How to Improve a Messy Kids Desk
A messy kid’s desk can be exasperating for teachers and parents alike, and it can make learning difficult for the child. Children whose desks are disorganized and untidy are likely to damage their books and papers, misplace their school supplies and lose valuable classroom or homework time just trying to find things. If you’re a teacher, you’ll probably need to help some of your students learn good organizational skills. If you’re a parent, you can help your child do her best in school by helping her keep her desk at home in good order.
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Instructions
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Remove everything from the desk and put it neatly in a box or storage bin. Clean the desk inside and out with paper towels and spray cleaner. Then wipe the desk again with plain water to remove any residue from the cleaner.
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Organize the items from the desk into piles according to function or size. For example, put pencils and pens in one pile, large books in another, small books in a third and so on. Throw away any trash you find in the desk -- children tend to stow candy wrappers, crayon stubs, paper scraps and other rubbish. Place small items such as pencils and erasers in small storage boxes.
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Provide folders that can be arranged by subject or purpose. In the classroom, for example, you can give your students color-coded folders for classroom activities and homework assignments.
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Stow boxes inside a school desk on one side, and place books, notebooks and folders on the other side. If you’re straightening up your child’s desk at home and the desk has drawers, place pencil boxes and other small items in the top drawer, where they’ll be easy to find. Put notebooks and homework folders in a lower drawer. Books that your child is currently using can stay out on top of the desk; other books should go on a bookshelf.
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Show the child how you’ve arranged her desk and explain that you’d like her to keep it neat and clean. This will probably be challenging for her, since she’s already developed a habit of being messy, so help her organize her things every day until she can do it by herself.
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Provide incentives to keep her motivated. For example, if you’re the child’s parent, you can promise to buy her a new book by her favorite author if she can keep her desk neat and clean for a whole month. If you’re a teacher, you’ll have to give the same rewards to everyone in your class. Offer stickers and small prizes for neatness. Avoid giving candy or other unhealthy snacks.
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References
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