For young children, organization is a skill they have to learn. They don't automatically understand that they need to put their belongings in the same spot every time or they'll lose toys, jackets or school supplies. Very young children are capable of learning to put things away, and older children can learn how to use a clock and family calendar. The key to teaching organizational skills is to be organized yourself.
Step 1
Live an organized life to start teaching your child organization. Show him that you have assigned places for everything in the house, and you expect everyone to put items away properly when they're not in use. Teach him to start putting his toys away when he's younger and needs to learn this skill, and then put him in charge of this responsibility as he gets older and has learned how to handle this chore.
Step 2
Make it a habit to list family plans and events on a large family calendar. Post this calendar in a spot where your family spends time every day, such as the kitchen. As your child gets older--early elementary school age--teach her to write her own plans on the family calendar, and show her how to check for other plans that might cause a conflict.
Step 3
Create a homework schedule for your child as soon as he starts school. Tell him that you expect him to start his homework when he comes home from school, and include this expectation in your child's schedule. Helping your child establish a routine will teach him to make a routine for himself as he gets older and is able to take a little more responsibility for his activities.
Step 4
Teach your child how to tell time. Display a large wall clock so you can teach her what time it is at dinner time or bed time. When she has learned how to tell time, begin teaching her how to manage her time. Teach her to refer to the clock when she makes plans with you or her friends. Show her how to use the clock as a tool when she's doing homework.
Step 5
Show your children how to empty his backpack every week and throw old papers out, file assignments he still needs and get rid of broken pencils, pens and crayons. Teach him how to store books, notebooks, binders, pens and pencils in an organized way.
Tips and Warnings
- Demonstrate consistency when showing your child where to store such belongings as jackets and backpacks. Give your child responsibilities she can handle. Teach her how consistent attention to her responsibilities helps the family operate more smoothly.
- Don't expect perfection from young children. Relax your standards, and learn to accept a "good enough" completion of a chore. If the bed has been made but the sheets are still rumpled, that's good enough.
Things You'll Need
- Family calendar
- Homework schedule
- Wall clock
