Have you ever asked for an assignment only to hear a student say, “Wait… I did that, I just couldn’t find it”?

Or had a kid stare blankly at you when you asked them to get started on something, because they have no idea how to begin?

It's easy to assume those moments are about laziness or defiance. But they could be signs that students are struggling with executive function: the mental skills that help us manage time, plan ahead, stay organized, and follow through.

In a new Truth for Teachers podcast episode, I’m talking with Mitch Weathers—teacher, author, and creator of Organized Binder. He’s developed a simple daily routine that helps students build executive function through consistent, repeatable structures.

Here are 3 practical takeaways from our conversation you can use ...

1. Organization isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily skill.

Getting kids organized at the beginning of the year isn’t enough. Students need daily practice with staying organized. Mitch recommends using a table of contents that students update every single day to track assignments and materials. It’s low-lift, takes less than a minute, and it builds habits that stick.

2. Predictable routines lower cognitive load.

Executive function grows best in environments that feel safe and consistent. A routine like “we always start by reviewing our agenda, checking our table of contents, and reflecting on our goals” helps students relax their guard and focus on learning. Predictability supports not just organization, but attention and task initiation, too.

3. A physical binder can be a powerful analog tool—even in digital classrooms.

Even if you use Google Classroom or another LMS, students still benefit from having a physical anchor. Mitch’s system uses a color-coded binder to help kids visually organize their learning and develop systems thinking. It’s not about going “low-tech”—it’s about making thinking visible and accessible.

If you're looking for a way to support students who constantly lose materials, can’t get started, or rely too much on you for next steps... this episode is full of practical, doable solutions.

Let’s give kids the tools they need—not just to stay organized, but to own their learning.

Enjoy!

Angela

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P.O. Box 175, Bushkill, PA 18324
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