How can I teach prioritizing skills to advanced students?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Advanced Students and the Art of Prioritization

Advanced students in elementary school often excel in academics, show curiosity, and take on multiple interests. Parents may notice that while their child can solve complex math problems or read several grade levels ahead, they sometimes struggle to focus on what needs to be done first. Whether it is a science project, piano practice, or a stack of library books, deciding where to begin can feel overwhelming. Many teachers and parents report that advanced learners benefit from direct guidance to teach prioritizing skills to advanced students, even if they are already strong thinkers. By supporting prioritization, you help your child manage stress and enjoy their learning journey without unnecessary worry.

Definitions

Prioritizing means identifying which tasks or responsibilities are most important and deciding the order in which to complete them. Executive function refers to the mental skills that help us plan, organize, and complete tasks.

Why Do Advanced Students Need Help with Prioritizing?

It is easy to assume that children who are academically advanced will naturally know how to juggle their work. In reality, advanced students often face unique challenges. Their interests may lead to a packed schedule, and they may want to do everything perfectly. This can sometimes result in feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Experts in child development note that executive function skills like planning and prioritizing develop over time and need nurturing, just like academic ability. Even the most gifted child can benefit from strategies that teach prioritizing skills to advanced students.

What Does Prioritizing Look Like in Elementary School?

For an elementary school student, prioritizing might mean choosing to finish math homework before starting a craft project, or deciding to feed the dog before playing outside. It can also mean breaking down a big project into smaller steps and figuring out which part to start with first. These are skills that will serve your child well in school and beyond.

Planning & Prioritization: Building Executive Function Step by Step

Executive function skills are like muscles that get stronger with practice. Planning and prioritization help your child manage multiple tasks, set goals, and adapt when unexpected things happen. Try these ideas to teach prioritizing skills to advanced students at home:

• Talk through the day: Ask your child to list out everything they want or need to do. Then, work together to sort these activities into “must-do,” “should-do,” and “want-to-do.” This helps them see the difference between urgent and optional tasks.
• Use visual aids: Tools like whiteboards, sticky notes, or digital apps can make priorities more visible. Younger students often enjoy drawing pictures to represent tasks.
• Model your thinking: Say aloud how you decide what needs attention first. For example, “I need to finish this work call before I can help you with your project, because it is due soon.”
• Practice with real scenarios: Let your child help plan the order of errands or weekend events. Discuss what happens if they do not prioritize (like missing a deadline or feeling rushed).

How Can I Teach Prioritizing Skills to Advanced Students?

Teaching prioritization is not about taking over, but about guiding your child to make decisions on their own. Here are practical steps to teach prioritizing skills to advanced students:

• Start small: Focus on one or two tasks at a time. Ask, “Which should you do first and why?”
• Encourage reflection: After completing tasks, talk about what worked and what was tough. Praise effort and problem-solving, not just results.
• Give choices: Allow your child to decide the order of some activities. This builds confidence and ownership.
• Link to goals: Help your child connect tasks to their bigger goals. For example, “Practicing piano now means you will feel ready for your recital.”

Remember that the goal is not perfection. Mistakes and missed priorities are learning opportunities. Your support helps your child build resilience and flexibility.

Grade Band Focus: Planning & Prioritization in Elementary School

In elementary school, advanced students are developing independence. Priority planning for elementary students can look different at various ages:

• K-2: Use simple picture schedules or daily checklists. Let your child help decide the order of after-school activities.
• Grades 3-5: Introduce weekly planners. Practice breaking big assignments into steps and discussing what should come first.

Revisit and revise plans together as needed. This shows your child that it is normal to adjust priorities when things change.

Common Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)

• Assuming independence equals mastery: Even if your child reads at a high level or excels in math, they may still need help learning how to prioritize tasks.
• Taking over planning: Resist the urge to organize everything for your child. Instead, guide them through the process and let them make decisions.
• Ignoring emotional barriers: Worry about disappointing others or not being “perfect” can make it hard for advanced students to choose what to do first. Normalize mistakes and focus on growth.

Mini-Scenarios: Prioritizing at Home and School

• At home: Your child wants to finish a new book but also needs to study for a spelling test. You ask, “Which is due sooner?” Together, you decide to study first and celebrate with reading time after.
• At school: A teacher assigns a group project and a math worksheet. Your child lists out the steps needed for each and chooses to work on the project first because it is due tomorrow. Later, they finish the worksheet before relaxing.

Each scenario gives your child a safe space to practice prioritization and reflect on their choices.

Expert Insights: What the Research Says

Experts in child development and education agree that prioritizing is a teachable skill. Practice, patience, and positive reinforcement are key. Children learn best when they understand why prioritizing matters and have a chance to try, reflect, and adjust. By making prioritization a regular topic at home, you set the foundation for lifelong success.

Parent Question: My Child Resists Planning—What Can I Do?

This is a common concern. Many advanced students prefer to “just start” or jump between tasks. Encourage your child by making planning a short, positive routine. Use questions like, “What is the first thing you want to tackle?” or “How will you feel when this is done?” Celebrate small wins and progress. If planning feels frustrating, break it into even smaller steps and offer choices where possible.

Resources for Parents: Where to Find More Help

Building prioritizing skills is a process, not a one-time event. If you are looking for more ideas, check out our executive function resources for tips, tools, and printable planners designed for elementary students and their families.

Related Resources

• Prioritizing: A Critical Executive Function – Edutopia
• EF Skills: Planning & Prioritizing – Smart Kids With LD
• How to Prioritize: Teaching the Eisenhower Matrix to ADHD Learners – ADDitude

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring partners with families to help advanced students build lifelong skills like prioritization, organization, and self-advocacy. Our tutors provide personalized strategies and compassionate support, whether your child needs a boost in planning, time management, or handling a full academic schedule. We are here to help your child thrive—at their own pace and in their own way.

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].