Many teenagers juggle multiple responsibilities, including schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social connections and sometimes part-time jobs. Staying organised and managing assessments can feel overwhelming, leading to stress and difficulties meeting deadlines. Occupational therapy can provide support in developing practical organisation strategies for teenagers to feel more in control and confident in their academic and personal lives.
Why can it be challenging to stay organised?
Organisation involves many executive functioning skills, such as planning, organising, prioritising, time management and maintaining attention. Teenagers may require support in these areas, making it harder to track assignments, due dates and study schedules. Sensory processing differences, difficulties with transitions and fluctuating energy levels can also impact their ability to stay organised and complete tasks efficiently.
Strategies to Support Teenagers with Organisation Skills
- Using Visual Planners
Digital or paper planners can help teens map out their schedules. Colour coding subjects or activities makes it easier to identify priorities at a glance. - Breaking Tasks into Steps
Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Supporting teens in breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps with specific deadlines can make them feel more achievable. - Creating a Study Routine
Establishing a consistent study time and environment can reduce procrastination and create a sense of stability. Some teens benefit from movement breaks or sensory friendly study spaces. - Using Checklists and Reminders
Daily checklists, visual schedules and digital reminders can help teens keep track of responsibilities and reduce the mental load of remembering multiple tasks. - Practising Time Management Strategies
Techniques such as working in short, focused intervals with breaks can improve productivity while preventing burnout. External structure and accountability from family can also be helpful. - Organising Materials and Digital Files
Having clear and consistent systems for organising schoolwork, whether through labelled folders, binders, or structured digital files can reduce last-minute stress when looking for important documents. - Encouraging Self-Reflection
Supporting teens in reflecting on what strategies are working can empower them to adjust their approach and take ownership of their organisation skills. Visual supports or journaling can assist in this process.
Supporting Teenagers in Completing Assessments
Assessments can feel stressful, but the right support can help teens approach them with more confidence.
- Clarifying the Task: Breaking down assessment instructions helps ensure understanding of what is required.
- Planning Ahead: Mapping out deadlines and setting small, achievable goals prevents last-minute cramming.
- Exploring Study Strategies: Techniques such as active recall, summarisation and practice tests can enhance learning and retention. Some teens may benefit from visual learning methods or hands-on approaches.
- Reducing Test Anxiety: Regulation strategies, movement breaks and positive self-talk can help ease stress before assessments. Some teenagers may also need accommodations, such as extra time or a quiet testing space.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapists work collaboratively with teenagers, families and educators to develop individualised strategies that align with each teenager’s strengths and challenges. By focusing on practical and meaningful organisation and time management skills, occupational therapy can support teenagers in building confidence and independence in their academic and personal lives.
If you feel your child requires more support with executive functioning skills or the transition to high school, our Occupational Therapists are here to support. Please feel free to reach out to us on hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au or (02) 99133823 for further information.
