Practical steps for planning and prioritizing tasks

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners at Home

Many parents of neurodivergent children notice that daily routines, planning, and getting started on tasks can be challenging—even when their child is bright and eager to learn. If your elementary school student has ADHD, autism, or other learning differences, you are not alone. Building planning and prioritization skills takes time, support, and patience. This article is designed for parents seeking practical steps for planning and prioritizing tasks, specifically tailored for neurodivergent learners who may need extra structure and encouragement to succeed.

Definitions

Planning is the process of deciding what needs to be done and developing a step-by-step approach to complete it. Prioritizing means figuring out which tasks are most important or urgent, so your child can focus on what matters most first.

Why Do Neurodivergent Learners Struggle with Planning and Prioritization?

Neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges, often find planning and prioritizing difficult because their brains process information and structure differently. Many teachers and parents report that these students may feel overwhelmed by simple to-do lists or have trouble deciding where to start. Expert in child development note that breaking tasks into smaller steps and reducing distractions can make a big difference. With the right support, your child can develop strategies that work for them.

Practical Steps for Planning and Prioritizing Tasks: A Parent Guide

If you are looking for practical steps for planning and prioritizing tasks for your elementary schooler, here are proven techniques you can try at home. Remember, every child moves at their own pace. Celebrate effort and progress, not just completed checklists.

1. Create a Visual Schedule

Use pictures, color-coded charts, or sticky notes to map out the day. Visual schedules help neurodivergent learners “see” what comes next and reduce anxiety. For example, lay out the morning routine as: wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, breakfast, pack backpack.

2. Break Tasks Into Small Steps

A large assignment or even cleaning a room can feel huge. Together, list the small steps. For homework, steps could be: gather supplies, read instructions, do first question, check work, put away materials.

3. Use “Must Do, Should Do, Could Do” Lists

Help your child sort daily tasks into three categories: Must Do (urgent/required), Should Do (important but can wait), and Could Do (nice extras). This method supports prioritization without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Build in Breaks and Rewards

Short, regular breaks prevent fatigue. After finishing a “Must Do” task, encourage a movement break, snack, or favorite activity. This keeps motivation high and supports focus.

5. Practice Planning Out Loud

Model your own planning aloud: “First, I am making dinner. Next, I will set the table. After we eat, I will load the dishwasher.” Hearing this helps your child internalize the sequence and process.

6. Check In and Adjust Together

Review the plan before and after tasks. Ask, “What worked well? What was tricky? Should we change something for next time?” Flexible reflection builds problem-solving skills and resilience.

How Can I Help My Child Manage Overwhelm?

Many parents wonder, “How do I help my child when they freeze up or refuse to start?” Start with empathy. Name the feeling: “It looks like this feels really big.” Offer to do the first step together. Sometimes, just beginning is the hardest part. Consider using a timer for short work periods, and always acknowledge effort. If your child struggles to help students manage daily tasks, try focusing on one or two key routines before adding more.

Executive Function and Elementary School: Building Skills for Life

Executive function skills like planning, organizing, and prioritizing are building blocks for success in and out of school. In the elementary years, children are learning to juggle homework, chores, friendships, and activities. Practical steps for planning and prioritizing tasks empower your child to feel capable and independent. Progress may be slow at first, but even small improvements add up. Celebrate when your child remembers to pack their backpack or finishes a chore without prompting. These wins matter!

Sample Scenario: Planning a School Project Together

Your fourth grader brings home a science project assignment due in two weeks. Instead of waiting until the last minute, sit down together and use practical steps for planning and prioritizing tasks:

• Read the assignment together and highlight important dates.
• List the steps: pick a topic, gather materials, do the experiment, write the report, make a poster.
• Decide what to do first (pick a topic) and what needs more time (experiment).
• Put each step on the family calendar and check progress weekly.

By modeling this process, you give your child a blueprint to use on future projects.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Trying to do too much at once. Start small—one or two new habits at a time.
• Assuming your child “should” know how to plan. These are learned skills, not automatic for most children, especially neurodivergent learners.
• Focusing only on what went wrong. Make sure to praise effort and small improvements.
• Not adjusting when something is not working. Flexibility is key; what works one week may need tweaking the next.

Helpful Tools and Resources

Consider using planners, apps, or timers designed for kids. Many families find that checklists or chore charts with pictures work best for younger children. For more strategies, explore our executive function resources for additional guidance on building these essential skills.

Related Resources

• 9 Popular Time Management Techniques and Tools – USAHS Blog
• How to Prioritize Tasks in 4 Steps (and Get Work Done) – Asana
• 10 Strategies for Better Time Management – University of Georgia Extension

Tutoring Support

If your child needs extra support with planning, prioritizing, or executive function, K12 Tutoring is here to help. Our experienced tutors work with neurodivergent learners and their families to develop customized strategies that build confidence and independence. We believe every child can learn how to organize and manage tasks with the right encouragement and tools.

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].