Teaching Kids Order and Organization

Learning Disabilities Articles for Help with Kids by Susan Kramer

Contents

1. What Is Dysgraphia?
2. Dyslexia Information and Help
3. Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Symptoms
4. Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Explained
5. Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Managing Anger
6. What Is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - CDD?
7. Hyperlexia Information
8. Asperger's Disorder Information
9. TSC and Learning Disabilities
10. Living Harmoniously with Learning Disabilities
11. Cooperation and Learning Disabilities
12. Overcoming Stress
13. Dividing Time Between Your Kids
14. Helping Kids with Challenges Make Friends
15. Learning Difficulties or Disabilities?
16. Making Transitions and Learning Disabilities
17. Helping Kids Find New Solutions
18. Back to School Dress When Challenged
19. Showing Courage and Learning Disabilities
20. Teach Kids to Stay Close to Home
21. Feeling Fear and Learning Disabilities
22. Kids Learn Trustworthiness
23. Multitasking Ideas

24. Laziness or Learning Disabilities?
25. Helping Kids Reach Their Goals
26. Family Roundtable Discussions with Kids
27. Materialism Issues
28. Illness or Accident Leading to a Challenge
29. Vocational or Academics for Challenged Teens?
30. Expectations and Relating
31. Nurturing Kids of All Abilities
32. Our Roles in the Eyes of Society
33. Developing Self-Esteem
34. Changing Goals and Learning Disabilities
35. Shopping Trips Can Be Educational
36. Achievement with Learning Disabilities
37. Resolving Conflicts and Learning Disabilities
38. Teaching Kids Order and Organization
39. Family Life with Learning Disabilities
40. Backyard Motor Skills Games
41. Truancy and Learning Disabilities
42. Kids Learn About Playing Fairly
43. Looking for Equitable Resolves
44. Aerobic Activities for Stress Relief in School
45. Acceptance, Abundance and Learning Disabilities
46. Kids Learn About Sharing

38. Teaching Kids Order and Organization

Kids of most abilities, with some help, can learn how to keep their possessions and schedules orderly. The benefits of learning order and organization are that there is more time to do essential and fun activities.

For example, if a kid wants to play a certain game and it is always put back together properly it is all set for the next time. And, the time it takes to put the game in its own spot after playing, rather than putting it in a general pile of objects is worth it, because it is in its own place ready and waiting - no time wasted in searching; frustration mounting.

Another example is homework. Here organization of time is the issue. Doing homework without fooling around gets the job done in the most efficient time period. Then putting the completed work in the location where it is ready to pick up and take to school without searching for it saves more time and frustration.

Keeping order and organization of time and possessions is a skill that learned in childhood leads to a lifetime of making the most of the same 24 hours each of us has.

Teaching kids to be orderly and organized is mostly learned through the parents' examples at home. We know that kids model our actions more than just our words.

To give your kids a good start on keeping their possessions organized look at their bedroom with a critical eye.

Where can you add shelving or cabinets?

Besides on free wall space from the floor up, how about installing cabinets on the long wall somewhat higher over their bed.

Can storage boxes slide under the bed?

I love using the big semi-clear plastic storage bins that slide under the bed. The kids can put each type of item in a bin. Label the sides so it is easier to tell what is inside when lifting up the edge of the bedding. If you use several smaller bins it is easier to pull them out and put them away.

Now moving on to better time organization. Find a place to put tomorrow's backpack tonight, so tomorrow it can be put on as the kid goes out the door. Who wants to search for backpack, homework or keys in the morning. In fact, if your child wears his keys around his neck have a hook fairly near the front door that the keys can be hung on upon entering, and put back on when going out again.

In summary, order and organization are skills our kids will benefit from by learning and practicing all their lives. And to whatever ability kids can learn these skills, more time is freed for fun activities, and peace of mind gained by knowing where their possessions are.

Article by Susan Kramer

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