We’ve all been there: it’s 6:45 am in the morning and you are trying to get your kids out the door and into the car for school. There’s already been tears over having the wrong kind of cereal for breakfast, you’ve spent 15 minutes looking for a lost school shoe and just as you think everything is under control, your child tells you that they need to bring in a tissue box for an art project.
So how can these stressful situations be avoided? By helping your child to get – and stay! – organised. Please have a look at these five top tips, which are based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis:
Why is this effective? Visual supports help children to enhance predictability and establish routines.
How can I do this?
• Create a clear visual schedule for school-related tasks, including completing homework, packing a backpack and preparing for the next day. Go through these steps with your child to ensure that they understand and are able to complete each step.
• Use pictures or colour coding for younger children and written lists for older children.
•Reinforce their adherence to the schedule by providing praise or tangible rewards when they follow it independently.
Why is this effective? Manageable tasks promote understanding and help make tasks seem more achievable.
How can I do this?
• Break down tasks into smaller, specific steps (e.g. for packing a backpack, these could be:
1. Make sure your Arabic folder, library folder and reading folder are in your schoolbag.
2. Fill up your water bottle and put it in your schoolbag.
3. Take your lunchbox from the kitchen and put it in your schoolbag.
4. Make sure your hat and jumper are in your schoolbag.
5. Zip your bag closed and leave at the front door.
• Teach each step, using prompts, such as reminders, if necessary. Fade these prompts over time as your child learns these steps.
Why is this effective? This will help to increase the organisational behaviours that you are trying to build.
How can I do this?
• Use a reward system for completing organisational tasks. This could be earning points, tokens or a tangible reward like stickers.
• These points or tokens can be redeemed against a gift, activity or experience that is desirable and meaningful for your child. For example, when your child gets 10 points, they can pick the game that the family play that evening, when they get 20 points they get taken out for a hot chocolate, and when they get 30, the whole family can take a trip to the cinema.
Why is this effective? Time management skills will help in all aspects of your child’s organisation.
How can I do this?
• Use digital timers, sand timers, visual timetables, or other visual aid to help your child allocate time for tasks such as studying, packing or cleaning up.
• Practise the transition between tasks, such as tidying up after one task, or getting the materials ready for another.
• Praise or reward your child for completing tasks within the set time.
Why is this effective? A structured environment can reduce distraction and help encourage appropriate and desirable organisational behaviours.
How can I do this?
• Set up a specific area for school-related activities, with all necessary equipment (e.g. pencils, erasers, paper, colouring pencils, ruler, books etc.).
• Involve your child when organising this space to encourage ownership and accountability.
• Use positive reinforcement such as praise or tokens to help encourage them to keep this space tidy.
By applying these behavioural principles consistently, you can help create an environment that will encourage and reinforce your child’s organisational skills. In turn, this will benefit them at home, in school and beyond!
BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst)
The blog highlights the transformative power of physical activity, emphasizing how it boosts energy, focus, and mental well-being. At Compass International School, promoting an active lifestyle is integral to fostering both physical and emotional health, which in turn enhances students' academic performance. The new initiative, Kickstart Kilometre, invites the school community to walk or jog together every Thursday morning, kickstarting their day with positive energy and improved focus. This approach aims to inspire a balanced lifestyle that helps manage stress and supports overall success in both academics and life.
