Tips for Developing
Organizational Skills in Children
Developing good organizational skills is a key ingredient for success in
school and in life. Although some people by nature are more organized than
others, anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child become
more organized. The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities has
compiled a list of strategies that parents can use to help their child
develop good organizational skills.
1) Use checklists
Help your child get into the habit of using a "to-do" list. Checklists can
be used to list assignments and household chores and to remind children to
bring appropriate materials to class. It is recommended that children keep a
small pad or notebook dedicated to listing homework assignments. Crossing
completed items off the list will help children feel a sense of
accomplishment.
2) Organize homework assignments
Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number
assignments in the order in which they are to be done. Children should start
with one that's not too long or difficult but avoid saving the longest or
hardest assignments for last.
3) Set a designated study space
Children should study in the same place every night where supplies and
materials are close at hand. This space doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it
should be a quiet place with few distractions. Young children may want their
study space near a parent. This should be encouraged, as parents can then
have the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.
4) Set a designated study time
Children should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying
and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school, as most
children benefit from time to unwind first. Parents should include their
child in making this decision. Even if your child does not have homework,
the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for
pleasure or work on an upcoming project.
5) Keep organized notebooks
Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or
notebook. The purpose of a notebook is to help keep track of and remember
the material for each day's classes and to organize the material later to
prepare for tests and quizzes. Use dividers to separate class notes, or
color-code notebooks. Having separate "to do" and "done" folders helps
organize worksheets, notices and items to be signed by parents as well as
provide a central place to store completed assignments.
6) Conduct a weekly clean-up
Children should be encouraged to go through and sort out book bags and
notebooks on a weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and
kept in a separate file at home.
7) Create a household schedule
Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime.
This will help your child fall into a pattern when at home. Children with a
regular bedtime go to school well rested. Try to limit television watching
and computer play to specific amounts of time during the day.
8) Keep a master calendar
Keep a large wall-sized calendar for the household that lists the family's
commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school
and major events at home and at school. Note dates when your children have
big exams or due dates for projects. This will help family members keep
track of each other's activities and avoid scheduling conflicts.
9) Prepare for the day ahead
Before your child goes to bed he/she should pack schoolwork and books in a
book bag. Clothes should be ironed and laid out with shoes, socks and
accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to
prepare for the day ahead.
10) Provide necessary support while your child is learning to become more
organized
Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and
schedules and taping them to the refrigerator. Give children gentle
reminders about filling in calendar dates and keeping papers and materials
organized. Most important, set a good example.
©Copyright 1999 by the Coordinated Campaign for Learning (CCLD), a
collaboration of leading U.S. nonprofit learning disabilities organizations.
All rights reserved. Any interested person or organization may copy or
reprint this publication in its entirety provided any such copy may not be
sold or otherwise used for commercial purposes and any such copy must
contain the above stated copyright notice. Please use the PDF version for
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