Teaching Children Organisation Skills: Building Lifelong Habits

Organisation isn't just about keeping a tidy home, it's a vital life skill that will benefit your children throughout their lives. Here's how to teach organisation effectively at different ages and stages.

Jo de Serrano OBE DUniv

1/3/20261 min read

Boy & Girl with IKEA Trofast unit storing toys
Boy & Girl with IKEA Trofast unit storing toys

Start with Age-Appropriate Tasks

Tailor organisational tasks to your child's developmental level:

Toddlers (2-3 years):

  • Basic sorting (colours, shapes)

  • Putting toys in designated bins

  • Simple tidying songs and games

Infant School Age (4-5 years):

  • Matching items to picture labels

  • Basic categorisation

  • Following 2-3 step tidying instructions

Primary School Age (6-11 years):

  • Creating their own organisation systems

  • Managing homework materials

  • Planning simple projects

  • Time management basics

Make It Visual and Concrete

Children learn best through visual and hands-on experiences:

  • Use colour coding for different categories

  • Create picture-based checklists

  • Make organising physical and interactive

  • Use clear containers to show where things belong

  • Create visual schedules for routine tasks

Build Executive Function Skills

Help children develop crucial organising abilities:

  • Planning and prioritising

  • Time management

  • Task initiation

  • Organisation of materials

  • Self-monitoring

These skills form the foundation for lifelong organisation success.

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