Boosting Planning and Organization Skills Through Everyday Activities

Planning and organization are essential executive functioning skills that support every part of life—school, home, social situations, and personal care. But for many children with autism, these skills don’t come naturally. They may struggle with starting tasks, prioritizing steps, or remembering what’s needed.

Thankfully, these skills can be developed—and everyday life is one of the best classrooms.

What Do Planning and Organization Look Like?

Planning involves:

  • Figuring out what needs to be done

  • Creating a strategy or timeline

  • Anticipating problems or delays

Organization involves:

  • Structuring space and materials

  • Categorizing and sorting

  • Keeping track of belongings

When these skills are weak, children may:

  • Jump into tasks without thinking them through

  • Misplace homework, shoes, or supplies

  • Seem scattered or easily overwhelmed

  • Struggle to complete steps in order or on time

Everyday Activities That Teach Planning and Organization

These common daily routines offer rich, real-world opportunities to practice executive functioning skills:

1. Cooking Together

Cooking requires sequencing, preparation, and clean-up—all of which demand planning and organization.

Steps to try together:

  • Choose a simple recipe and read it together

  • Write or check off a grocery list

  • Gather ingredients and tools before beginning

  • Cook in sequence

  • Clean as you go and organize the workspace

Tools to support:

  • Visual recipe cards

  • Ingredient lists with pictures

  • “Before we start” prep checklist

2. Packing a Backpack or Travel Bag

This teaches foresight, memory, and sorting

Try:

  • Creating a packing list (for school or a sleepover)

  • Categorizing items: clothing, hygiene, school supplies

  • Using zip pouches or labeled compartments

Supports:

  • Color-coded bags

  • Laminated checklists

  • Velcro visual cards for non-readers

3. Morning and Bedtime Routines

Routines offer daily opportunities to build sequencing and structure.

Use:

  • Visual checklists (“Brush teeth → Put on pajamas → Pick book”)

  • First/Then boards (“First bath, then story time”)

  • Verbal reminders tied to visuals

Make routines predictable, visible, and low-pressure for learning through repetition

4. Toy or Supply Organization

Sorting and tidying teach categorization and spatial awareness

Steps to teach:

  • Sort by type or use (cars, blocks, books)

  • Return each item to a labeled bin or shelf

  • Declutter or “reset” space at the end of play

Supports:

  • Labeled bins or baskets

  • Pictures for non-readers

  • Weekly “reset” rituals with music or timer

5. Homework and Project Planning

Teach kids to plan before jumping into assignments

Steps to build:

  • Review what’s due

  • Break larger assignments into chunks

  • Estimate how long each chunk will take

  • Schedule breaks and rewards

Tools:

  • Dry erase planners or calendars

  • Timers for work sessions

  • Color-coded folders for subjects

Strategies That Support Skill Growth

✅ Use Checklists and Schedules

Make to-dos visual.

Use:

  • Magnetic boards

  • Sticky notes

  • Daily planners

Keep them accessible, consistent, and personalized

✅ Color Code Everything

  • Use different colored folders for school subjects

  • Use matching labels on drawers or storage bins

  • Use a color key for activities on a calendar

This reduces the burden of memory and supports independence

✅ Break It Into “Mini-Missions”

Avoid vague instructions like “clean up your room.” Instead:

  • “Pick up the clothes”

  • “Put Legos in the red bin”

  • “Put books back on the shelf”

Use a timer and celebrate completion of each mini-task.

✅ Think Out Loud

Model the planning process with your voice:

  • “We need to leave in 20 minutes. First I’ll pack snacks, then check your bag.”

  • “Let’s check our chart. What’s missing?”

✅ Praise Process Over Perfection

Celebrate progress:

  • “You remembered to check your list—great job!”

  • “I saw you organize your blocks into colors. That’s awesome planning!”

Every effort, no matter how small deserve recognition!

Creating Independence

Help your child take more ownership of planning and organizing over time.

Step-by-step model:

  1. Lead – “Let’s check your list together.”

  2. Prompt – “What do you need for your homework?”

  3. Cue – “What comes next on your schedule?”

  4. Fade – Let them check the system and self-correct

Eventually, they may begin asking for tools instead of help!

Planning and organization aren’t just school skills, they’re life skills. When embedded into daily routines, they become natural habits rather than burdensome tasks.

As a caregiver, you can nurture these skills by turning daily moments into meaningful practice. With structure, modeling, and gentle reinforcement, your child can gain the tools to manage tasks, reduce frustration, and build confidence in their ability to handle the world!