When I work with clients, particularly kids and teens, I often hear:
“I can’t find it”
“We don’t have this”
“I have one, but it’s broken”
To be successful in any job or profession, we need the RIGHT tools. We need to know:
- the names of the tools
- how to use the tools
- where the tools are kept
Here are the “tools” that each home should have to support executive functioning:
☐A printer that works–even while being environmentally conscious, there are times when printing information, such as when making a study packet, is highly useful.
☐Strong, reliable WiFi–nothing is more frustrating than having difficulty accessing the Internet consistently. Make sure that all family members know how to access and reset WiFi.
☐Pencils (with good erasers)/Pens, highlighters, whiteboard markers–LOTS of them! We don’t battle over lost ones, we just make sure there is a good supply.
☐Scissors, glue sticks, bottles of glue–Different projects require different items.
☐Sets of markers, sets of colored pencils–These are used from elementary school through high school.
☐A battery-operated or electric pencil sharpener–small pencil sharpeners break easily.
☐A full-size, sturdy stapler, hole punch, tape dispenser–Having these items helps with organization of materials.
☐Staples, paper clips, tape, rubber bands, hole reinforcements, binder clips–these items help with maintaining organization.
☐Small portable magnetic whiteboard–great for practicing spelling, math problems, and managing to-do lists.
☐Wall calendar-whiteboard or paper calendar–it’s good to be able to look at time over a month, in addition to a day and a week.
☐File folders and storage boxes–it is recommended not to throw out work in the middle of a school year. Rather, make a file folder for each class and file papers there.
☐Lined writing paper, graph paper, white printer paper–always good to have extra.
☐Extra chargers and cables–It’s best when these don’t always have to be moved around.
☐Extra ink cartridges for the printer–documents that can’t be printed can’t be used or turned in for credit.
Spending some time and energy to make sure you have a place for the tools, everyone knows how to use the tools, and all of the tools work, is a wise investment of your time and energy!!