Organizational skills can help children learn how to focus, complete tasks, and set goals. However, learning good organizational skills is sometimes overlooked in children's education. That's why learning these skills at home is a great way for parents to supplement their child's education and maximize benefits.

Getting organized is something even adults struggle, as evidenced by the hundreds of books available on the subject. If you're one of those adults, don't fret. Teaching your child the basics of good organizing is simple and you might even get a few pointers out of it, too. As the Roman philosopher Seneca once said: "While we teach, we learn."

1. Make Checklists that are Specific

Making checklists is a fundamental exercise that is great at teaching organizational skills. From chores and homework to feeding the pet and practicing instruments, checklists help children the importance of completing and keeping track of daily tasks. And when children check off the tasks, the sense of accomplishment gets reinforced into their brain, which encourages them to continue following through.

An important thing to remember when making checklists is that the tasks should be specific and make the objectives clear. This is a great opportunity for parents to talk with their children about their tasks and why they're important.

For example, if the child has chores to do, don't just write "chores." It's more helpful to write down exactly what they have to do, such as help with dishes or put away clothes.

If they have homework, it helps to keep track of what they have to do, such as read a certain number of pages in a book or practice handwriting.

The overall benefit is that the child is aware of their responsibilities, learns how to organize and keep track of them, and is rewarded with a sense of completion as they check off their list.

2. Practice Sorting and Organizing

Putting things away in their correct place is not just a chore - it's a great way for children to practice organizational skills (and keep things tidy around the house, of course!).

"Emptying the dishwasher, sorting socks or shoes, cleaning out a closet, and other chores that involve pre-planning, making lists, or arranging things are great choices," Scholastic says on their blog.

You've probably noticed that young children tend to sort objects naturally by creating matching sets and identifying similar characteristics between toys. This gives children a sense of order as they use their critical thinking skills to make sense of the world around them. By creating situations where your child practices their sorting and organizing skills, you help them strengthen these innate skills and may also strengthen their math skills.

3. Teach - and Stick to - Routines