Friday, September 3, 2010

Ye Old Homework Box

It’s that time of year. Setting alarm clocks for some ungodly time to get up in the morning, making sure you go grocery shopping more than once a month, and actually dressing your kids in clothes that match.  Back to school is upon us.

IMG_3298

Because I put my “teacher” cap back on yesterday, I’m gonna pretend I’m smart for a minute. I completed my Master’s thesis on homework completion (or lack thereof as the case may be). While I despised all the research I had to do, I will say that it gave me plenty of insight on how to foster a better environment for getting homework done!

IMG_3299

My kids know that as soon as they come home from school, they have their afternoon snack, and they complete their homework. Nothing else takes place before it gets finished. Believe me, this system spared me from the loony bin.

IMG_3293

To make things even easier, I went out and got these homework boxes. Just about everything they need is housed in one box so there’s no scrambling around looking for all the materials they need. You might ask, but I have no idea where I found the one with all the compartments. I’ve looked EVERYWHERE for more, and I can’t find them. If you do, please let me know!

IMG_3295

All other tools (protractor, ruler, etc.) are kept in their drawer, but this is the “go to” for their daily work. And yes, I change the pencils by the season. The dollar section in Target has them ALL the time!

IMG_3294

Need help with how to keep your kids’ homework tools together? I’m your girl. Need help with how to do their math homework with them? Run as far away from me as you possibly can!

27 comments:

Richella Parham said...

This is really, really smart, Chris. The best way to win the homework battle is never to start it in the first place! With your system, there can never be cries of "I don't have a ________!" All the tools are right there for them. You are one clever mom.

Hope back-to-school goes well for you this year. I imagine you're really missing your husband these days. Take good care of yourself!

Moore Minutes said...

You always have the smartest ideas! This is PERFECT. I am copying you (ahem, once again). Thank you. :D

Are you no longer doing Show and Share Day?

Also, I'm doing a giveaway on my blog right now and would love for you to enter if you're interested and haven't done so already. <3

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I used to do the same thing with my kids, Chris, and my argument was "you just do it when you get in and get it over with". I had a large plastic container with crayons in for them {when they were in that age group}, but otherwise they used the supplies right from their back packs. Those containers you have are great ~ so organized. My hubby was the Math homework person and I was the English homework person. See, I knew better, 2 wrongs don't equal 4.

Desiree said...

Love it! Such a great idea, as always! I'll definitely do this when Arielle starts getting homework.

-Desiree

Buckeyegal said...

As a teacher I thank you so much for sharing this with everyone! I need you to come to open house night and show this! :) I loooove the boxes! I'm not a naturally organized person so I am always looking for ideas to help get me there. I will be looking for these for my daughter.

Anonymous said...

ikea has some!!!!!!!

Kristen said...

We struggle with this. After being in school for 8 hours it's hard to get Graham (almost 8) excited about sitting back down to do homework. All he wants to do is run outside and be free!

Jen said...

Love it!! I wish all parents would make a homework box for their children! Being a teacher myself, I think anything with fun school supplies is pretty genius!! I LOVE those school boxes with the compartments! Those are great!!

Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

What a fabulous idea! I would love one of these for myself!! I love pretty, organized things!

Melinda said...

There is NOTHING like great organization for the homework zone.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Melinda

Monica said...

I have a homework kit for each of my kids. I LOVE this idea. I am strict about making my boys do their work as soon as they get in. It is so much easier while they are still in the "school mood".

Lauren said...

what an awesome idea!

not gonne lie, i'm not in the "homework" stage yet and it kind of freaks me out!! ;)

xoxo,
lauren

Lauren said...

(the "homework stage" freaks me out, not your boxes!!) :)

Fowl Single File said...

I think I have a few years before I become the homework warden (we're still in preschool around here) but I'm a sucker for neatly organized ANYTHING. These are great and I'm glad you've found a system that works!

Carla said...

great idea Chris! Now I need advice on how to organize all those homework papers! I have a 2nd grader and a kindergartener and I'm going a bit crazy here.

I saw some clear boxes similar to those at Michaels in the school section but they were sealed so Im not sure if they have those compartments.

RandomWonders said...

My girl just started 1st grade...this is brilliant!

Stacy Risenmay said...

You are a such a HOOT! I just started my own blog so I have looking sround blog-land and stumbled onto your blog.I love it!!! Not only are you funny, but you have great ideas too :)

Amy Kinser said...

Great idea. I love things like this that are so practical.

Ches said...

Really smart idea. I love those boxes maybe ill get lucky and find some if I do i'll be sure to grab one for ya.

Anna said...

What a great idea -- and I love the idea of doing homework immediately after school. It's such a simple idea... yet it still escaped me ;) brills!

Mary-Catherine said...

Hey, great idea! I am going to use this idea for myself...I just started back to college and I could definitely use some healthier study habits!

Anonymous said...

ah what a good idea!! Very smart!

Unknown said...

What a clever idea! Almost makes me want to do homework! haha
xo
amanda

busyizzie said...

I'm really interested in knowing what your research said about getting kids to do homework. Did you find any good tips or techniques that teachers can do to foster homework completion, especially in ESL communities? If you found anything interesting or have article titles, would you please email me?

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

What a wonderful idea! I need to do this.

Candice said...

what a cute idea. where did you find these awesome boxes.

Crystal said...

I LOVED this idea! Thanks so much! I made my own homework box for my son, and I just wanted to give credit where it was due! I linked back to your website. I'm new to blogging and I'm not sure on the etiquette on linking back and such...hope I did it right!
Married to the Air Force

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...