Homeschooling Can you believe the school year is upon us?
Just like teachers in any classroom, you probably have a ton of supplies that need to be organized. However, unlike teachers in many classrooms, you may house supplies like scientific calculators in the same spot as crayons and safety scissors. Oh yes, this mama has one in Algebra 2, one that’s just learning 2 crawl, and a few in between.
So how do you keep it all together and organized?
6 Strategies for Organized School Supplies
Disorganization gives me a little bit of anxiety. When I walk in a room with things scattered about and the crayons mixed up with the markers it makes my brain spin. I’ve had to get creative with keeping our school supplies organized. Here’s some of my strategies to get you started in the right direction!
First, divide your supply space by grade level. Even if you have a small space, you can easily do this by putting the lower grade level supplies on a lower level where a Kindergartener can reach them, and things like protractors and dissection equipment on a higher level where a high school level student can reach them. Not only does this keep dangerous objects out of little hands, it keeps everyone’s things in their own spot at the same time.
Consider a tool box for each student. By toolbox, I mean a small plastic chest of drawers, a tackle box, an art caddy, art storage box, an actual toolbox, or even a piece of furniture if you have the need and the space. Each kiddo can have their own box with their own supplies so there’s no digging through a closet to find what they need. And best of all, no “mooooom….where is a ruler?!”
Reuse household items. Old spaghetti sauce jars and baby food containers make great storage for tiny things like paper clips, staples, and thumbtacks. Get creative and rethink throwing out that little glass container to see if you can upcycle to help with your organization project!
If you’re lucky enough to have a big space, you could give each child a desk with storage in it. A flip top desk or a desk with drawers will easily corral supplies.
A bookshelf is always necessary. Bookshelves are important for holding books, obviously, but consider it for holding other things like bottles of paint, reams of paper, software, and science projects in progress. Also, plastic totes are convenient for holding supplies not yet opened, like boxes of pens or pencils, paintbrushes, and construction paper (I love me some plastic totes!).
Encourage your kids to use “house supplies” separately. While I know it may seem convenient to run to the school supplies to get the glue, it can very easily be misplaced – then, when it’s needed for class time it won’t be there (ask me how I know!). Class time spent looking for things is valuable time wasted. It’s better to have a different spot in the house for things used for regular household purposes.
Many homeschooling parents think one of the toughest parts of homeschooling is staying organized. And they’re right! But with a little creative thinking, you’ll soon find it becomes second nature.
How do you keep your homeschool supplies organized?
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