About a third of the young clients I work with, take a stand against using the traditional planner/agenda. It seems to be an ongoing battle between parents and children almost like trying to squeeze a round peg into a square hole. Children will complain that they forget to use it, they don't like it, and they'd rather use another method. Parents, on the other hand, want their children to use the planner that the school usually chooses for the student body. Many parents have some difficulty understanding why their children cannot use a planner.
If your school does not issue homework planners, then head to the local office supply store or go online to find a planner that will meet the needs of your child. Remember, your child is using this planner, not you. You can guide your child to the type of planner for his organizing style, but you cannot force him to use the one you want him to use.
Some new planners are very ornate with many different sections on a page. For example, on the bottom corner, there could be a quote of the week. Many of the school issued planners also have boxes sectioned off for subjects. The planner should have easily visible lines with about ¼” space between them. Make certain that the subjects that are listed next to the boxes can be read clearly.
Some students view assignment books as instruments of torture.
Here are some helpful hints when purchasing a planner for your child:
For the visual children, look for color inside, but not so gaudy that it is distracting to the child. The more elaborate and vibrant the outside cover, the easier it will be to locate.
For the spatial and chronological children, look for planners that display the week on a two-page spread. We happen to like this type of planner for all children. It will also help them with time management skills as they learn how to plan out their week.
For some children, the assignment book is perceived as a way to torture them. “Why do I need to use this again?” We can usually find an answer to your child’s concerns, so wipe the sweat off your brow.
If your child’s concern is that he does not like the bulky size of the planner, you can purchase a smaller sized planner (similar to the ones given out in high school). They usually have three days listed on the left page and four days listed on the right page with Saturday and Sunday in much smaller boxes.
If your child uses the excuse, “Well, I just lose them anyway,” then ask her a few questions to get to the root of the problem. Is it that she isn’t organized enough to find it? Or, is it that they haven’t been working for her—so why bother keeping track of it? Ask:
- If you had to design your planner, what would it look like?
- How would the days be laid out?
- What would be the size of the planner?
- Do you like to use Post-its?
If she can answer these questions, search the office supply stores or Internet for a planner that is similar to her answers. Try http://www.successbydesign.com/Default.aspx We particularly like Success by Design model 2045D. If she still refuses to use an agenda book, there is another solution—Post-its™ in a wallet.