by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed.

"Mom, I can't find my homework!" These words are enough to rattle even calmest parent's nerves. As parents, we try our best to help keep our kids organized, but sometimes, the work that teachers do in the classroom is even more meaningful. We've included lots of articles in our newsletters about ways for parents to help with organization. This time around, we're sharing ideas for teachers.

Over the last few years, I've had the opportunity to be a part of the Northern Virginia ADHD Partnership group. Our goal is to train school staff and parents to meet the academic and emotional needs of students with ADHD. Our tip sheets for teachers were just published in September's Attention! magazine. I hope you find them helpful as your children begin a new school year.

Warm regards,

Ann Dolin

What Teachers Can Do in the Classroom

• Give the student a copy of class notes to ensure that the student does not miss important oral details due to attention, memory, or handwriting difficulties.
• With the elementary level student, consider scheduling time for reorganization of desks and book bags, etc.
• Use assignment notebooks and planners. Check to make sure correct books/materials are packed to go home. Consider allowing the student to keep a separate set of books at home to use for homework assignments. Use checklist to help remember.
• Consider pairing the student with a peer to assist with assignment notebook.
• If teachers post on Blackboard or other classroom websites, the assignments can provide consistent communications between students and parents regarding assignment due dates and expectations. Avoid overextending time limits and opportunities for procrastination. Consider breaking long-term projects into smaller segments with separate due dates.
• Develop a system for submitting completed assignments and maintain consistency for that system (i.e., create a concise routine for turning in assignments). Use colored folders with specific location for completed assignments. Provide frequent reminders and notebook reviews. Use a binder notebook with dividers to avoid loose floating papers. Utilize weekly progress reports. Communicate to parents about missing assignments.
• For secondary students, schedule an appointment with the student to initially set up and assist with organizing the student's notebook. Schedule additional appointments to evaluate the maintenance of the notebook and assist with reorganizing the notebook as necessary.

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a tutoring, test prep, and consulting company in Fairfax, VA and Bethesda, MD. In her award-winning book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Numerous examples and easy-to-implement, fun tips will help make homework less of a chore for the whole family. Learn more at anndolin.ectutoring.com or ectutoring.com.