8 Ways to Help a Child Be Better Organised

Some children seem to have innate organisational skills, but let’s face it, most don’t. These are skills that are rarely learnt by accident and require support, modelling and direct instruction. Not only is it very practical to teach these skills to children, but knowing how to get things done will help your child feel more competent and effective. Children feel self-confident and proud when they are able to accomplish their tasks and responsibilities independently. Are you aware of the invaluable ways to help children with organisation?

Here are 8 ways to help children with organisation:

1. In a safe and low risk situation, allow the consequences of disorganisation to take their natural effect. For example, if homework or housework does not get completed because of lack of time due to disorganisation, then those tasks can be completed during recreational time.
2. Help your child find a model of organisation that works best for them. For example, some children may work better using checklists while some may prefer separate folders or a filing system.
3. Develop monthly, weekly and daily calendars/schedules to keep track of important tasks, events, due dates, etc.
4. Never accept excuses for disorganisation. Your child must understand that it is his/her responsibility to meet expectations, in spite of reasons that make this challenging.
5. Gradually reduce the levels of assistance you give your child in the organisation process. For example, help colour code folders initially, and then encourage your child to do this for himself/herself.  
6. Encourage your child to become aware of the consequences of behaviour choices by discussing problems that naturally occur as a consequence of poor organisation.
7. Have the child organise their school/book bag before they go to bed and plan their next day in advance. Help them prioritise tasks for the following day and update their calendar or schedule.
8. Model effective organisation by being well prepared for special events and activities. Discuss the planning and share the strategies employed to achieve good outcomes through effective organisation.

Senior Managing Partner and Education Expert Shanna Parry

Combining her passions for teaching, training and travel, Shanna Parry has since worked throughout the USA, Middle East, India and China serving as a director (Higher Education), headmaster (Secondary School) and consultant (K-12). Shanna brings a wealth of experience in a variety of critical areas.

In 2018 and 2019 Shanna was identified as top 30 in the Education category for Global Gurus among some of the worlds leading Education experts. Shanna continues to travel extensively to meet the demands for her consulting expertise in administrative and teacher development.

In her role as Senior Managing Partner of GSE she plays a key role in the day-to-day operations as well as pioneering creative models for international schools and providing groundbreaking training methods for directors, administrators, teachers, and students.

www.gsineducation.com

Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.

Contact us!

We want to help you!