Executive Function Toolkit- Backpack organization

 

Understood.org identifies executive function as the “set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking and self-control.” Students with Executive Function issues often are most easily identified by struggles with their inability to organize their universe. This is particularly true of backpacks and lockers. If your child struggles with missing assignments, not being able to find materials they need or spending excessive time rummaging for things in their backpack, they have this challenge. If they deny they need to organize their materials, these three questions can highlight the contrary view. I have worked with students organizing their backpacks/folders/desks/etc. I use this strategy and my high schoolers typically are receptive to the work.

One of my favorite resources on executive function is Seth Perler. He is a coach that publishes a weekly vlog about a huge variety of executive function concerns. His work targets students, parents and teachers at various times.

His routine on cleaning the backpack is as follows:

1.       Explain what is going to happen.

2.       Give permission to remove anything personal that they do not want to share.

3.       Remove everything from backpack.

4.       Go through every single thing. Things go into the garbage, an archive location or a binder/folder to return to school. Talk about it. If things need to be submitted to a teacher, make a plan for doing so. (For a child with real trouble, an email to the teacher as a reminder to specifically ask the child for the work or even scan and submit the assignment for the child.)

The important thing is that this is a manageable chunk of work, when it is done with someone. Also, it needs to be done every week. Set aside a time that works for your family: afterschool on Friday, Monday after dinner, Saturday morning before fun things are done, whatever works for your family. How long it needs to be managed by an adult depends on the individual. Age, organizational skills, motivation, etc. can all play a role here.

Seth’s video about this activity is found here. I strongly recommend using him as a resource.