As I explore options involving D&D (including creating my own system), I have come to think that for players who want to stay away from digital tools, cards might be a better format than full-sized character sheets.
One example is the new game Daggerheart, put out by the folks at Critical Role. It uses cards for each of the character's new abilities they gain as they level up. Of course they are professionally produced and have great graphic designs, but they are also easily managed and laid out for play.
I have been printing my own spell cards for several years now, and have played around with using them for other combat related abilities. I think this is a good direction to move in, especially if the character sheet itself can also be made smaller. That way a full character can be safely stored and transported in a smaller package.
That in itself would be a big help for my students. The struggle with letter sized character sheets even when I give the a folder to store them in. They don't fit well in kid-sized backpacks or lockers, and they get bent out of shape. Also, the paper gets easily wrinkled and torn.
Most character sheets are also way too busy. They have all kinds of information that is rarely used alongside things that get used frequently. That is another reason to consider a total redesign of character management.
My current focus on this is the idea of using A5 sized cardstock for the character's primary info, and using A6 cardstock for the features, spells, weapons, and other incidental information. I like the A series of paper sizes because each one is simply the result of cutting the larger one in half. For example if you cut an A4 piece of paper in half you get two A5 pieces. If you cut an A5 in half you get two A6s. That also means they can stack well, or you could simply fold an A5 card in half and it will be the same size as all your A6 cards.
I know one aspect of roleplaying that the kids have a hard time with is managing their inventory. A lot of the time they don't even think to look at that part of their character sheet. And when they do they often don't know what some of it is. Just a couple weeks ago I had one kid ask me what a waterskin was. Making a card for it would remove that issue by allowing text and a picture to be on it explaining what it is and what it is used for.
So finally, today I ordered some A5 cardstock so I can play around with this idea. If it turns out to be a good idea than I will have the Winter break to get all set up for next semester's classes. And if it works well I'll be sure to let you all know about it.