Some students are "outside-the-box" learners.  Maybe they can be called "outside-the-locker" learners.  You never know what might fall out when you open it!  Luckily, these students are necessarily disorganized or unmotivated, but rather haven't yet developed the executive functions skills needed for middle school life.

Luckily, executive function coach Seth Perler has some tips that will help students, teachers, and parents build those skills for success.

1- Paper Management: Use a separate folder for every class.

2- Backpack Management: Everything out once a week.

3- Planner: Keep it plain and keep it simple.

4- Grade Monitoring: Check once a week at minimum.

5- Self Advocacy: Make an actual appointment to see the teacher in person.

6- Sacred Study Space: Establish a distraction-free space at home just for school work.

7- Weekly Overhaul: Choose one time a week to overhaul all systems.

New habits are created with time, practice, and patience!

For more, visit https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/underperforming-students/