Are Adolescent Boys Struggling with Disorganization?
Wall Street Journal had a recent article about adolescent boys (Gr 7 -8) struggling with disorganization. It talked about challenges like ‘doing the work but not turning it in’, ‘no follow through on assignments’ and ‘back pack being a mess’.
This article resonated with me causing me to reflect on my numerous conversations over the years with parents of boys in this age group.This is not to say that girls in this age group don't face their own challenges such as a tendency to be a perfectionist, worrier, and/or pleaser; however, the article's focus was particularly on boys.
Of course I am painting here with a broad brush stroke. Individual students have their sets of strengths and challenges, but, time and again, similar themes emerge. Even though the article primarily talks about boys in middle school, in my experience, I will stretch it to at least Grade 10.
After Grade 10, in many cases, things start to get back on track due to the maturation and growth that happens somewhere between Grade 11 and freshman year of college. Unfortunately, by then, academics and GPA have taken a hit.
During this long and bumpy ride through middle school and into the first few years of high school, I do find that an all hands on deck approach is needed. Parents and educators have to be supportive, yet firm. Perhaps it is not the right time to "let them figure it out on their own." They are beginning to look like men, but they still need us! A few things to consider doing with your student until he is invested enough to do on his own:
Show your student how to use a physical planner. While Google calendars are good for reminders, task-oriented check lists, and planning meetings, they are not enough for how to plan for the week and what needs to be done when. Using a paper and pencil planner brings intentionality and makes time visible.
Use Sunday evenings as time to overhaul. For most people Sunday night is the best time to close out your previous week, and plan/prep for the next week. Check out this checklist.
Practice “A Touch a Day” with classes. It takes about 2 minutes. Literally tick off each class on your fingers every day (you choose the time, but try before or after dinner for best results.) Ask yourself these questions:
What did I learn about in this class today?
Do I have any homework due, and if so, when?
Are there any upcoming tests, and if so, when?
It might sound like this: American History–causes leading up to the Revolution, I have to finish the timeline we started in class–already done, He hasn’t told us when the next test is yet. Algebra–linear equations, yes homework, have to look in planner, quiz on Friday. etc.
Talk to your student about his/her learning. Instead of, “How was school today?” which usually elicits a one-word answer, ask questions that require more than a one-word response:
“What did you learn about linear equations?”
“Whose philosophy do you agree with more, Locke or Rousseau?”
“How was using the kiln today?”
“What do you like more about volleyball now than when you started the unit?”
“Teach me three new words in French.”