The Rose: Yes, he does keep his backpack at his desk. He doesn't carry the agenda with him but he does have a daily homework log that he doesn't fill out most of the time. He might bring it home Monday and then we won't see it again for the rest of the week no matter how often I remind him. Yes, I am close to the school. I've picked up homework for him and brought it home but it got to the point where we decided to stop that because he needed to be held responsible for remembering to get his own work. I email his teacher on a daily basis to ask for his homework assignments so I know what he's supposed to be doing. Even still, when he fails to bring his books home and or his homework sheets, there's not much that can be done at that point in time. Unfortunately, the money reward system didn't work very long for my son. Taking things away from him doesn't work either because he has a very non chalant attitude and doesn't care because he knows he'll get it back "one day". So he'll wait patiently until he finally gets it back. I have seriously tried just about everything.

EXCELLENT IDEAS AS USUAL!! Thanks gang!! I'll let you know how it goes :) Take care!!!

Some think 'Alphasmarts' and laptops help - and perhaps they do if the student can manage not to lose them. It would help to understand what if anything the school is doing for him if the school is aware of his diagnoses.
I found having one binder for homework helps rather than several. The uncompleted homework goes in that binder and goes back in when it's done. Someone must help him to go through his backpack every night picking out the crumpled papers and putting them in their proper place.
A website where teachers post the nightly homework would be helpful and something every school should be doing. E-mailing you his assignments would be helpful if there's no website.
Rewards won't work but his issue is a lack of internal organization - ADHD people including me have an issue with that. You can't reward away an underlying issue. He needs strategies and hands-on help more than charts.
How many classes does he have? Do all of them assign homework? Get a huge calendar - no lines - for home. Write long term projects on it. Everything else should go into a single binder just for homework assignments and back into that binder when they're done. Go through the backpack nightly with him.
buy second copies of the textbooks if you possibly can so he doesn't have to remember and lug them home. They can be bought - sometimes even rented - online these days.
Good luck with this and I hope you'll keep posting and let us know how it goes.

To Japrynge: Does he keep his bookbag at his desk? If so, tell him to put his books and notes in his bag after each subject. Does he carry an agenda? If so, ask the teacher to make sure he has it written down and the right books in his bags. Are you close to the school? If so, go back to the school to retrieve homework. That does work in some cases. Have some type of reward system, with a negative component in. When homework is not there, take something that he cannot live with for a specific period of time, or something else like each week starting with a specific amount of money, such as $10.00 and for each day homework is not in the bag, $1.00 is deducted off the $10.00. By the end of the week, a kid may have $1.00 or maybe $8.00. Or perhaps it may be in a debit area, where the debit is taken off in the next week. I did this with my kid back in grade 4. It certainly work with her, and motivated her to at least take her homework home. I removed it a couple of years later, when I seen her doing it without regard of receiving an award. But by that time, the reward system was concentrating on other areas such as studying, and doing her homework.
Who knows, it may work.

It seems like the majority of the discussions here are with children that are in junior high and high school. Can anyone give me advice for a 4th grader who is going through the exact same thing right now? We've done the IEP's, we're currently doing the different color folders (only two, red and green) and it's not working. He's still forgetting his homework and or not doing his homework, not performing well in the classroom most of the time and can't focus. What can I do? I email his teacher on a daily basis however, when he doesn't bring home his homework, I really can't do too much other than review what I know he's working on in class. He's is extremely disorganized, at home and at school. We can't seem to keep him on task or find anything that works for him.

Motivation is key at this age. I also found rewards at home was not all that effective. In fact, I still can't get my child to write in an agenda her homework and assignments. What was not mentioned, disorganized kids have another problem keeping their notes altogether. Every year, I spent a lot of money finding a system for my child. I think I finally hit the magic bullet this year. I brought a number of "Five Star Flex" note binders, that acts like a notebook and works like a binder. It includes, 2 divider notepockets, 3 note protectors, and some really nice heavy note paper. Each binder is a different colour, for each subject. The first few pages is where she puts her homework assignments, and the rest is divided into sections depending on the subject. If the teacher requires a portfolio, it can be quickly turned into a portfolio without removing a single page. When a few units are finished, all the notes are removed and put into a regular binder with different colours, and put on the book shelf, until it is needed for studying purposes. At final exam time, she has all her notes in one binder for each subject.
It is worth the price, because the binder is soft and flexible and as a result, it can be used as if you are writing on a clipboard, or a notebook, without ever removing paper or the binder rings getting in the way. For my child, it works because she never has the need to transfer papers or put it in another binder during the course of the day. As a parent, I just need to look at one binder, or spend time trying to sort out all her notes at the end of the week. Since the new school year, I have done very little sorting out of bits and pieces scattered all over the house.
One can take a look at the binders at www.hilroy.ca or for Americans at www.mead.com.

We have 4 children - our EdVisons charter shool is great for our 4 children. The kids are all different and the school isn't a one-size fits all. One of my boys is extremely unorganized. This advise came from my sister-in-law (school teacher & mother of 4). #1. Get a date book. 5 days across and lots of room for writing down school tasks. #2. walk in to the teacher each day with that book (have this set up b4) and have your child open up the calendar and review infront of teacher what is due. If you have to go to each teacher and do this (it's worth it). continue this pattern until your child has a better track record with assisgnments. From my experience - we have to find what motivates our kids and to most children at the mid-school age... not having parents involved is their motivation. This isn't ment to belittle them, but it gets their attention and does create a bond with all 3 people involved. parent, teacher, child...

Our school as now incorporated a calendar method starting in the 1st grade. They love this method and so do I. My 1st grader and 4th grader and 10th grader are doing stellar with this method and it's how the "real world" works too. Our 4th grade teacher has a monitary method he does with all kids. It's called Mr. Hoon money. Fake money if given out if your homework is turned in ($50) if no homework it costs you $60.00 and you can also get money for having your parents sign off on the calendar each day. If you are ever in the hole - you can do extra work or sit out during recess (i hate that one) but my 4th grader has set out a few times. He is learning about money a lot too.

Our youngest is only 3 so she will follow. But be patient, be dilligent, set up with teachers first and it's a great workhorse. Good luch

Hi jfreilly!!
I thought I was reading something I wrote about my son when you were describing your son!! :) I am so glad to know there is a light (or that there is one somewhere, we just have to find it!). I am terrified about my son going to public school just for fear of every teacher telling my son "it will all get worse and harder in high school" Nice! I don't call that preparing, I call that a scare tactic that does not work and just causes anxiety in kids. But what do I know, I am not a "trained professional" :) Thanks for sharing your story with me, it definitely helped make me feel not so alone because I sure do!
Take care ;)

I have dealt with this issue with my son who is now 15 and a freshman in highschool. In 7th and 8th grade he would forget to do homework, wait to do major projects until the night before they were due (if he did them at all), or do his homework and then never hand it in. The work he did hand in was A quality, but he ended up with C's. We were in a public school and did have an IEP which was somewhat useful, but not the solution by any means. What this did was make the teachers aware of the issue and legally force them to be somewhat more understanding. Some were terrific, others, not so much. Since you are in a private school situation you will have to try to work with each of your child's teachers, one on one, to be advised of his homework assignments. Perhaps a school guidance counseler can help intercede where the teacher is particularly reluctant to help.

Some have suggested lists and I would concur - checklists work wonders. Another thing to think about is an agenda or datebook. In our school system they are called binder reminders, simple datebooks in which the students are encouraged/forced to write down all of their assignments for every class on the date they are due - very helpful organizationally. You might also suggest he get the phone number/email of a friend in every class who is better organized where he can get the assignment info before he leaves school for the day.

The most amazing thing that we found in this whole process, and the thing that finally got my son organized, was self motivation. We tried all the reward systems, tried to show him the connection between turning homework in and grades, etc. and nothing really worked. In 7th and 8th grade we had a modicum of success rewarding him with computer game time (a pretty big motivator) if he successfully turned in homework a couple of days in a row.

The real breakthrough came when he got to high school. His new school had a strict rule - no homework, you complete it after school. This meant missing athletic practice for whatever team you were on which in turn meant missing playing time in the game or getting kicked off the team. Within a week of the beginning of school, my son was turning in all of his homework on time!! Needless to say, he loves sports above all else. You need to find the right motivator and match the penalties and rewards.

Things are by no means perfect - we still have mad scrambles in the morning looking for homework completed the night before and lots of phone calls or text messages to classmates asking "what was the homework in this class or that?," but these are things that he is initiating and following through on - even emails to teachers if he misses a class, because he has found the motivation.

There is hope.

Hi Musegenius!
Thanks!! Great advice!! I will try! I will try ANYTHING at this point! :)

I am and IEP Advocate and I make recommendations for and to parents all the time. I would suggest that the first step is set a daily routine at home. Get him in the habit of a daily routine. Speak with his teacher about strategies you guys can create together to get him into the routine of class if he doesn't have it already.

Next, get him an organizer and write down everything he needs to do and check off when they are completed. This he would need to do everyday. It calls for diligence on your part because you will need to make sure there is follow through on him executing his steps. It will be rocky at first but this will get him into the habit of organizing.

Have all his work organized in binders by section, and together you walk each other through the process. For these issues it takes repetitiveness, follow through and accountability. He cannot do it alone.

I hope this helps.

If you haven't already, you might want to have him tested for executive function. If there's a neurological problem there, it would account for the inability to organize. Ed psych testing should be able to pick it up. The diagnosis doesn't cure anything, but it leads to greater understand and compassion, and helps with self esteem.

Hey there aammom615!
It's been a couple weeks, and I was wondering how things were going for you and your son...

Thank you all! You guys have helped me more than the doctors and psychologists we've seen have told us!! :) Thanks everyone!!

aammom615, did you know there's a formal term for gifted people who also have ADHD and/or LDs? It's "2e" or "twice exceptional," and I've listed many, many resources at community.greatschools.net/groups/16042. Your son is not alone!

Dear momlaw618,
Your child sounds like my oldest with testing in school fine but the rest of the work, not so great :) My oldest tested gifted but with his ADHD the teachers just thought he didn't care and was lazy in public school. It was awful for him. My 13 year old isn't as lucky and is average but completely unorganized. Those are great tips!! I can't wait to try them!!! Thank you so very much for taking the time to share and help. Take care!

Oh, one more thing... without stepping on anyone's toes-and since I'm not sure how well Michigan schools comply-I'm not certain that having your child "evaluated" in order to get an IEP or 504 plan is the answer. You obviously have had him medically diagnosed as ADHD/LD already, and unless you are ready to put him into "special ed" it may be a pointless procedure. (keep in mind that some SE classes trim what is taught and if he's to ever re-enter regular classes, he may have to face another challenge-being academically behind/below grade level)
Organizational skills is a learned habit. If he is doing fine and passing his tests (my son was "upside down" too- he'd ace tests and oral reviews, but didn't complete/have classwork-homework turned in, lose it, etc.) then he apparently is paying enough attention to learn the material-what he needs is to get motivated and learn new habits.
Remember, these plans are harder to enforce as the child moves up through jr high and high school. Each teacher must be on board for these contracts to work; believe me, all it takes is ONE teacher not in compliance to cause an avalanche of problems. Child becomes frustrated cause he's trying, but teacher isn't supportive, so child doesn't see the point of working so hard when effort doesn't change grade, so then child starts to slowly give up in each class, which then previously compliant teachers figure if child isn't doing their part and is just falling behind anyway, why should they make extraordinary efforts to help student, and before you know it, you are sitting in the counselor's office trying to figure out what went wrong! Some benefit and really need special contracts and plans- I'm not saying otherwise- I'm just sharing what I have seen in my son's case. I by no means intend for my comments to offend anyone.

I have had the same issue with my (now 16 yr old). The only thing that has ever worked consistently, from 1st grade- present day, has been LISTS. It will take effort on your part to check each one daily, make new ones, etc. These lists should be written on BRIGHT colored index cards- I used neon colors- taped on the front of binder where your child can easily view them and a PEN somehow attached to the binder's front. There should be a list for each class, in the order of his schedule;my son's lists contained these things: 1. turn in homework. 2. listen to teacher when he/she is talking. 3. check board for new assignments.4. write down homework assignments, instructions.(if no hw, write NO HW in planner)5. double check for handouts/worksheets needed.6. Turn in completed classwork.7.If I don't understand something, write down my question.8. ask teacher question/for help. As your child goes through this list, he should cross out each item as it is completed. In order for the list remedy to work he must cooperate and do his part. You should also alert his teachers that you have implemented these lists to assist him and all you need from them is to please allow him some leeway/freedom to check his list.**Remind him that when he's in class, not to interrupt teacher- he must review his lists quietly, not outloud. (yeah, at first my son would read them outloud to himself...lol...)
In time, he will begin to automatically do these things on his own- it will become routine. At home, you can use a large dry erase board. Write each class in order just like his lists, with the one side for him to check off items, and the other half for you to double check his work. (and make sure he's putting his homework back in appropriate folders where he can easily locate it-)
See, medication only makes it POSSIBLE for the child to focus without the neurological interference-it is up to your child to dicipline himself so he can get organized. However, your child cannot do it on his own. You have to assist him by giving him workable, reasonable, and usable tools. Stay consistent,make sure he stays consistent, and you'd be surprised how he pulls it together. It took my son about 4 or 5 weeks to get into the groove on his own- where he was doing things automatically or making his own lists. This system also helped with home responsibilities as well!

Thank you so much, ladies, for all your help!! This has been such a frustrating issue!! And I am sick of hearing "your son is so unorganized" from the teachers. No kidding!!! What do we do about it!!?? If the organizer they have him sign every day isn't the answer, what is???? I have tried so many different things. I even told him to write on his hand at the end of the day his assignments just to remember something!! I am not the best example of organization so that probably hurts him. I wish we could afford a tutor but this private school is already costing us every extra penny we have. So frustrating!!! :)

Virtually all people with ADHD have executive function disorder, but not necessarily the other way around. Meds will not teach the skills that someone with EF disorder need to learn such as planning, organizing, keeping track of time, checking etc. But, for someone with ADHD -inattentive type, they may allow them to attend enough to learn the skills and remember to apply them.

It's tough, because all of these issues are so intertwined. Great Schools has a wonderful article on Executive Function that you all may like to read: www.greatschools.net/LD/identifying/executive-function-lens-to-view-your-child.gs?content=1017

In addition, I have learned a lot about how to help my child through these two books:

"No Mind Left Behind" by Adam Cox and
"Late Lost and Unprepared" by Joyce Cooper-Kahn.

Good luck!

Your son sounds like he has issues like my daughter had/has. She was diagnosed w/ ADHD (inattentive) in 1st grade. When she was in 11th grade she was going thru a battery of evaluations and it seems like her ADHD has morphed from that, to some kind of Executive Function disorder, basically, bad organizational skills. It was explained to us that ADHD medicines would not help her. The coach said to deal with this issue, she needs to embrace what it would take to overcome her weaknesses like making lists, using a calendar, making notes, revamping her organization at home and at school. Now, she is an organizational monster and helps me. But she has to work at it. Maybe your son has this Executive Function issue. It is not very prevalent and if you were researching you would REALLY have to search. If he goes to a counselor for ADHD, maybe they know something about this. Good luck.

Hi MomVic -
Having a tutor on the inside can often work wonders. In fact, this is what we are doing for my oldest child who is in HS and does not qualify for an IEP. But, at $55.00 per hour it is an expensive option.

If a child can qualify for an IEP, tutoring services can be scheduled into his day, teachers are obligated to work with the learning specialist/tutor, and there is no cost to the parents. Every child on an IEP is guaranteed a free and appropriate public education (otherwise known as FAPE). If this parent can get the student evaluated and on an IEP, she should press for these kinds of services.

If the child does not qualify - a tutor is a great option too. It's just a bit more difficult to schedule and finance!

My nephew sounds just like your son... Same age and grade. My mother-in-law hired a teacher from the school to "tutor" him. Mr. G is on the "inside" so he can go to his teachers and get his assignments and keep my nephew straight. He is also teaching him organizational skills. It does cost money, but so far, so good. Not sure what is going to happen when he gets in high school. Hopefully, he will pick up these skills and use them when he gets his system together. Good luck... I know it is frustrating!

Yes - refer your child to special ed and begin the process by requesting an evaluation using Shari's resources. The district is obligated to evaluate (not screen) your child within 60 school days or so (less in some states) once you have consented to an evaluation. It is not optional on their part.

The key is to make the request in writing and to follow up!

Once your son is evaluated, the evaluation team will write up a report that should include test and sub test scores, analysis and interpretation, and RECOMMENDATIONS. In writing, ask for a copy of this report at least 48 hours prior to the eligibility meeting so that you can read, digest, and formulate questions. If you ask for the report in writing, they must provide it. If you don't ask, most likely they will give it to you at the meeting which is a huge disadvantage.

The school will call a team meeting to discuss the evaluations and determine eligibility. If your son is found eligible, you will write an IEP that includes his current skills, goals, accommodations and specialized instruction.

YES - press the issue of evaluation. The IEP would give him protection, support and instruction that he seems to need.

How to request the district to evaluate (not screen) your child... You can use this letter for private schools as well the only exception is you need to send the letter via certified mail to the school principal AND be sure to send a copy of the letter to your public school district spec ed dept too. Services can be provided via your public school district in the private school.
community.greatschools.net/advice/213/How-to-request-the-district-to-evaluate--not-screen--your-child----

A COMPARISON of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504
www.ed.gov/results.html?cx=017789009494528204701%3Auzmeqn9qqxo&cof=FORID%3A9&hq=-archived%3A&ie=UTF-8&q=nonpublic+school+evaluations#992

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1997/Services to Parentally Placed Private School Students with Disabilities
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/idea1.html

Equitable Services for Eligible Private School Students, Teachers, and Other Educational Personnel
www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/equitableserguidance.doc

Education Laws Regs, Violations, Info & Help
community.greatschools.net/groups/77570

You guys are so great!! Sharie, I requested my son be evaluated last year but never heard anything. He has already been tested (privately) but apparently that doesn't count in school. Should I push it again this year with the evaluation?? I am not sure how the rights thing works in private schools. I wish I could send him to public school but they are really bad in my area. Thanks for all your suggestions. I am going to try them. My son does have one teacher who has text books and homework assignments on line which has helped so much!! If you guys can think of anything else, please let me know, I am open to anything at this point :) You guys are the greatest!! Thanks again!!

I've seen a binder system work quite well - especially if the teachers are on board and support it.

I agree with Shari that if he has an IEP, reconvene the team. He should have accommodations to help support him and a goal with specialize instruction to help him learn the skills.

Some kids do very well if they have time at each end of the day to check in, organize and check their binders to insure that HW is ready to hand in, and that materials and assignments are ready to go home. They also benefit from electronic copies of text books or a second copy of the book that they can leave at home. Teachers that post assignments on-line are also gems!

If he has an organization or study skills goal, his teacher should help him with all of the above, plus should help him plan his week, long term assignments, studying for tests and help him record due dates and milestones on a weekly AND monthly calendar.

www.allkindsofminds.org has great tips in the parent tool kit section.
Hope this helps.

Does he have an IEP? If not I would request the district evaluate him for special ed so he can get one.

If he does have an IEP then I would request (in writing via certified mail addressed to school principal) to reconvene his IEP to address organization, time management, and any other problems he is experiencing.

Some Ideas that may help if added to his IEP you may want to consider requesting when his IEP is reconvened include but are not limited to:

1. assistive technology, such as laptop and scanner and zip drive to keep track of all papers, use calendar for assignments reminders etc.. If his disability is in the area of writing and/or reading there are some software available to help.

2. reduce/limit the number of assignments per 9wks and the length of assisignments for all classes (my district/state requires a minimum of 9 grades plus a final exam in each class per 9wks so that's what we reduced/limited my son's to)

3. have teachers email all upcoming assignments, grades, and notes to you and/or him once a week.

4. set up a consistant place/order to keep/turn in assignments that is the same for all classes

Thank you so much!! This has to be the most frustrating part of ADHD/LD. Like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole all the time. I wish I had an "aha" moment with all this :) Thanks again!!! Best of luck to you, too!!

It can be hard to get someone organized if they have never been organized. I am trying with my son. There are a few things, though, that may be able to help that his school is doing. They have a binder with dividers with pockets. Each divider is for a different class. Everytime they have homework, it is put into a "homework" section or folder all its own. When the homework is done, it gets put back in that folder or the section in the binder for that class. My son's is a red folder with the words "Homework Folder" on it in black marker. Hope this helps!