The return of the fall madness is here. As we rush to the store to take advantage of labor day sales and pick up those last minute school supplies, it’s equally important to get your kids organized. Start the school year off right with some incredibly easy back to school life hacks. These simple little life hacks are guaranteed to simplify the morning dash, streamline weekly schedules and bring productivity, order and peace of mind to your family.
Make homework a fun adventure
Procrastination is a nasty habit that is all too often associated with doing that dreaded homework. Create a homework caddy that is colorful and fun for your child or young teen so they look forward to getting their work done right away. Use a cutlery, cleaning product or shower caddy with a handle and multiple space dividers as a base. Next, fill up colorful plastic containers or mason jars with standard supplies that are age appropriate for each child.
– Supplies for Elementary schoolers would require items like glue sticks, colored pencils, crayons, scissors and elmer’s glue.
– Supplies for an older teen or middle schooler might include a calculator, sharpie highlighters, sticky notes, rulers and scrap paper.
Finalize the homework caddy by adding colorful labels on each divider. Leave one empty for snacks or treats which you can fill up with a proud mama/papa note attached each afternoon. By encouraging your child with incentives and positive feedback, you increase their productivity levels after a long day at School.
Keep a School Station near the front door
It’s important to start the school year on the right foot, by encouraging organization and avoiding last minute scattering. By maintaining a school station in a mudroom or a hallway area, you designate a place for kids to keep backpacks, dirty shoes and other items a child needs before getting on the school bus each morning. Create an organized school station somewhere close to the front door, equipped with a place for shoes, backpacks and a don’t forget cubby or drawer for things like permission slips, signed tests and house keys. This can be as simple as attaching coat hooks to the wall, with a cork board sign above (add names on the board for multiple child households) and a shoe cubby on the floor. If you fancy yourself a handy mom or dad, you can build a custom entryway station for under $50 with some crown molding, beadboard, hooks and chalkboard paint. Click here for directions from the Owner Builder network.
DIY School Station for less:
Shoe Cubby: We found colorful storage cubes for shoes at target for $19.99
Coat and backpack hooks: We recommend a three-prong hook for jackets and backpacks like this tri-hook that sells for $6.58 for a set of two at Target.
Cork board sign: We love the idea of using a corkboard sign to hang above each child’s school station for a number of reasons. You can get artistic and include the name of your children on each board or pin a favorite photo of them. Plus, you can attach signed permission slips, homework and notes to the board, screw in a small key hook or embellish the board by hanging it in a frame (without the glass).
DIY Cork Board Frame: Make your own cork board frame with a cork roll, available at Lowes and home depot for less than $10. Cut the desired shape and size you need, lay it flat and frame it. Add small key hooks that easily screw into the cork and fun sized push pins. Use a stencil and magic marker to add names or pin up your favorite photo.
Chores and Allowance Station
Maintaining a clean room is an important part of keeping your child productive, but so is teaching your child about earning and managing money. Take the initiative before the first week of school by organizing a chores and incentives chart or station.
To make a Chores and Allowance station, all you need is some markers, a dry erase board and some magnetic memo clips, note pads or index cards and money. Simply write out each chore and who it is designated for and what that chore is worth on a daily or weekly basis. Include a space at the bottom of the note that reads “approved or inspected by” where mom and dad can initial.
Keep a set of three mason jars handy by the chore board for each child. Label each mason jar “save” “spend” “give” to teach your child about the value of a dollar. We love the idea of keeping a “Give” jar next to the other two, because giving back is an important character building lesson for any age.
If you lack the time and/or creativity, you can purchase adorable chore charts from boutique shops on Etsy