Dinner Notebook Recipe:>
(materials required = 3" / 3 - ring binder, notebook paper, pencils, erasers, pens, and enough dividers to make 3 sections for each subject)
(post - it notes are ideal for noting questions and adding class notes to working papers)

1) Between 30-45min.(more time initially, less time as "the situation" improves;>) before dinner, the student sorts all loose papers in their backpack & notebook by subject in separate piles

2) The student then sorts each subject pile by due date, closest due date on top, furthest on bottom, including returned and past due papers.

3) The student goes through their notebook, making sure the subject sections are still in chronological order, first class of the day on top, last on bottom. If dividers are needed, have the student obtain a stack of manilla tagboard 8.5x11" sheets 3 hole punched, and masking tape for tabs from Mr.J. Same for a binder, if needed:>

4) The student then checks that each subject partition has 3 sub sections: "hand - ins / questions" in front, followed by the "working" section, with the "returns" section last.

5) Next, the student sorts each due - date sorted subject pile into the appropriate subject subsection.

6) After all papers are filed, the student goes through the binder sections with the parent, explaining each item until the parent understands.

7) If #6 is not achieved, the student and parent must agree on phrasing a question to resolve any uncertainties the student must ask in class the next day, and record the answer to relay back to the parent the next evening.

8) Repeat #1 - 7 until the parent feels clear about the content and organization of the entire binder.

9) Once complete, have dinner:>! Talk about what you learned about what's going on in class, how well the student is organizing to work constructively that night, and how well they are doing on their returned papers. Remeber to be as positive encouraging, and enthusiastic with your student as you can - remember how to get a new puppy to come when called - with enthusiastic joy, as opposed to agitation, frustration, disppointment, or anger. Like any training (behavior) program, consistency, focus, and time are key - expect internalization after a few to several months of nightly effort, depending on age and extant emotional states while engaging in the program activities. Good luck, God Speed, and eMail if clear as mud / emotional support desired:>