I bet that you didn’t know that there was a dirty 12 letter word, did you? What is it? Organization! So it’s not exactly a dirty word, but most people treat it like it is. You have no clue how many times I have asked people to organize a space or materials and they looked at me like I have two heads.
Before beginning anything, I like to tell people to take a few moments and clean out some space. In general, people tend to be able to think more clearly in a clutter free and distraction free zone. Think of it like this, when you walk into a classroom and there are a few pictures on the wall, you may look at them, but you are able to refocus to complete the task at hand. When there are lots of posters and information to look at, you may look at them… and then you may begin to drift off into another place – exploring, in your mind, all of the different pictures, the concepts involved in them, as well as a host of other things.
The same principle works when you sit down at home. I know that I have often sat down in my office to begin working on something and then see the paperwork that needs to be filed and any number of other projects.
So, what do I do? I get up and start working on them, but in the process may not get the other task done.
The same thing may occur when you are trying to teach a skill (or have a child complete homework). In an area where there are lots of distractions, children are not always able to focus and have other things that
can hold their attention. To minimize the risk of this, you should keep learning areas organized and free from excessive clutter. This also makes it easier for person who will be working with your child(ren) – in an organized space people are quickly able to locate materials and rewards. A little organization can go a long way.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Barbara
Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.