Tools to support recall and planning skills

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners with Recall and Planning

Many parents of struggling learners notice their children forget homework assignments, lose track of instructions, or have trouble getting started on projects. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. These challenges are especially common in elementary school as students build the foundation for memory and organization. Children who struggle with recall and planning often experience frustration, overwhelm, or even low self-esteem. The good news is that these skills can be taught and strengthened with the right tools and support. By understanding the tools to support recall and planning skills, you can help your child feel more confident and independent both at home and in the classroom.

Definitions

Executive function refers to mental processes that help us plan, organize, remember, and manage tasks. It is like the brain’s “air traffic control” for learning and daily life.

Recall means retrieving information or instructions from memory when needed. Planning is the ability to organize tasks, break them into steps, and manage time effectively.

Why Do Some Elementary Schoolers Struggle with Memory and Organization?

It is entirely normal for young children to forget things or need reminders. However, when challenges with memory and organization start to affect schoolwork, friendships, or daily routines, extra support can help. Executive function skills, including recall and planning, develop at different rates for each child. Factors such as attention differences, anxiety, or learning differences like ADHD can play a role. Experts in child development note that children’s brains are still learning how to manage multiple steps, remember routines, and juggle information. For struggling learners, this can feel especially overwhelming.

Many teachers and parents report that students who have difficulty with these skills often benefit from clear routines, visual reminders, and tools that make tasks more manageable. Creating a supportive environment at home is key to helping your child succeed.

Everyday Scenarios: What Memory and Planning Struggles Look Like

• Your child forgets to bring home a homework folder, even after reminders.
• They ask for help starting a project but get stuck on what comes next.
• Instructions given in the morning are forgotten by the afternoon.
• They feel anxious or upset when routines change or when too many steps are involved.

If your child is experiencing these situations, it is important to remember that these are common challenges and not a reflection of effort or intelligence.

What Are the Best Tools to Support Recall and Planning Skills?

For struggling learners in elementary school, using tools to support recall and planning skills can make a world of difference. These tools work by breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and providing visual or physical reminders. Here are some practical options you can try at home:

• Visual Schedules: Post a daily or weekly schedule on the fridge or in your child’s workspace. Use pictures for younger children and words for older students. This helps them see what is coming next and prepare mentally.
• Checklists: Create simple checklists for morning routines, homework, or chores. Checking off each step provides a sense of accomplishment and helps with memory.
• Color Coding: Assign colors to different subjects or tasks (for example, blue for reading, red for math). Use colored folders, notebooks, or tabs so your child can easily find and organize materials.
• Timers and Alarms: Use a timer for transitions or work sessions. Setting a timer for “10 minutes of reading” can make tasks feel less overwhelming and help kids stay on track.
• Sticky Notes and Reminders: Place sticky notes where your child will see them—on a backpack, bathroom mirror, or desk. Notes can remind them of materials to bring or steps to complete.
• Homework Stations: Set up a dedicated homework spot with all necessary supplies. Keep this area clutter-free and consistent.

These tools to support recall and planning skills are most effective when used consistently and with patience. Involving your child in creating and using these tools increases their sense of ownership and motivation.

How Can I Tell If My Child Needs More Support?

As a parent, you know your child best. If you notice that forgetfulness, disorganization, or trouble planning is causing stress, missed assignments, or emotional outbursts, it may be time to add more support. Ask yourself:

• Is my child consistently losing or forgetting important items?
• Are instructions often misunderstood or not followed through?
• Does my child get overwhelmed by multi-step tasks?
• Are they anxious or avoidant about schoolwork?

If you answered yes to any of these, using tools to support recall and planning skills can help your child feel less overwhelmed and more successful.

Memory and Organization Help: Strategies for Elementary Students

Building memory and organizational skills does not happen overnight, especially for struggling learners. Here are some ways you can help at home:

• Model routines: Walk through morning or bedtime routines together, using a checklist.
• Practice “chunking”: Break larger assignments into smaller, manageable parts.
• Use repetition: Go over schedules and instructions more than once. Repetition helps information stick.
• Encourage self-talk: Teach your child to quietly repeat directions to themselves or use phrases like “First I will… then I will…”
• Celebrate progress: Notice and praise even small improvements. Positive feedback builds motivation and confidence.

Remember, memory and organization help is not just about doing more—it is about working smarter with the right supports. You can find more ideas on our organizational skills resource page.

What If My Child Gets Frustrated with Planning Tools?

It is normal for children to resist new routines or tools, especially if they feel overwhelmed or fear making mistakes. Normalize this by letting your child know that everyone forgets or gets disorganized sometimes. Try the following tips:

• Start small: Introduce one new tool at a time. For instance, begin with a checklist for getting ready in the morning before adding a homework planner.
• Let your child choose: Allow your child to pick the color of their folders or help decorate their visual schedule. This increases buy-in.
• Problem-solve together: If a tool is not working, talk with your child about what feels challenging and brainstorm adjustments together.
• Keep it positive: Focus on effort rather than perfection. Remind your child that it is okay to forget sometimes and that improvement comes with practice.

Expert Tips: Building Executive Function in Young Learners

• Encourage your child to repeat instructions back to you. This “teach-back” method helps cement information in memory.
• Use “when-then” statements to reinforce routines. For example, “When you finish your homework, then it is time for your favorite show.”
• Practice planning fun activities together, like making a snack or packing for a trip, to build skills in low-pressure situations.
• Give choices when possible (“Would you like to use a paper planner or an app for your reading log?”).

Experts in child development note that building executive function is a gradual process. Consistent practice, encouragement, and the right tools to support recall and planning skills all make a difference over time.

Grade Band Focus: Elementary School Memory & Organization

In elementary school, students are learning how to manage schoolwork, friendships, and responsibilities for the first time. Developing memory and organization can be especially challenging for struggling learners who may need extra support. Many teachers and parents find that using simple, visual tools—such as checklists, color-coded folders, and visual schedules—creates a sense of predictability and safety. These tools to support recall and planning skills can also help children become more independent and confident in their daily routines. Remember, your patience and encouragement are some of the most important supports you can provide.

When Should I Seek Additional Support?

If after trying these tools, your child still struggles or if frustration and anxiety increase, consider reaching out to your child’s teacher or school counselor. They can help you determine if further evaluation or accommodations (like an IEP or 504 Plan) might be helpful. K12 Tutoring also offers personalized support to help your child build confidence and skills at their own pace.

Tutoring Support

Remember, you do not have to do this alone. K12 Tutoring is here to help your child master tools to support recall and planning skills with patience, encouragement, and expert strategies tailored to your family’s needs. Our tutors work alongside you and your child to build habits, routines, and confidence for school and beyond.

Related Resources

• Organization of Materials in Childhood – Marcy Willard PhD (blog article)
• Teaching Your Child Organizational Skills – Youth First
• Building Middle and High School Students’ Organizational Skills

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].