Helping your child get organised for school

Teaching your child how to manage tasks on their own gives them skills for life.

It's better than doing the tasks for them.

Getting organised for school

Help your child build organisation skills in school.

You might:

• use colour coding for subjects so it’s easy to spot the right books and copies
• mark subjects in their timetable with these colours
• encourage them to write subject names in their matching colour when writing down homework
• tell them to pack their books and copies for homework as soon as the subject is finished
• mark pages with a sticky tab or bookmark to make pages easy to find
• teach them how to read a timetable and plan what books are needed for each class
• show them how to use the book storage system in school for books they do not need

Packing their school bag

Show your child how to pack their school bag:

1. Place the bag where it will stand steady.
2. Put the largest books in first, at the back.
3. Add smaller books and copies in front.
4. Place small items, like a pencil case or dictionary, on top or in side pockets.

Use checklists for reminders

Teach your child to make and use lists with words or pictures for reminders. They can use these instead of needing someone else to tell them.

For example, they might have a ‘before I leave school’ list or a ‘before I go out to play’ list.

Encourage ownership and planning

Giving your child a sense of control can make everyday tasks feel easier and more positive.

Instead of telling them what to do, try asking questions that help them think through the steps themselves. This builds problem-solving skills and confidence.

Giving your child 2 choices is a simple way to support decision-making without overwhelming them. For example, “Would you like to tidy up your copy books first, or your pencil case?”

You can also ask planning questions like:

• "what do you need to pack for tomorrow?"
• "what’s the first thing you want to do after homework?"

These small steps help your child feel involved and teach them how to plan ahead.