WFMW - Homework Box and Art Caddy

It is so hard to get a handle on homework sometimes, but last year we found something that works great us.

First of all, it is so important for the kids to have a nice place to work where they can concentrate. Our kids sit at the kitchen table for now so that I can help them as they need it. Each kid does, however, have a desk in their room if they choose to work there.

The biggest thing that has helped is the "Homework Help Box". We have a plastic tub, it is about the size of a shoebox, to house all necessary items needed to do homework. I was sick and tired of constantly searching for things (usually while I was trying to cook dinner) when it came time to do homework. "Mom. I can't find a pencil." or "Mom, I need a ruler for my homework." or even "Mom, where are my markers? I'm supposed to color a picture for my homework." How should I know where you put YOUR markers??? Ugh.

So, I found this plastic tub we had laying around and I started filling it with important homework helpers, such as pencils, a pencil sharpener, a ruler, pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils, a roll of tape, scissors, a glue stick, and a bottle of Elmer's glue. The boys pull the box out when they are ready to start homework, use any items they need for the homework and then return the box to the shelf we keep it on when they are done. These items may not be removed from the box for any reason other than homework. Period.

The other thing that Works for Me is to have an art caddy. I bought a kitchen utensil turn about thingy (I'm pretty sure that is the official name) and we store art supplies in it. I have crayons, markers, colored pencils, tape, glue, pencils, etc. in this turn about thingy. The kids can sit at the table and share all art items without a fight. They set it in the middle of the table and they can easily turn it as they need something and no one is upset that they can't reach.

SO, the homework box is just for homework time and the art caddy is for doodle time. They do not co-mingle! As items are used up, worn out or otherwise destroyed they are replaced.

This is what Works For Me - go check out We Are THAT Family for more tips and helpful ideas!