While some youngsters are naturally organized, many elementary students may require a great deal of assistance from parents and teachers before they learn to organize things for themselves. Parents can have children write notes to hang around the house as reminders of items they need to remember or things they need to do. According to Heather Rader, teacher and librarian, asking kids where they're headed and what needs to be brought along forces them to think through an activity and gather their own belongings. This promotes organization and responsibility.
Children generally thrive on routine and structure. Following the same basic pattern and time frame each day helps instill organizational skills in elementary school kids. Make lists at home and in the classroom of rules, activities and schedules. Keep these where the students can see them. The visual reminder motivates the children to stay on task, thereby promoting organizational skills. For example, an after-school/evening schedule in the home might look like this: 4 p.m.: homework; 5 p.m.: play; 6 p.m.: dinner; 7 p.m.: bath, pajamas, brush teeth, stories; 8 p.m.: lights out. Going by a schedule becomes ingrained in children at a young age, making teaching organizational skills easier as the children grow.
Teach your students how you want them to keep their desks neat and clean. Each Friday, have them clean out their desks and walk around for a "final inspection." Reward children who don't need to do a major cleanout with free playtime. This will give children incentive to stay organized from the beginning or to become better organized. Keep your own belongings organized by keeping your desk clutter-free, your bookshelves neat and your closets organized. Hang up your coat, rather than throwing it on the back of your chair.
Model the organizational behavior you want from your children. If you expect them to put things away the second they are done using them, make sure you do the same. Be rational and consistent with your expectations. If your bedroom looks like a cyclone hit it, it's really not fair to nag your kid to clean up his room. Improve your own organizational skills and your children will benefit as well.