The ADHD Child and Effective Use of a Backpack
Strategies for Maintaining an Organized Backpack
Mar 28, 2009
The best set plans for using a backpack are only as good as the follow through. Once an appropriate backpack has been chosen and the contents have been established, it is crucial that the child receives guidance on how to maintain the backpack.
Stick to the Agreed Upon Contents
It can be difficult to be conscientious about what goes in the backpack. It may seem like putting something in, just once, will not hurt. Deviations from the guidelines, though, will increase the temptation for the ADHD child to do it again . . . and again. Perhaps it is a rush morning. (Aren’t they all?) It seems okay to slide that Math paper into the backpack without placing it in the homework folder. However, when things are unpacked at the locker, the chances increase of the Math homework getting lost.
Have a Routine for Clean Out
Sometimes extra things will end up in the backpack. Plan a regular time to clean out the backpack. This should be done with the child. (Important school papers to save have been tossed by well-meaning parents.) Start with the Take Home Folder. Clean out papers that no longer need to be in the folder. Sign any papers that should be returned to school, and put them back in the folder immediately.
Next, look at the Homework Folder. Complete the same process as above. Have the child add blank notebook paper if needed. Remember that only a few sheets of notebook paper are needed in the folder. Having an entire pack of notebook paper is not necessary. It will only add weight to the backpack and increase the risk of have crumpled and dirty paper for assignments.
Check the other necessary items. What should be replaced? Some students seem to go through multiple pencils in a single day.
Evaluate Success and Make Adjustments
The best plans are ones that are reviewed periodically. Consider whether or not the backpack set up is working. Should the contents be tweaked? Is the clean out happening often enough? Make needed changes, but remember that the child with ADHD does best with a routine. Changes in backpack use should be kept to a minimum.
Maintaining an organized backpack is important for the ADHD child’s success in school. It will minimize the child’s frustration and result in increased confidence as homework and permission slips are complete and can be found easily.
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