Look, teachers pass out a lot of “stuff.”
Whether you’re working with a first grader or a grad student, help them develop the habit of taking a half hour every weekend to go through the backpack/locker/desk and eliminate the clutter. This includes old assignments, trash, broken pencils, etc.. Of course there are reasonable times to keep things, but ask students to consider if it’s really valuable or if it can be recycled.
In this world of material abundance, letting go of the right stuff is an essential habit. It simply creates more space for the things that matter most.
What do you think? How do we help students learn manage the massive amounts of minutiae they receive? What works for you? Leave your comments below.
Lori Kemmet says
I love organization and thanks for that thought – Georgia’s room is so tidy – she got that from you Seth – thank you for the encouragement.
Lori
Seth says
I’m happy to hear it Lori! Glad to be helpful.
Shelby says
Hi Seth. I love this idea and practice it myself. People often ask how I am able to keep such a tidy house when I live such a busy life and
doing a weekly toss is part of it! I have also found that by chunking things down into bite size pieces in most aspect of my life it keeps them manageable on all levels.
My 14 year old son has been pretty good about adopting this practice too, but my 10 year old really is the one who resists it. He is an inventor, originator, loves to collect anything then build something with his findings. We have had quite some interesting creations in this household over the years from hot air balloons to futuristic ‘people bugs’. I encourage creativity in both my boys and think it hugely important that they can build and create things materially with their hands as opposed to just using a screen and a finger or mouse. But, he is not so great at staying tidy or organized, getting very caught up in a new idea and running with it, leaving a trail in his wake. Know the book “Give a Mouse a Muffin”? It’s like that. 🙂 Any suggestions on how to nurture and support his creativity and innovative side AND help with the organization too? He also seems to have a very different perception of time than many kids, I almost want to say dreamy, which does seem appropriate considering how imaginative he is, a bit like the absent minded professor stereotype. (I’ve tried organizers and systems and they don’t seem to work for him.)
As a new reader to your blog, thanks for writing! I enjoy your topics of discussion.
~Shelby
Seth says
Thanks Shelby. I like your weekly toss idea and I appreciate how well you encourage creativity and letting your boys express who they are as individuals. And chunking is key. I teach that we can chunk in 2 ways, by time or task. So I think I’ll write an article for you regarding your awesome question about your 10yo. But the short of it is this:
1. Homes for everything. Use some big storage boxes and make HUGE labels on all sides (out of sight, out of mind, so make the labels easy to see). Clear boxes may be best for your kiddo. Label ideas: School supplies, tools, random stuff, queue (for current projects), electronics, books, sports, shoes, etc.. The queue is an important one for his “wake” of inspiration.
2. A catchall. Label one big container “Catchall.” When it’s time to clean up, he can get everything into it’s home or at least into the catchall for later sorting. I usually make a catchall of sorts for kids in folder form as well. I teach them to never put stuff in the wrong folders and never cram it in the bottom of the backpack. At least if it’s in a catchall folder it can be sorted later. This works but they need specific guidance several times, so be patient and persistent.
3. Ownership. Do it with him, not for him. Make him a part of the process, set aside a day for a “system overhaul.” Have him pick out the boxes, labels, colors, etc.. Plan in breaks, turn on his favorite music, make it fun.
4. Bite size. Make sure the chunks are bite size. “Clean your room” is too abstract and overwhelming. Try, “can you clean your room for 5 minutes?” And once the train is moving, add on from there! The point is, make it verrrry reachable and them push just past the comfort zone. You might be surprised how far you can get.
5. “Time perception” is another huge article in and of itself, but I use timers with most of my students. They need to develop a sense of time. Time is very abstract and the timer makes it more concrete. How I do this is quite involved, so more on that later. Check out the “Time Timers” (or I like simple, cheap digital timers too.) Quick tip: Ask him how long he thinks he needs, have him set the timer for that amount of time. Do NOT correct him if he is way off, let the beeping do that and ask him about his estimate. Think of it as him learning to calibrate.
Finally, the way I see it, there are overhaulers and maintainers. You’re more of a maintainer, the 10yo an overhauler. Maintenance habits are hard to develop-brushing teeth, making bed, turning in hw, using planner, etc.. He needs regular overhauls because too much maintenance will drive him crazy. So have him schedule those in! One project at a time or chunk by time (i.e. let’s attack the closet for 30 min this weekend. Often, once the momentum is going he will go for more than the chosen time anyhow!)
Thanks so much for your comment-keep them coming!
Seth
Jason says
I always feel liberating and organized when I clear out papers and clutter. I think this small bit of advice can really pay off huge dividends when it comes time to site down and get some work done. Well said Seth!
Seth says
Thanks Jason. Happy clearing!