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I absolutely love office supplies. With all the back-to-school sales, I’m like a kid in the candy store, drinkin’ a latte. There’s something exciting about fresh boxes of crayons, crisp notebooks, and planners waiting to be filled… I’m weird. I know. I’m okay with that. Today I’m going to put all these supplies into an organized homework caddy so my kids are ready when it’s time for school.
Awhile ago, I organized our art and craft supplies. The set-up is in our kitchen, close to the table where homework is done. This creates easy access to needed supplies, like glue sticks and scissors, but some items, like crayons and markers, are in larger jars, so I thought I’d take a few out and put them in a caddy to control the chaos creativity. Other supplies are not included in the art area at all, so instead of running a marathon through the house looking for things like, a protractor… (Do we even have a protractor? We do. Somewhere. I know I saw it last year.)… everything is together in one place.
My hope is for a reduction in the time spent searching for needed items, which in turn will reduce the time needed to complete assignments, which in turn will reduce the amount of whining about needing to do homework in the first place. Wishful thinking on the no whining. I know.
I started by coming up with a list of must-haves for homework assignments. Here’s my list, but yours may be different depending on the ages of your kiddos.
- Scratch paper- Remember all those half-used notebooks from last year? I tore out the unused paper and put it in a file folder
- Pencils
- Crayons
- Markers
- Pens
- Rulers
- Protractor… I found not only one, but two during my search…
- Big Erasers
- Calculator
- Stapler
For the writing/coloring utensils, I wrapped tin cans in scrapbook paper.
I looked high and low for something to hold all the other supplies, and finally found an organizer that worked perfectly; love when that happens. (I found mine at Target, but they don’t seem to sell them anymore, but here is one that is very similar on Amazon.) There are six small containers within a larger bin. I labeled each of the containers so we would know what went where.
I had some extra bins, and Stephanie, from Casa Watkins, used this same organizer to hold flashcards. I happened to have 3 empty bins and 3 sets of flashcards… perfect.
The other containers held miscellaneous items:
All my items went into the caddy, and now I have everything ready for the first homework assignments… well, everything except my kids; I don’t think they’re ever ready for homework.
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Where did you purchase those little holders for the flash cards and crayons, etc.? I love this idea
Hi Jessica- I actually found mine at Target last year, but I don’t think they sell them anymore. I found almost the exact same item on Amazon. Here’s my affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2bV2LhC
Hope that helps!
What a great idea!! Anything to help those kiddos stay organized is a plus in my book!
I completely agree! I don’t think kids are necessary organized by nature (at least mine aren’t) so it’s nice to be able to help them out a little. Thanks for stopping over Jenny!
Love it – especially that container that holds all the smaller containers 😉 I also really like the idea of tearing up the old notebooks for scratch paper and having that on hand. Having everything together and easy to use is such a good idea.
I am co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty link party this month and would love to have you stop by for a visit. The door is open for the current party through Monday night. http://alaynascreations.co/2015/08/21/home-matters-liny-party-51/
Thank Alayna! I am going to have the chance to try out this little caddy in one week’s time. I’m hoping it will help speed up our homework routines around here. Thanks for stopping over! Hope you had a good weekend!
This is such a great idea! I have 2 kids and my 13 year old is almost always losing his supplies for homework. I think this will save some time for us! 🙂 And by the way, I am so glad I am not the only one who loves to collect office/school supplies 😀
(came via Inspiration Gallery Link Party)
Thanks for stopping over Angeline! I’m so glad you feel this idea will help you out as well. We’ve still got a few days before school starts, and then I’m sure we’ll put this caddy to good use.
Congratulations Erin! Your post was in my top two picks for this week’s #AnythingGoes. I still think adults would like this caddy as well. Thanks for linking up and see you next week.
Thank you so much Sue! I agree, I think people of any age could benefit from a caddy like this. I’ll see you Sunday night (in the States 🙂 )
So great to have everything in it’s place! my guys are a bit small to need some of the supplies you’ve gathered, but I love that box of boxes, and the cans are super cute. We might have to start our own set to grow with them. Thanks for sharing your finds!
I know it’s hard to think of homework with really little ones, but you could always do the same concept with art & craft supplies: coloring books, crayons, animal flashcards, etc. Thanks for stopping over Steph! Enjoy your day.
Where did you find the turquoise caddy? Awesome tips…thanks!!
Tracy- I got the bin at Target. Here’s the link:
http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-resin-weave-half-storage-bin-turquoise/-/A-17143602#prodSlot=medium_3_35&term=bin
And it was only $4.99, so that seemed reasonable to me. Thanks for stopping over! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Fabulous idea but not just for school kids. I’m sure the adults would find this useful in their study. Thanks for linking up with us at #AnythingGoes
Very true. This certainly could serve a variety of needs for people. Thanks for stopping over Sue! Have a fabulous day!
Such a smart idea, Erin. I definitely need to make one for my daughter!
Katie
I’m really excited to try out this caddy. School starts the 31st, so the day is fast approaching. I’m gonna say, I’m most excited about the stapler. All that “show your work stuff” creates a definite need, and I can never find it because my daughter LOVES to craft and uses it for everything. Thanks for stopping over Katie. I went over and looked at your blog yesterday. LOVE IT!!! I’m so excited to follow along!
I love the veggie cans with the pretty paper! I don’t even need a homework station at my house, and I want to make those anyway!! What a great idea!
I’m going to say, those paper wrapped veggie cans are one super easy project, and I love when the total price is $0… unless you need to buy scrap paper, but I had some on hand. I would highly recommend measuring the paper to the length of the can. I tried adhering it to the can and using a razor to cut off the excess. Nightmare. I quickly went with the measure and cut prior to putting the paper on, and it worked so.much.better! Thanks for stopping over Meg!
I’m still learning how to stay organized but I do get very excited to organize things! I don’t want to wish away my daughter’s toddler years but I am excited to watch my kids grow and help with homework someday! Great tools and tips to stay organized with homework! Thanks Erin!
You really do treasure those years when they’re young and at home. While I look forward to the first day of school, the house is SO quiet and I actually miss my kids after a couple hours. Then they come home are arguing about each other chewing with their mouths open and I’m like, “Is it time for school yet?”
Oh school is coming fast down the pike!
I love school and office supplies. This caddy is an excellent idea to organize them 🙂
Thanks! I also love that all the organizers are on sale for college students headed to the dorms. Good thing this season doesn’t last too long… I’d go broke.
I’m right there with you when it comes to this time of year and new office supplies – oh the fun of choosing all the different things I find I can’t live without. Love your ideas for organizing them also. Cathy
Thanks Cathy! I’m pretty sure back-to-school shopping is my favorite. Sure beats grocery shopping 🙂 (That might just be me… I hate grocery shopping.)
This is organized and pretty. My kind of project! I am loving those veggie cans, they are adorable!
Thanks Emily!
Perfect! I love school supplies as well! I adore the vegetable can organizer! Thanks for the shout out.
Thank you for the great idea on storing flashcards. I hate those cardboard boxes because they always fall apart eventually. This is a much better way to keep things together (perhaps if I had kept the boxes in these containers like you did, they wouldn’t be falling apart.) Have a good evening Stephanie!