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Unless Anabella Santacoloma explicitly gives you permission,
you may not copy, modify, distribute, display, or sell any components contained on this site.
Developing good organizational skills is the 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. Here is a list of strategies you can use to help your child develop good organizational skills and become a more organized learner.
1. Use Checklists: Help your child get into the habit of keeping a
"to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores,
and reminders about materials to bring to class. Crossing completed
tasks off the list will give him/her a sense of accomplishment.
2. Designate a study space: Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies should be nearby. If your child wants to study with you nearby, it's alright, this way you can have
the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.
3. Set a designated study time: Your child should know that a certain
time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best
time is usually not right after school. Most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if he /she doesn't have homework, that time should be reserved for reading for pleasure, practicing handwriting, working on an upcoming project, etc.
4. Conduct a weekly clean-up: Encourage your child to sort through
book bags, folder, agendas and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old
papers should be removed and kept in a separate place at home.
5. Create a household schedule: Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a
pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well
rested. Try to limit television watching and computer play to specific
periods of time during the day.
6. Prepare for the day ahead: Before your child goes to bed, he/she
should pack schoolwork and books in their backpack. The next day's
clothes should be laid out with shoes and accessories. This will cut down
on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.
7. Create a household calendar: Keep a large calendar for the
household that lists the family's commitments, schedules,
extracurricular activities, days off from school and major events at home
and at school. Note dates when your child has tests and due dates for projects.
8. 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. Gently remind them about filling in the important dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most importantly, set a good example.
Adapted from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children"
by the CCLD.
than others, anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child become more organized. Here is a list of strategies you can use to help your child develop good organizational skills and become a more organized learner.
1. Use Checklists: Help your child get into the habit of keeping a
"to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores,
and reminders about materials to bring to class. Crossing completed
tasks off the list will give him/her a sense of accomplishment.
2. Designate a study space: Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies should be nearby. If your child wants to study with you nearby, it's alright, this way you can have
the opportunity to monitor progress and encourage good study habits.
3. Set a designated study time: Your child should know that a certain
time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best
time is usually not right after school. Most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include your child in making this decision. Even if he /she doesn't have homework, that time should be reserved for reading for pleasure, practicing handwriting, working on an upcoming project, etc.
4. Conduct a weekly clean-up: Encourage your child to sort through
book bags, folder, agendas and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old
papers should be removed and kept in a separate place at home.
5. Create a household schedule: Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a
pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well
rested. Try to limit television watching and computer play to specific
periods of time during the day.
6. Prepare for the day ahead: Before your child goes to bed, he/she
should pack schoolwork and books in their backpack. The next day's
clothes should be laid out with shoes and accessories. This will cut down
on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.
7. Create a household calendar: Keep a large calendar for the
household that lists the family's commitments, schedules,
extracurricular activities, days off from school and major events at home
and at school. Note dates when your child has tests and due dates for projects.
8. 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. Gently remind them about filling in the important dates and keeping papers and materials organized. Most importantly, set a good example.
Adapted from "Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children"
by the CCLD.
