creating a useful homework box
Until we were in upper level grade school, we were doing homework at the kitchen table. We were regularly searching the house for things like glue and colored pencils that weren’t normally in our backpacks. Nothing was more annoying than not having construction paper when you really needed it or finally finding that green color pencil in the junk drawer…only to realize it’s broken! Jeez!
Today we’re going to simplify and organize a USEFUL homework box in an effort to have the things we need when we need them.
All items in the homework box are ONLY to be used for homework. They are not to be used on the weekend for a craft project or anything of the sort. The reason is so that you always have what you need when you need it while doing your homework. It’s really the only way this little system can be successful!
What’s in the homework box?
In one or two nylon zipper pouches:
- pens + mechanical pencils {unless you have a very dependable pencil sharpener, mechanical pencils are the way to go}
- white out {correction tape}
- hi-lighters
- stick click erasers
- basic protractor + basic circle compass
- single hole puncher
In a small plastic container with lid:
- a couple of pink erasers
- a small stapler {and a staple remover if you’d like}
- a small, basic calculator
- glue stick
In individual, labeled file folders:
- construction paper {separated by color}
- graph paper
- loose leaf paper {get the type your kid is using, whether that’s college ruled or wide ruled}
- blank printer paper
Loose in the basket:
- a good 18″ metal ruler
- a pocket dictionary + thesaurus
- good assortment of color pencils
- markers
- good assortment of crayons
- a couple different sizes of index cards
Additional:
- If you have a younger child who’s not yet in school but would also like to “do homework,” you can include a coloring book in the basket with a pack of their crayons.
Where would you store the homework box?
The homework box can be stored in a closet near the kitchen or in the office closet. Please, don’t just leave it out on the counter in the kitchen. You want it to be a place the kids can access easily if you’re not home, but it should also be out of sight.
Maintaining the homework box.
There are a few things you can do to maintain your homework box and keep it from becoming dysfunctional.
- All loose paper needs to be sorted into file folders and labeled so that the kids know where things belong.
- When the packs of index cards are opened and used, store them in a Ziplock bag or wrap them with a rubber band.
- If the crayons, color pencils, or markers end up loose because their box is broken, get another zip bag to store them. Everything needs to be contained in some way.
- Each semester {beginning of the school year and at the middle of the school year}, replenish the homework box, discard any unusable items, and organize.
I hope this was helpful! See ya tomorrow {we’re tackling the JUNK DRAWER!!!}
Live fabulously, folks!
Leah :-)
this is great. I always had a homework container for the kids and it made things much simpler come science fair project time. I am putting this together in a package to send to my daughter and grandkids in Oregon as a surprise. Now, about that junk drawer…my inner minion is getting very nervous about that. I look forward to it but I will need a big glass of my southern sweet tea to cope I’m sure. See you tomorrow!! :)
Lauriebelle
Awesome Lauriebelle! Thanks for your comment!
Leah :-)
I have one of these for my grandson. I bought a container at Dollar Tree and just put things we use on a nightly basis. He is in 1st grade so homework is pretty much the same on a nightly basis. Thanks for sharing
Hi Cindy! You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by to read my post! I hope you’re having a great day!
Leah :-)
I would add a laminated times table chart too. You can find them on the back cover of many exercise books. Either laminate it or cover with clear adhesive book covering (“Contact”). For the older children, a copy of the table of elements would come in handy.
Another chart you could make up and add is one which outlines the different words that sound the same and have different meanings (Ie “there”, “their” and “they’re”, “your” and “you’re”.
Maybe it’s worth putting these in a display book to keep them all tidy but readily accessible.
Good idea, Ally. Thank you for your comment!
Great idea :)
Thank you, Katie! Glad you liked the post!
Leah :-)
We have small scissors in ours.
Great Dana! Thanks for your comment :-)
Where did you find your box? I’m trying to find one that is sturdy, big enough, but not too big. Struggling to find the right size.
Hi Samantha! Thanks so much for your comment. I got the wire basket from The Container Store. You can purchase it online. It’s called the Marche Basket in medium size.
I hope you visit the blog again soon!
Leah :-)