It can be tricky to keep things organised at school and at home. Here are some tips to help:
Finding a book: Use different colours for subjects. For example, use red for maths, blue for science, and yellow for English. You can use coloured spots, coloured dividers in a file, or coloured plastic envelopes.
Finding a page: When looking for a page in an exercise book, find the next clean page and start work. In a worksheet or workbook, look for the next unused page and use a bookmark or paper clip to mark the page when you finish working. Teachers or parents can also help by opening the book to the correct page.
Finding place on a page: Sometimes, it helps to colour code the left side in green and the right side in red. You can also use stickers or stamps at the top of the paper to show where to start. Make sure you use these colours and stickers regularly.
Remembering the weekly timetable: Use a weekly planner with colours that match your books. Use pictures to remind you to bring items like sports kit, musical instrument, or library book. Keep a copy of the timetable in places like your locker, diary, or at home.
Remembering items like homework and games kit: Use a diary to jot down important things. It doesn’t need to be neat, just understandable. Have a homework diary or folder that can be colour coded. Use a year or term planner at home for important events and daily information. Pack your school bag every night using a checklist and check with your timetable. Keep items in the same place, like your games kit in your bag at school.
Remembering set items and location: Use notes or pictures on the door to remind you of things like games kit or library book. You can have an alphabet strip on your desk to help remember where things go. Label items with names or pictures, like scissors, paint, or books.
Next step in regular routine
Break routine activities into smaller steps. For example, have a card on your desk or a list on the board that says:
- tidy up
- check homework
- collect messages
- collect coat and bag.
This can help at home too when getting ready for school.
Finding place on the Smartboard: Present one subject at a time. Use different colours for each line or word. For number work, align columns of units, tens, hundreds. For writing, highlight margins and correct placement of letters. Divide the board into sections and clear unnecessary clutter.
Copying from the Smartboard or whiteboard: Use worksheets and handouts. Allow more time to copy. Sit near the front of the class facing the board.
General principles:
Use handouts to supplement the smartboard or whiteboard. Use auditory and visual information together. Eliminate visual distraction and unnecessary clutter. Seat centrally at front of the class. Present smaller units of work at a time. Avoid confusing strategies like writing over pictures and diagrams.
Classroom ideas
Children can get overwhelmed by too much visual or auditory information. Modify the classroom environment to help children stay focused and organised.
Use flashcards with key words or pictures around the classroom to cue the next step in a routine, like pack-up time:
- tidy up
- check homework
- collect coat and bag.
Adjust the chair and table height for the child, so their feet touch the floor. You can use a small wooden block or books to help. The table height should be just below the child’s elbow when resting their fist under their chin.
Minimise additional visual material hanging from the ceiling or on the walls.
Help desk organisation with a picture template of where each item belongs or stencil outlines on the desk for placement of essential items like pencil, ruler, and rubber. Tape a number or letter line directly onto the desk if the child gets distracted using the one on the board.
Spelling words may need to be on a separate card or book instead of the smartboard or whiteboard.
Close the classroom door to limit external noise and seat the child away from open windows or doors. Consider places where the child works best.
Make sure the child is looking at the chosen activity before starting. Prompt to slow down in their approach to an activity. Make sure the child is looking at the person giving instructions.
Encourage the child to repeat the task aloud.
Timetable ideas
Some children benefit from a predictable timetable. Outline the timetable for the day each morning and highlight any changes. Discuss or create a story about unexpected events before they occur, like fire drills or assemblies.
Older children may benefit from a homework organiser to keep their timetable and homework details. Teachers may need to check this after each class.
Remember, as adults, we all use checklists, diaries, highlighters and so on.
Last reviewed February 2026