Everything I Needed to Know about Organizing I Learned in Kindergarten

Even if your child isn’t in school yet, a kindergarten classroom provides a great model for organizing! Try these kindergarten-inspired organizing tips:

• Set up zones. A kindergarten classroom clearly defines the space for different activities, such as reading, building with blocks, and creating art. Try it at home: Create a reading area by placing comfortable pillows on the floor in front of a bookshelf, or set up a “creativity corner” with art supplies and an easel or table. (This approach works for grown-up activities too: in the kitchen make a coffee zone with the coffee maker, coffee, and mugs.)
• Label everything. Kindergarten classrooms use words and pictures to identify where things belong or what activity happens in a space. Try it at home: Use labels to help children know where to put their toys and clothes, or where they kind find the “good” snacks in the kitchen. One client of mine took photos of toys, taped them above their designated spot on a shelving unit, and then marveled at how her three boys could find their things by themselves—and put them away!
• Signal a transition. Kindergartners need to clean up before they go to another activity, and teachers often count or sing a song to signal the transition. Try it at home: Find your own silly song to play for clean up time, or set a timer for five minutes and have children “race” the clock as they put things away.
• Use a cubby. In school cubbies provide children with a specific place to put their things. Try it at home: To avoid bags and shoes spreading all over floor, give children a designated spot for jackets, shoes and bags. While many stores sell cubbies, you can also use a low shelf, bench, or hook in a closet within reach of your child. (And if you don’t have a spot for your own things, make one for yourself!)

Applying the kindergarten model of zones, labels, cubbies, and transition signals can encourage independence in children, and give parents a well-deserved break.

Call Elizabeth today if you need help getting your child organized for school.

This article was originally written for the Arlington Family Connection newsletter.