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Maintaining organizational systems can be an uphill battle for students with executive function challenges. Leaving home on time each morning, equipped with everything they need for the day, involves many tasks. From waking up and getting ready to packing a backpack and lunch, remembering assignments, keys, and sports gear, and ensuring punctuality, it’s a complex balancing act, particularly during the morning rush when attention and focus may be limited.
One highly effective method for students to ensure they have everything they need for the day is establishing a “launching pad.” Initially designed for adults with ADHD who frequently forget essential items like keys or wallets, this strategy involves creating a designated area near the front door, such as a table or basket. Here, they can keep all necessary items in one place. Before leaving, they can check the launching pad to ensure they have everything, thus minimizing the chances of forgetting crucial things. When they return home, they can also use this area to deposit their belongings, ensuring nothing is left behind the next time they go.
Adapting the Launching Pad for Students
While the launching pad concept is highly effective for adults, students may face unique challenges. They often need to use the contents of their backpacks for homework, empty and repack their lunch boxes, and clean their uniforms between games. Therefore, students can’t use a launching pad in the same way as adults do. However, the fundamental concept is easily adaptable.
For students, preparing their launching pad takes place the night before. Before bed, they should pack everything they need for the next day in their backpacks and sports bags. These bags can then be placed in a designated spot near the front door.
This preparation includes packing lunch the night before, storing it in the fridge for easy access in the morning, and laying out their clothes for the next day to streamline their morning routine. This alone can you help you leave the house on time.
Key Takeaways: For students with executive function challenges, leaving the house on time can be simplified and made more manageable by implementing a launching pad strategy. The launching pad is a framework to help keep them organized and on time. It emphasizes having everything ready for the following day before going to bed. By adopting this approach, students can enhance their organization and reduce morning stress, ultimately setting a positive tone for their day.
Parenting a student-athlete comes with a lot to balance, and helping your child thrive both in and out of their sport can be challenging. Let Untapped support you in helping your child achieve success on and off the field.
For More:
4 Easy Pieces to Getting Organized for School
Organizing the House for ADHD Relief.
