The Best ADHD Planner for Students
Choosing the right planner for students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is crucial in enhancing their organization, time management, and focus. With ADHD posing challenges in maintaining structure and consistency, the right planner can be a powerful tool to support academic and personal success. A well-designed planner should prioritize simplicity, visual organization, and time-blocking features, allowing students to allocate their time effectively and stay on top of tasks. Reminders, goal-setting sections, and to-do lists can further aid in breaking down responsibilities and tracking progress, promoting a sense of achievement and motivation. Considering the individual needs and preferences of the student, it is vital to find a planner that best aligns with their unique learning style and requirements.
Features to Consider
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Definition:
Straight forward layout that isn't cluttered or overwhelming, clear sections for each day, week, or month, with ample space for writing
Targeted to ADHD:
Clear sections for each day, week, or month, with ample space for writing, can assist in staying focused and motivated
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Definition:
opt for planners with color-coded sections or tabs, as visual cues
Targeted to ADHD:
visual cues can help students with ADHD better process information and prioritize tasks
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Definition:
Planners that allow for time blocking or scheduling specific tasks and activities within set time frames
Targeted to ADHD:
This can help students allocate time more effectively and maintain focus on one task at a time
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Definition:
Include space for setting short-term and long-term goals
Targeted to ADHD:
Having a section for tracking progress can provide a sense of accomplishment as well as assist with time blindness
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Definition:
Incorporate to-do lists or checklists
Targeted to ADHD:
Students with ADHD can benefit from planners that break down larger tasks into manageable steps
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Definition:
Allows for customization and adjustments
Targeted to ADHD:
Valuable for students with ADHD, as it enables them to adapt the planner to their specific needs and preferences
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Definition:
Durable and portable, so students can take it with them wherever they go
Targeted to ADHD:
Ensuring they have access to their schedules and tasks at all times.
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Definition:
Having some blank or open space in the planner
Targeted to ADHD:
Can be useful for jotting down spontaneous ideas or notes
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Definition:
Include helpful resources, such as study tips, motivational quotes, or strategies for staying organized
Targeted to ADHD:
A reminder to remain focused and organized
Remember that everyone with ADHD is unique, so it's essential to involve the student in the selection process and consider their preferences and needs when choosing a planner. Traditional physical paper planners are many times preferred as the interaction of writing triggers the mind to more easily recall things. Although we focus on the physical planners here, digital planners and apps can also be worth exploring. They often offer additional features like sync capabilities across devices, notifications and reminders, as well as integrated task management systems.
A Planner as a Tool
Keep in mind as you are working through each of these suggestions for planners that they may simply be a tool to add. Chances are, they are not the stand-alone solution to organizations. For example, adding reminders from the student’s phone or calendar to call attention to the planner might be helpful. It will also be a constant battle to use a planner (no matter which you choose) if is it not a habit to take out and write in. Creating a routine where it is used at a certain place at a certain time will assist in utilizing a planner to its fullest.
Order Out of Chaos
Order Out of Chaos® is a company that specializes in creating academic planners designed for students with learning differences and organizational challenges, including ADHD and executive functioning difficulties. Their academic planners are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of students who require additional support and structure to manage their time, assignments, and responsibilities effectively.
These planners typically include features like ample writing space, task prioritization tools, goal-setting sections, and strategies to develop time management skills. The planners aim to bring order and structure to students' lives, enabling them to succeed academically while building essential organizational habits.
Features
Considerations
Sweetzer & Orange Undated Planner
Sweetzer & Orange (or S & O) academic planners are meticulously designed to help students stay organized and manage their busy academic schedules efficiently. These planners offer a combination of monthly and weekly layouts, providing users with ample space to jot down assignments, exams, and other essential dates.
Additionally, S & O academic planners often include sections for goal setting, time management, and course planning, making them an indispensable tool for students seeking academic success. With durable covers and high-quality paper, these planners are built to withstand the rigors of daily use throughout the academic year.
Features
Considerations
Agendio
The Agendio academic planner offers a wide range of features and personalization options, allowing users to tailor the planner to their unique needs and preferences. With Agendio, users can choose the layout, format, and size of their planner, as well as add custom headings and labels to suit their specific academic subjects and activities. The planner includes monthly, weekly, and daily views, providing a comprehensive and detailed overview of tasks, assignments, and deadlines. Overall, the Agendio academic planner is a practical and efficient solution for students seeking to enhance their time management and productivity skills.
Features
Considerations
Planner Pad
The Planner Pad’s unique "funnel system" approach enables users to prioritize tasks based on importance and time sensitivity. The planner includes monthly calendars for important dates and events, as well as weekly planning pages with sections for a master task list and daily scheduling.
With its intuitive layout and focus on time management, the Planner Pad has gained popularity as a reliable academic planner.
Features
Considerations
The Happy Planner
The Happy Planner focuses on creativity and personalization. These planners feature colorful and stylish designs, including various themes and layouts. Users can easily add or remove pages, stickers, and accessories, making it a versatile tool for scheduling, goal-setting, and memory-keeping.
Features
Considerations
Bullet Journals
Bullet Journals can be highly beneficial for students with ADHD as they offer a customizable and structured organization system. The rapid logging technique allows quick capture of tasks and information, reducing overwhelm. Time blocking and habit tracking help with time management and goal setting, promoting focus and productivity. Visual elements and mindfulness practices further enhance engagement and overall well-being.
Features
Considerations
Conclusion
Student planners can be valuable tools for individuals with ADHD in promoting organization, time management, and productivity. These planners offer structured layouts, habit tracking, and prioritization features that can help students stay on track with assignments and deadlines. The physical format of paper-based planners may provide a tangible and engaging experience for some individuals, while others might prefer the convenience and flexibility of digital alternatives. Ultimately, finding the most suitable student planner for ADHD management will depend on the individual's preferences, needs, and the level of customization required for effective support.
