Organization describes the ability to design and maintain systems for keeping track of information or materials. Essentially it is the process in which one takes care of others’ belongings and their personal belongings while maintaining order in their personal space
Children who struggle with the ability to organize independently, often struggle in a variety of areas. Lack in this area can lead to situations like missing homework assignments, having an unorganized workspace, or extreme frustration.
It’s important to begin teaching children how to organize independently from an early age, in order to build the skill and mitigate negative outcomes as a result of the skill deficit.
Ways School Psychologists Can Support Both Caregivers and School Teams for Students who Struggle with Organization
Caregivers: Helping children with this skill begins at home. Children can practice this skill by sorting (ie. laundry in bins, toys, or clothes) and regularly cleaning their play or workspace.
School Teams: Students who have messy desks or are missing a large number of assignments (even though they are in good attendance) might have difficulty with organization.
Using checklists, having a colored coded organization system, implementing daily desk and backpack cleaning routines, and keeping a consistent location to turn in assignments, are all strategies that can be used to help students who have difficulty organizing.
Helping Students Build Stronger Organization Skills
Organization is an important skill that helps students manage their belongings, keep track of materials, and maintain order in their learning environment. When students struggle with organization, they may miss assignments, lose important materials, or become frustrated when trying to complete everyday tasks. These challenges can affect both their academic performance and their independence.
School psychologists can support students by working with caregivers and school teams to identify practical strategies that fit each student’s needs. At home, sorting activities and regular cleanup routines can provide opportunities to practice. At school, visual checklists, color-coded systems, consistent routines, and designated locations for assignments can help students keep track of their materials and responsibilities.
Developing organization skills takes practice, consistency, and support. Rather than expecting students to manage everything independently right away, adults can model strategies, provide reminders, and gradually reduce assistance as students gain confidence.
By teaching organization skills through consistent routines and individualized supports, school psychologists can help students build greater independence and manage their daily responsibilities more successfully.
Sources
Branstetter, R. (2014). The everything parent’s guide to children with executive functioning disorder. F+W Media, Inc.
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2018). Executive skills in children and adolescents: A practical guide to assessment and intervention (3rd ed.). The Guilford Publications Inc.
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered. The Guilford Publications Inc.
