For the Classroom

Orderliness

Structuring my environment and routines to help me think clearly and follow through on what matters

Orderliness supports effective teaching and learning.

When classrooms and routines are organized, students experience clarity and calm. Orderliness helps schools run smoothly and efficiently.

Essay

From Confusion to Orderliness

by Jill Tomey

In a recent meeting of the Character Council, a new team member who is a mental health professional cautioned us about the use of our opposite quality. A student who is “low” on the performance scale for a particular quality (for example, Orderliness) may not be there due to a lack of character. There could be past or current trauma that is influencing their brain, or they could have a disorder or condition (for example, ADHD) that makes mastering a quality difficult.

All of us are on our own character journey, toting the emotional baggage we have accumulated. It’s essential to promote incremental achievements in improving character by setting small goals. Look for small negative behaviors to correct or positive behaviors to capitalize on. Use Resilience and Determination to keep trying. Celebrate small victories and use Patience to know these small victories will add up over time.

This month, when you see someone who lacks mastery in ANY of the character qualities, take some time to get to know their whys and help them create the scaffolding they need for personal growth.

Affirmations for the Classroom

I put things back where they belong.
I pick up after myself.
I have a clean desk, which helps my brain do its best work.
I follow my classroom rules for taking care of our things.
I slow down and think about what comes first, next, and last.

Orderliness Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Orderliness.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Orderliness Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Orderliness—plus a printable download and a link to the full Orderliness bookshelf on Goodreads.

Orderliness as a Core Value

Descriptions of Orderliness as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Orderliness as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Orderliness supports the other qualities.

Fun with Character: Organizing Cards

Turn a simple deck of cards into a powerful lesson on Orderliness! In this interactive activity, students work in groups to sort cards and discover that effective organization requires a clear purpose. It’s a great way to spark classroom discussions on why we group items—like art supplies or books—the way we do to make life more efficient.

Fun with Character: Organization at Work

Encourage students to explore the practical side of Orderliness by interviewing parents about their workplace organization and taking "behind-the-scenes" tours of school facilities. This activity helps students connect classroom habits to real-world career success and food safety, sparking discussions on how being organized today builds a better employee for tomorrow.

Fun with Character: Mix it Up

Help students appreciate the value of order by intentionally creating a little disorder! Through this hands-on classroom activity, students experience the frustration of misplaced items, work together to restore organization, and discuss practical habits for maintaining orderly study spaces at home and at school.

Connecting Orderliness to the English Curriculum

Use concept of writing from your English curriculum to teach Orderliness

Picture Book Pick: Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch

A featured Orderliness picture book—Grimelda—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Orderliness

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Orderliness, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Orderliness Quotes

Looking for reminders that Orderliness makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Orderliness Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Orderliness

Structuring my environment and routines to help me think clearly and follow through on what matters

Orderliness supports effective teaching and learning.

From Confusion to Orderliness

This month, when you see someone who lacks mastery in ANY of the character qualities, take some time to get to know their whys and help them create the scaffolding they need for personal growth.

Affirmations for the Classroom

Orderliness Resource Library

Orderliness Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

Sign Up