Organisation (You Can Do It!)
Young children, who are organised, plan to do their best in attempting new tasks and activities. They listen carefully to what their parents and teachers want them to do. Children who are organised use their time carefully by getting their work and chores done before they play. Organisation also means that children take care of their things and put things away where they belong after they are finished using them. They also try to keep their room (both at home and school) tidy and clean.
Examples of organised behaviour in children:
- Before leaving home, they make sure that everything they need is in their bag.
- Carry their own bag.
- Want to do their best.
- Listen to parents and teachers when being told to do something.
- Put away toys, books etc in the right spot after using them.
- Give parents or teachers important notes.
Ways to praise your child for organised behaviour:
- 'You are really good at getting ready on time.'
- 'I see you are organised. You put all your toys away.'
- 'Good for you. I see you are trying your best.'
- 'You are really good at keeping your school bag neat and tidy.'
- 'I am pleased to see you organised and completing your homework.'
Teach your child the following organised thinking:
- Setting goals - It is good to do my best work.
- Planning my time - It is good not to waste time. It is good to be on time for things.
- Listening carefully - it is good to listen to my parents and teachers extra carefully when they are explaining something to me.
- Taking care of my things - I need to put things in their proper places. I need to clean up and be neat.
Practical things you can do to develop organisation in your child:
- Provide your child with simple instructions regarding how to organise his/her toys, play area, study area.
- Establish a routine and schedule for your child to perform the necessary, daily needs. Teeth brushing before bed time, homework, eating breakfast at table not in front of TV.
- Establish a set routine at home for wake-up time, being dressed and ready to leave, dinner time, ready for bedtime and lights out.
- Only provide materials that your child needs for current work/play.
- Ensure that your child is ready for instructions. Looking at person, sitting still, when explaining tasks to them.
- Let them do things for themselves (under your guidance).