The School Bag
The disorganised bag
The problem is the student may not know how to organise his or her bag. Often when task sheets and information sheets are given to the student, the only available storage is to fold them up and put them in the back of an exercise book or in a pocket. It is hardly surprising that key pieces of paper get lost or are hard to find.
Designing the bag system
Think designer. Make sure that the youngsters understand that it is a design process. It is ok if their systems are not perfect the first time, as there is always the next version.
Suggestions for organising the school bag
Parcel label
This is for when the bag gets lost. It would need to be fastened inside the bag and have something like "If this bag is lost and you have found it, please phone", followed by the phone numbers of the parents. It is best that parents write the label, as they will be the ones getting the calls!
Ring binder or envelope files? Or a combination of both?
Some youngsters may have fine movement problems with their hands which make using ring binders difficult. Envelope files may be easier.
For most, the ring binder is a good option for storing loose sheets of paper. If all the loose sheets of paper are stored in the ring binder, organised into different subjects, then that can make a big difference.
Timetable
It is a good idea to keep a copy of the timetable in a polythene pocket at the front of the ring binder used for school. It is also useful to keep another copy at home.
If envelope files are used, one possibility is to have the timetable in plastic transparent envelope file. The youngster can then consult the timetable without needing to get it out of the file.
Colour coding
Colour coding can be helpful. The youngster could choose which colour each subject should be and use colour subject dividers or coloured envelope files accordingly. It can also be useful to use the same colour code for subject lessons on the timetable. It makes it easier to spot at a glance which days the youngster has particular lessons.
Categories
Within the subject area, the papers do need to be grouped. They could be grouped according to topic, according to date or according to the type (notes, task sheets, tests, homework, etc).
Current or stored for reference
Depending on whether they are currently being used, or whether they are from a previous completed topic, they could be stored in either the current file or the storage file. The storage file is useful because the work that is useful for revision can be kept safely at home until needed.
Homework
Current homework should to be kept somewhere easy to spot. (The polythene pockets are good for this. Labels make it easier ("Homework to do" and "Homework to hand in").
New loose sheets of paper
It is a good idea to have somewhere to store paper that has not been hole-punched in each subject section. Empty poythene pockets would work well. The idea would be that these would be regularly emptied. The youngster hole-punches the sheets of paper and files them. Whenever the youngster is given paper he or she either writes on it "Homework" and "Date due" and the date and files it in "Homework to do"; or writes "Class work" and the date and files it.
Letters to home and to school
Polythene pockets are good for letters home. Label them "letters for home" and "letters for school"). Again, find a prominent place for them. The front of the ring binder is good. Alternatively, they could have a separate envelope file.
Pencil cases
Keep topped up with plenty of pens and pencils.
The school bag and transitions
It is worthwhile emphasising the idea that youngsters quickly check that they have packed everything before setting off anywhere.
Once the bag system is up and running reasonably well, the next stage is to make sure that storage at home is in place.