middle school is a time of increasing responsibilities and demands on students’ time and focus, and strong organizational skills are not just helpful for school, but are essential life skills that will serve your child well into adulthood.

Here are some strategies to support your middle schooler in developing effective organizational habits:

• Collaborate and Empower Your Teen: Your teen’s definition of “organized” might differ from yours, so it’s crucial to work together to set goals and priorities. Let your teen lead the process so they feel invested and take ownership of their space and responsibilities. If you organize things your way without their input, it’s less likely to last. Make the process more engaging by cranking up music or offering small “briberies,” like their favorite food delivered, to keep them motivated. Remember, their room is their sanctuary, so allow them to personalize it within reason to make it feel cozy to them.
• Implement Essential Tools for Schoolwork:
  • The Power of a Planner: Encourage your middle schooler to regularly use an agenda book or academic planner. This can be a physical planner, like those recommended by teachers and preferred by students, which can help them stay organized, manage their workload, and meet deadlines. Or it can be a digital planning app, leveraging technology as an organizational tool. They should write down all assignments, due dates, and even note “No homework” to build the habit. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps and schedule time for each part.
  • Organized Spaces and Supplies: Help your teen establish a distraction-free homework period and a dedicated workspace, like a desk or table, where they can spread out and focus. Encourage them to keep assignments and class information organized by subject using binders, notebooks, or color-coded folders. A simple “homework folder” can prevent assignments from getting lost. Also, create a “drop zone” near the door for items like keys, phones, and school supplies to prevent clutter.
• Master Time Management:
  • Minimize Distractions: Teach your teen that multitasking reduces focus. Encourage them to park their devices and check them only after completing their work. If they listen to music, suggest instrumental or white noise to avoid distraction from lyrics.
  • Structured Planning: Beyond assignments, have them enter other activities like practices and social plans into their planner. This helps them see busy periods and plan their schoolwork accordingly. Use timers for short, focused decluttering or study sessions to make tasks feel less daunting. For students who struggle with time concepts, practicing verbal cues like “first, next, then” can help them master sequencing and prioritize tasks.
• Foster Reflection and Consistency:
  • Metacognition: Encourage your teen to think about how they think regarding organization. Prompt them to reflect on what strategies worked best, what improvements they noticed, and what they would do differently next time.
  • Regular Check-ins: While perfection isn’t the goal, occasional check-ins, perhaps once a month, can help keep things organized before they get out of control. You can review their planner together, using positive and encouraging statements rather than nagging.
  • Patience is Key: Building good habits takes time. Be patient and supportive, especially if your child has challenges like ADHD, where disorganization is linked to brain function, not laziness. Your support and perseverance make organizing a positive experience.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your middle schooler gain the confidence and skills to manage their responsibilities, reduce stress, and achieve greater success in school and beyond!