Lesson Plan
Organized for Success! Lesson Plan
Students will identify current organizational challenges and explore practical strategies for managing materials and time, fostering a sense of control and reducing stress.
Developing strong organizational skills is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. This lesson helps students build a foundation for managing their responsibilities effectively, leading to improved grades and reduced anxiety.
Audience
7th Grade Students (Individual Session)
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction on organization strategies, followed by personalized goal setting and practice.
Materials
Student Organization Guide](#student-organization-guide), and Parent Email Draft
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Organized for Success! Lesson Plan and familiarize yourself with the activities.
- Review the Student Organization Guide to ensure you understand the strategies.
- Adapt the Parent Email Draft as needed before sending to the parent.
- Ensure a quiet, private space is available for the individual session with the student.
Step 1
Introduction & Goal Setting
3 minutes
Begin by welcoming the student and explaining the purpose of the session: to help them find ways to feel more organized and less stressed about school.
- Ask the student to identify one or two areas where they feel most disorganized (e.g., locker, backpack, homework, time management).
- Establish a shared goal for the session, such as 'By the end of this session, we'll have a plan to tackle your backpack clutter.'
Step 2
Exploring Strategies
7 minutes
Introduce the Student Organization Guide and discuss practical strategies. Focus on the areas the student identified.
- For backpack/locker: Discuss sorting, labeling, and a 'home' for everything.
- For homework: Talk about a dedicated workspace, a planner, and breaking down big tasks.
- For time management: Introduce simple scheduling techniques.
- Use the Slide Deck: Organized for Success! as a visual aid during this discussion.
Step 3
Personalized Plan & Next Steps
5 minutes
Collaborate with the student to create a simple, actionable personal organization plan.
- Have them choose one or two strategies from the Student Organization Guide they feel confident trying.
- Discuss when and how they will implement these strategies.
- Briefly explain that you will be sending a supportive email to their parent/guardian, inviting collaboration. Show them the Parent Email Draft and answer any questions.
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Slide Deck
Organized for Success!
Welcome! Let's explore ways to make your school life smoother and less stressful through organization.
Welcome the student warmly. Explain that this session is about finding ways to make school feel less overwhelming by getting organized. Keep it positive and supportive.
Why Organization Matters
- Less Stress, More Calm
- Finding What You Need, When You Need It
- Better Grades, Easier Homework
- Feeling in Control of Your Work
Discuss how being organized helps. Link it to their experiences if possible (e.g., finding homework, less stress before tests).
Where Do You Feel Stuck?
Think about your school day:
- Is it your backpack? Your locker?
- Keeping track of assignments?
- Managing your time for homework and fun?
This is a key interactive slide. Ask the student directly about their biggest challenges. Listen actively and non-judgmentally. Their responses will guide the rest of the session.
Simple Steps to Get Organized
- Designate a 'Home': Every item needs a specific place.
- Use a Planner: Write down all assignments and due dates.
- Clear Out Clutter: Regularly remove unnecessary items.
- Break It Down: Big tasks become smaller, manageable steps.
Introduce general strategies. Depending on the student's previous answers, focus on relevant points from the Student Organization Guide. Keep it simple and actionable.
Your Personalized Plan!
What's one small step you can take this week to feel more organized?
Let's write it down and make a plan together!
Work with the student to choose one or two ideas they want to try. Emphasize that it's about finding what works for them.
Reading
Student Organization Guide: Your Path to Less Stress!
Feeling overwhelmed with school stuff? Don't worry, you're not alone! Getting organized can make a huge difference, helping you feel calmer and more in control. Here are some simple tips to get started:
🎒 Backpack & Locker Power-Up
- One In, One Out: When you put a new paper in your backpack, quickly check if there's an old one you can take out (and file or recycle at home).
- Folder Fighters: Use a separate folder for each subject. Label them clearly! Keep papers for different classes separate.
- The "Everything" Pocket is a No-Go: Try to avoid one big pocket where everything gets lost. Use smaller pockets or pencil cases for pens, pencils, and other supplies.
- Locker Love: Just like your backpack, give everything in your locker a home. Use shelves or magnetic bins if allowed to keep things tidy.
📚 Homework & Assignment Headquarters
- The Mighty Planner: Use a planner (digital or paper) to write down all your assignments, tests, and projects. Check it every day!
- Dedicated Workspace: Have a specific, quiet place at home where you do homework. Keep it stocked with supplies so you don't have to hunt for them.
- Break It Down: Big projects can feel scary. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps. Write down each step in your planner.
- The 15-Minute Rule: If you're stuck on something, work on it for 15 minutes, then take a short break or ask for help.
⏰ Time Taming Tips
- Routine, Routine, Routine: Try to do homework and study around the same time each day. Your brain loves a routine!
- Prioritize: Figure out what needs to get done first. What's due tomorrow? What's a big project due next week that you should start?
- Balance is Best: Remember to schedule time for fun, too! Taking breaks and doing things you enjoy helps your brain recharge.
✨ You Got This!
Getting organized is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Start with one small change and celebrate your progress! Even tiny steps can make a big difference. I'm here to help you along the way!
Script
Subject: Checking In About [Student's Name] and Organization Skills
Dear [Parent/Guardian Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm reaching out today regarding [Student's Name] and some observations we've made at school concerning their organizational skills. We've noticed that [Student's Name] occasionally struggles with keeping track of assignments, managing materials, or maintaining an organized workspace.
As you know, developing strong organizational habits is a key component of success in middle school and beyond. It can significantly reduce stress and improve academic performance.
I recently had an individual session with [Student's Name] to discuss some strategies and create a personalized plan to help them in this area. [Student's Name] was engaged and identified [mention one specific area student identified, e.g., "backpack clutter" or "remembering assignments"] as a key area they want to improve. We looked at some tips from a Student Organization Guide and they chose a couple of strategies to try.
I believe that a collaborative approach between home and school will be most beneficial for [Student's Name]. I'm wondering if you've observed similar challenges at home, and if you would be open to discussing ways we can support [Student's Name] together. Perhaps we could brainstorm some consistent routines or strategies that could be implemented both at school and at home.
Please feel free to reply to this email or call me at [Your Phone Number] to schedule a brief chat. I'm confident that with our combined support, [Student's Name] can develop stronger organizational skills and feel more confident in their schoolwork.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
School Counselor
[School Name]