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    Home » Crafts

    Back to School Tips: How to Create a Homework Station

    Published: Aug 19, 2013 Updated: Apr 6, 2019 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 174 Comments

    Make homework time easier by creating this moveable "Homework Station" on your kitchen table. Includes all the things kids might need when they are doing their homework.

    Today I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite Back to School Tips, How to create a homework station! If you like this post then you may also enjoy this FREE Printable Back To School Shopping List! 

    Back to School Tips and Tricks- Create a homework work station on the kitchen table for the kids... easy to move out of the way when you don't need it

     

    DIY Homework Station and Back to School Tips:

    Let me first say that me and organized don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but for 3 school years now this system has totally worked for me, so that’s gotta say something. If it works for me I’m guessing it will work for you too. I’m not one of those “super organized” moms who always seems to know what’s going on. I’m more a “doing my best” mom who occasionally forgets things but tries really really hard!

    I have 3 kids, one that is off to college and twin middle schoolers. Over the years we’ve evolved how we handle homework in our house. We have discovered that what works best for us is to have everyone working at the kitchen table together. Then mom and dad are close by if they need help and there are fewer distractions.

    Back to School Tips and Tricks- Create a homework work station on the kitchen table for the kids... easy to move out of the way when you don't need it

     

    This however created a problem in the kitchen.  It seemed I always had pens, pencils and paper all over the table even after they were done. When it was time for dinner it would drive me crazy since there was nowhere to eat!

    A couple of years ago, I got the idea to create a Homework Station on my kitchen table.  Everything they need to be contained in one place and it’s easily moved out of the way when needed. This homework station takes the place of our kitchen table centerpiece, but I’m totally ok with it! I actually find myself using items from it quite a bit.

    This year to help with the back to school organization,  Martha Stewart Home Office, with Avery sent me a box of supplies! I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them as soon as I got them. Pretty up that homework station!

    How to Create a Homework Station:

    Items Needed:

    (this post contains affiliate links)

    martha-stewart-home-office-2

    ONE: Magazine File:

     

    The first thing I did was add a file box to the station this year. I used a Magazine file and my VERY FAVORITE product the chalkboard labels to create a “Things for Mom to sign” box on the table.

     

    Back to School Tips and Tricks- Create a homework work station on the kitchen table for the kids... easy to move out of the way when you don't need it

    You see we frequently lose important papers like field trip permission slips, school directories etc.

    This way all those items get put in the file, one folder of things to sign and one folder of things I’ve already signed.  I also plan on putting some of our math help sheets in there too so they are close at hand.

    Back to School Tips and Tricks- Create a homework work station on the kitchen table for the kids... easy to move out of the way when you don't need it

    TWO: Miscellaneous Items

    1. Pencils in Mason Jar
    2. Sticky Notes
    3. Paper Clips
    4. Mason Jar with Pens
    5. Scissors
    6. Erasers
    7. Post It  Flags
    8. Ruler

    The rest of the station has a variety of items, including pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, and sticky notes.  Also in the pile are the Color Coding tabs which are perfect to use to mark places in books, textbooks and binders. My kids love to use them as they study to mark where they left off or things they need to come back to.

     

    martha-stewart-home-office-4

     

    THREE:

    Actually #3 is a tip. Leave this out on your table for it to be the most effective. I ended up putting all of our supplies into cute containers and got a nice tray from IKEA to hold them all. It will look nice on your table (who doesn’t love bouquets of sharpened pencils?) and it will be easy for your kids to get what they need.

     

    Okay, now help me out a bit. What are some of your favorite Back to School Organization Tips? Just leave them for me in the comments section!

     

    More School Posts You May Like:

    20+ Cute Things to Make for Back To School

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    Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

    How to Make a Fabric Pennant for a Classroom Door

    Holiday Classroom Party Craft Idea

    Make homework time easier by creating this moveable "Homework Station" on your kitchen table. Includes all the things kids might need when they are doing their homework.

    THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

     

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sandy N says

      August 19, 2013 at 8:25 am

      Everything definitely needs to be kept in one place. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

      Reply
    2. Rori Jensen says

      August 19, 2013 at 8:52 am

      It makes me happy when I am organized and these supplies are great. I especially like the Removable Dry Erase Weekly calendar and I will incorporate this into my quilting studio! Thanks for the giveaway.

      Reply
    3. Melissia Barron says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:08 am

      I have to have my son’s backpack packed and his lunch ready to go the night before. That way in the morning we just grab and go.

      Reply
    4. Stacey I says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:14 am

      a family calendar is a must in our house. I would love to win!

      Reply
    5. Jenny L says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:36 am

      We pack all lunches the night before, so in the morning we’re only worrying about breakfast. As long as we remember to grab the lunches, we’re in good shape!

      Reply
    6. Nan says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Pinned an image to the “products I like” board. Thanks!

      Reply
    7. Sabine Wright says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:50 am

      We have a big family calendar that is a big help to figure out where everyone is when.

      Reply
    8. Nan says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:51 am

      I don’t have back-to-schoolers, but I always need organizational help. One thing that works for me is keeping a year’s worth of monthly calendars in a binder, plus a planning calendar for the following year. Helps me keep my budget on track.

      Reply
    9. nicole h says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:00 am

      everything in one place… and don’t have a baby three weeks before!

      Reply
    10. Anna says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:50 am

      I think I need to go buy that weekly calendar. I get overwhelmed with a huge month long calendar and tend to just walk right by it instead of actually looking at it. My phone calendar works okay, but I tend to forget to add things to it.

      I have no tips, but I sure would love to figure out how to deal with all the paperwork that comes home! 🙂 Thanks Melissa.

      Reply
    11. Leigh says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:52 am

      I love this idea! I SO need help with organizing the school papers, etc. I have these old mailboxes that I’d like to spray paint and put up to hold IN papers and OUT papers, but I just haven’t fond it yet. Not sure if it will just make a big mess!

      Reply
    12. Leigh says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:53 am

      I repo bed one if your pins 🙂

      Reply
    13. Leigh says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Haha – that was repinned!

      Reply
    14. Anita says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:57 am

      I love the idea of a homework station. We are in the thick of a kitchen update. Our living space is packed with kitchen stuff. So this would be perfect for our third grader. Thank you for the chance to win a little back to school shopping spree.

      Reply
    15. Darlene Hutchens says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:00 am

      Pinned to my “kids” board…I think you got it all covered! These are the things I am constantly looking for and cleaning up. This is worth a try!

      Reply
    16. Lena K. says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:12 am

      We donate excess school supplies to get organized.

      Reply
    17. Lena K. says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:14 am

      Is your pepper mill just a pepper mill, or do you have some fun other use for it?

      Reply
    18. Crystle Monahan says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:21 am

      http://pinterest.com/pin/84512930480906833/ <– there is the image I pinned 🙂

      Reply
    19. Crystle Monahan says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:25 am

      And now my favorite tip: get a notebook for each class. Seriously, this works wonders for me!

      Reply
    20. Tammie says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:25 am

      My kids are little. I put their name on everything!

      Reply
    21. Kim says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:35 am

      Pinning this fabulous idea! And LOVE Martha Stewart’s Office collection. Thanks for the ideas!!

      Reply
    22. Cindy Brickley says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:55 am

      Always make sure your kids have their backpacks ready to go and their clothes sitting out for morning so all the need to do is eat breakfast and off they go.

      Reply
    23. Cindy Brickley says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:56 am

      I pinned one of the images!
      http://pinterest.com/pin/135389532521265214/

      Reply
    24. Deirdre says

      August 19, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      We have that same MS weekly calendar on our kitchen magnetic/dry erase board. I LOVE it—every Sunday it makes me take the time to review our week and consolidate our different calendars/schedules. I also use it to plan meals, etc. I also love wiping it all away at the end of the week:)

      I’m going to try the homework station. I’d love to hear where you put it when they’re not doing homework. Thanks.

      Reply
    25. Deirdre says

      August 19, 2013 at 12:18 pm

      Oh and I pinned that first image to my For the Boys board:)

      Reply
    26. Laura Muzinic says

      August 19, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      We have a monthly calendar on our fridge, definitely a necessity! We also have clothes picked out and back packs ready the night before. LOVE the homework station idea!

      Reply
    27. Sarah says

      August 19, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      I love that your homework station can just as easily be out away. I homeschool but would love for papers that need checking to go in the magazine file. 🙂

      Reply
    28. Michelle says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      I need all the organizational help I can get! i like to start the night before for the next day. even if its just a plan, it helps me the next day. my first is in kindergarten this year so im kind of new to all this:)

      Reply
    29. Christa says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:33 pm

      What a great idea, I am going to do this for my girls because they seem to constantly need me to find something for them before they can do their homework. I think a calculator would be nice on there too.
      My best tip is that as soon as homework is done they have to get their book-bags ready for the next day & by the door and then add shoes once they pick out their outfit at night. Makes mornings so much simpler.
      And I pinned your first picture to my great ideas board:)

      Reply
    30. Kate says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:34 pm

      Hmmm, I’m not the most organized person, so I don’t have any tips. But I do have a kitchen counter in my new house that will be the perfect homework space, so I appreciate the tips on organizing it! Especially the “sign it” folder. Those papers are always lost in our house.

      Reply
    31. kelly wenhold says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      have your child (or parent) pick out their clothes the night before.

      Reply
    32. Cheryl B says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:55 pm

      I pinned here — http://pinterest.com/pin/72902087691336887/

      I like your tip to put everything on a tray so it’s not all over the table.

      Reply
    33. Cheryl B says

      August 19, 2013 at 1:57 pm

      We color-code the folders, pens, pencils, etc for each child. It helps keep things organized on the table during homework time.

      Reply
    34. Jennifer O says

      August 19, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      Love the ‘homework station’ concept…my favorite is the jar filled with pencils! You can never have too many pencils with two children in elementary school doing homework and this is the most simple & attractive way to provide several at their disposal!!!

      Reply
    35. Betzaida Burbano says

      August 19, 2013 at 2:34 pm

      Pinned an image to my “Getting Organized – Kids” board. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Betzaida Burbano says

        August 19, 2013 at 2:34 pm

        http://pinterest.com/jessy0827/boards/

        Reply
    36. Sara says

      August 19, 2013 at 2:37 pm

      Tab dividers keep me most organized! Thanks for the chance, these are great products.

      Reply
    37. Carolyn says

      August 19, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Love this idea!!! My 3rd grader needs a place for homework and this would be easy for him to switch tables with!!!

      Reply
    38. Carolyn says

      August 19, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      I pinned a picture from this post!!! Gonna do it myself!!!

      Reply
    39. Emily Isley says

      August 19, 2013 at 3:09 pm

      Great idea! I have a basket on a bookshelf in the dining room for pencils, rulers, etc., but it doesn’t work as well as maybe having a “homework center” so accessible.

      Reply
    40. Alisha B says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      I love that my kids use a planner. I just started using my husband’s old Franklin Covey and I love it!!!

      Reply
      • Alisha B says

        August 19, 2013 at 4:03 pm

        PS I pinned as well http://pinterest.com/pin/165085142564226496/

        Reply
    41. Elli says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:06 pm

      Start the year with a decluttered, clean, and organized room.

      Reply
    42. Amalia says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:17 pm

      As a practically broke 25 year old heading back to school for the first time in five years I could so use this!

      My best tip is instead of having a binder or notebook for each CLASS, have one for each DAY of the week. That way, you can have a three subject notebook for each day, and at the end tear out all the notes that correspond to the same class and make a set of notes. You have less to carry and it doesn’t break your back OR the bank (five notebooks for seven classes versus seven notebooks is a savings of like 10.00!)

      Reply
    43. Amalia says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      I pinned a picture from this post on my Organize category (my username is livetraveleat on Pinterest!)

      http://pinterest.com/pin/514114113683031898/

      Reply
    44. mg says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:32 pm

      I am so doing this right after I get off the computer. So far I have a drawer close by with school supplies in it, but I love the way the pencils look in the mason jar.. now I will have a purpose for the ones I have saved!
      My tip: While I stop in the kitchen and get a snack ready, I have the kids go immediately to the bathroom, then wash hands. They are able to settle faster that way.

      Reply
    45. Becky Greene says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      I bought a big bin that holds my son’s bookbag and anything else that needs to go to school. It is so easy to drop an item in the bin when I think of it and know that it will make it into school. Thanks for the chance to win!

      Reply
    46. Becky Greene says

      August 19, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Pinned an image here:
      http://pinterest.com/pin/243616661066417433/

      Reply
    47. Stacy says

      August 19, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Lunches made the night before is so helpful! I love your “to be signed” box. Those papers always get shuffled around at our house, so I am doing that! Thanks.

      Reply
    48. Stacy says

      August 19, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      Pinned the Sign It box. Thanks. Great giveaway! 🙂

      Reply
    49. Stephanie says

      August 19, 2013 at 5:27 pm

      Love the sign here idea, that one is huge for me, the idea of a station gives everyone a place to go to. We have six in school hopefuly I can make this work for us.

      Reply
    50. Stephanie says

      August 19, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      I forgot I also Pinned this….

      Reply
    51. Angie M says

      August 19, 2013 at 6:07 pm

      Wow! My oldest is starting first grade this year. I will be doing this!

      Reply
    52. Cecilia says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      Great idea! I have three elementary age kids and finding pencil, papers, staplers, and all the rest makes for a good 10-15 minutes of our homework time. We will definitely be creating a homework station this school year. I’m glad I still have this week before school starts to get it together!

      Reply
    53. Cecilia says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      I pinned a photo!

      Reply
    54. Cindy says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      I have a clipboard for each of my girls that hangs on the wall. It contains any important papers. Above it I have a frame turned into a dry erase board for any important deadlines or due dates. Last we have two fabric bins in which they keep their backpacks. Everything is in close proximity to one another. Helps us keep all our ducks in a row.

      Reply
    55. chica says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      Best tip – buy extra school supplies when they are on sale before the school year starts. Put them in a tote and throughout the year the kids will have plenty of stock to replenish their supplies from without spending a fortune!

      Reply
    56. chica says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      Oh – and you are now pinned to my board. 🙂 Thanks for the great idea!

      Reply
    57. Michelle Price says

      August 19, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      Love this idea-I have a planner calendar on the fridge too so everyone can see everything that’s going on.

      Reply
    58. Kristina says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:53 pm

      I approach school organization from a different perspective because I am a middle school teacher. My favorite strategy this year is to use remind101.com to send my parent text messages about class assignments and announcements. It’s great for keeping parents in the loop!

      Reply
    59. Christy says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      I repinned your pin!

      Reply
    60. Stephanie M says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      My oldest starts kindergarten this year, so I’m new to this school thing. I love this idea!!

      Reply
    61. Candida says

      August 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm

      I have a dry erase calendar and file holders on the wall under the calendar to keep my to-be-signed folder, homework, etc. ❤ the idea of having all the homework tools in one place! Pinned it on my “Genius” board!

      Reply
    62. rose says

      August 20, 2013 at 1:51 am

      Just pinned this! love the idea. I have a drawer in my living room with stuff
      like this would love to have in one spot more accessible

      Reply
    63. Sara Palmer says

      August 20, 2013 at 2:53 am

      I think my favorite back to school organization tip is to have a set before bed routine that incorporates making the morning easy and calm. We lay out our outfits (including socks and accessories) make our lunches, and place backpacks water bottles and keys by the door so we can grab and go… The kids help set everything, choosing the clothes, making their lunches etc so they learn how to prepare themselves without the early morning rush to stress them out.
      Thanks for the giveaway!

      Reply
    64. Anne Haun says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:27 am

      My favorite tip is to have a central location for all supplies so one does not have to hunt the house for a pencil or a piece of paper. This location needs to be well organized, neat and well stocked. When something is used up, i replace it on my next shopping trip.

      Reply
    65. Cindi says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:43 am

      I always used a chalkboardand calendar in my fridge the rest of the mess I tried to store neatly in a bookcase in my kitchen by the homework table. Now that I have a stainless fridge I am planning on using a 2ft x almost 2ft square column in my kitchen. One side I am painting with magnetic paint, one side with chalkboard paint, one side will have a dry erase board and on the final side I am going to use cork squares. The bottom half of the column will have wainscotting topping with a piece of trim that is wide enough to hold chalk and dry erase markers. I love your idea of the table tray – that would free up the cluttered bookcase shelf!

      Reply
    66. Benny Sequeira says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:45 am

      I have grown-up kids, so no back to school tip to give, but nevertheless, I am a super-organized person and this giveaway would definitely help. Thanks.

      Reply
    67. barbara n says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:52 am

      My best back to school organizing tip is to create a special place for all those papers that come home from school. Some need to be kept and others need to go right in the recycling bin.

      Reply
    68. Carol Broughton says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:57 am

      Make sure clothing, homework and supplies are laid out the night before and this becomes the routine. Saves on last minute scrambling and frustration!

      Reply
    69. Amy Kirchhoff says

      August 20, 2013 at 7:59 am

      I pinned: http://pinterest.com/pin/205828645442906237/

      Reply
    70. Amy Kirchhoff says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:01 am

      We are just hitting the back to school phase with a Kindergartener, so I’m not a pro at this yet. So far, lunches are the challenging thing: Definitely plan those out when I plan our weekly meals.

      Reply
    71. Heather says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:16 am

      We recently moved, so organization is key for me. Love the idea of a homework center and would love the removable dry erase calendar

      Reply
    72. KatieQ says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:22 am

      We have a large calender that takes up most of the area of the freezer door of my refrigerator. There is room for everyone to write anything important from their daily schedules. I like being able to see what is going on for the whole month with one glance.

      Reply
    73. KatieQ says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:24 am

      I pinned it. http://pinterest.com/pin/9851692908050146/

      Reply
    74. Linda Nelson says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:26 am

      Make all pb&j sandwiches for kids on Sunday night and put in freezer. Each morning just pop in lunch bag and they are thawed by noon.

      Reply
    75. Susan Stanton says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:39 am

      I use a cork board to keep important papers in view! It holds anything that we need to keep track of.

      Reply
    76. Terri Paulson-Sasaki says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:42 am

      I love how everything is in one place, I am definetly going to share this post with the parents in my classroom. Thank you.

      Terri

      Reply
    77. Jessica w says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:47 am

      Be organized and start as early as possible to reduce stress!

      Reply
    78. Jessica w says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:48 am

      I pinned this post too http://pinterest.com/pin/86975836526983785/

      Reply
    79. Tambra Vandal says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:51 am

      http://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polkadotchair.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2Fcreate-a-homework-station.jpg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polkadotchair.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fback-to-school-tips-with-martha-stewart-home-office.html%2F&description=Back%20to%20School%20Tips%3A%20Create%20a%20Homework%20Station%20the%20Polka%20Dot%20Chair. Pinned it….my daughters are going to love this idea for my Grandkids!

      Reply
    80. Sarabeth says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:56 am

      love this! all i do to get organized is shop for supplies early so I’m not fighting crowds!

      Reply
    81. Rhonda S says

      August 20, 2013 at 8:57 am

      My best back to school tip is to get the kids used to earlier bedtimes a week before school starts. It always helped to have them up, dressed, and fed and out the door early even if we were just going to the grocery store or to the park for a bit of early morning exercise.

      Reply
    82. Linda Nelson says

      August 20, 2013 at 9:04 am

      Pinned an image.

      Reply
    83. Sarabeth says

      August 20, 2013 at 9:07 am

      Pinned 🙂

      Reply
    84. deb says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Love the chalkboard labels. The “To Be Signed” vertical file is a great idea. Thanks!

      Reply
    85. Lisa says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:30 am

      It’s always good to have an area dedicated to homework/organization. Mostly in the kitchen – the heart of the home.

      Reply
    86. Lisa says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:32 am

      Pinned it

      Reply
    87. Marilyn says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:48 am

      A friend of mine keeps organized by writing Dr. appointments and other activities on a calendar. She has kept these over the years and they are like mini journals of their lives.

      Reply
    88. Marilyn says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:49 am

      I pinned a picture.

      Reply
    89. Julie Smith says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Pinned it! My back to school tip is more for me as I have a high schooler and he’s pretty independent. I dedicated a night to collating all the school papers and entering in all the important dates on my calendar.

      Reply
    90. MJ says

      August 20, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Everything in one place works for us. We have a small table in the great room/kitchen area that holds supplies, important papers, etc.

      Reply
    91. Marisa says

      August 20, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Great idea! Pinned it!

      Reply
    92. Madeleine says

      August 20, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Write everything on a big family calendar on the fridge!

      Reply
    93. Kathryn says

      August 20, 2013 at 1:23 pm

      My favorite back to school tip is to give the teacher a Walmart gift card as a welcome …. she can always use the additional funds to supplement the classroom.

      Reply
    94. Nataly Carbonell says

      August 20, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      Follow a daily morning and night routine

      Reply
    95. valerie says

      August 20, 2013 at 6:06 pm

      I want some goodies! I guess my tip would be to get the kids sitting down and doing as much of their homework on Mondays as they can (we get weekly homework right now) and then they can relax a little as the week goes on.

      Reply
    96. valerie says

      August 20, 2013 at 6:08 pm

      Pinned that cute file holder with the label….if I don’t win, I might have to go find some of those!!

      Reply
    97. Dian says

      August 20, 2013 at 9:08 pm

      My first is just starting K next week. Terrific ideas to help her get off to a great start. We plan to make lunches the night before since 6 of us need to leave the house together by 7:15. Hope we can make it work.

      Reply
    98. Mandy Whitehurst says

      August 20, 2013 at 10:56 pm

      Pinning this for when my little ones start school!

      Reply
      • Mandy Whitehurst says

        August 20, 2013 at 10:57 pm

        And we’ve never been “back to school” yet…should be quite an adventure.

        Reply
    99. Lisa S. says

      August 21, 2013 at 7:23 am

      Pinning this for homeschool station

      Reply
    100. Sarai F. says

      August 21, 2013 at 10:36 am

      It’s been pinned!!! http://pinterest.com/pin/245375879670758296/
      Awesome giveaway hope I win..

      Reply
    101. chris says

      August 21, 2013 at 11:34 pm

      I have been working on a similar kit that can come out on the table when it’s time for homework. I’d love that weekly planner!

      Reply
    102. chris says

      August 21, 2013 at 11:36 pm

      Pinned! http://pinterest.com/pin/111816003221772804/

      Reply
    103. Jenn says

      August 22, 2013 at 9:01 am

      I loved the whole post! I will be going to the dollar tree for bins! Thank u so much and I pinned the picture of all of the supplies together 🙂

      Reply
    104. Laura says

      August 23, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Such a cool giveaway! My tip (not very revolutionary) is to create a folder for each class and organize stray papers by subject.

      Reply
    105. Laura says

      August 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

      I also pinned an image at http://pinterest.com/pin/193936327676753587/

      Reply
    106. Jennifer Nielsen says

      August 23, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      So many cute ideas! The most helpful thing for me is to have a place for everything to go – otherwise things just get dropped on the kitchen counter and lost or forgotten. I will be making one of these homework stations tonight!

      Reply
    107. Jennifer Nielsen says

      August 23, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      I also pinned this great idea. Thanks again!

      Reply
    108. Michele Paschal says

      August 23, 2013 at 11:45 pm

      Having a breakfast bar area where he can fix his own cereal or pop tarts beside the toaster and frig area.
      Pinning the desk idea and some others Love your Blog 🙂

      Reply
    109. Jennifer DeGirolomo says

      August 24, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      Love these ideas. Just started a homework caddie and it could use some prettying up. Love Martha Stewart products!

      Reply
    110. Crystal Champeau says

      August 28, 2013 at 9:36 am

      Just put up a desk area along with a monthly calender and a weekly chore chart, we also purchased a multi drawer shelving system to keep extra paper, school supplies, coloring books and such. I like the Idea of a weekly chart on the fridge to help break it down. I also love the idea of having a box for papers waiting to be signed. This is my first year with all 4 in school so I am very excited and looking for ways to keep organized! 🙂

      Reply
    111. Crystal Champeau says

      August 28, 2013 at 9:41 am

      I pinned a couple of these great ideas also!
      And shared on facebook.

      Reply
    112. Deirdre says

      September 05, 2013 at 2:08 am

      Has the winner to this giveaway already been announced? I keep checking back in hopes that it’s me:)

      Reply
    113. Gretchen says

      February 26, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      I pinned a pic of your post!! Your tips have helpedme greatly!!

      Reply
    114. Nancy Kollman says

      July 11, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      I just love these ideas! I, too, am tired of school supplies and chaos all over. This is a perfect idea. And I really love the calendar on the fridge – PERFECT!

      Reply
    115. Diana says

      July 26, 2014 at 7:14 pm

      My plan is to help my grandkids by helping their mom and dad get organized for the school year. I love your ideas and can’t wait to start!

      Reply
    116. Annalise says

      July 27, 2014 at 7:11 am

      This is so cute! I just had to pin it!

      Reply
    117. Melissa C says

      August 02, 2014 at 11:44 am

      I can’t wait to try this out. I also have a middle schooler and organization is not a strong suit for either of us. I am pinning this to use myself!

      Reply
    118. Jewel says

      August 03, 2014 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you for sharing these tips! I am creating a household manuel to keep a monthly calendar of all the kids activities and important dates ( for the first time in my life). I am planning to incorporate these tips, I really need them! I can relate to not being organized and I have an upcoming senior, sophomore and 4th grader. Help!!!!

      Reply
    119. Cari says

      August 03, 2014 at 11:45 pm

      I love having a calendar on on fridge. I buy one of those big desk calendars (you know, the kind that are a little smaller than a poster board and lay flat on your desk and have a page per month) and I buy 3m Command adhesive strips to hang it on my fridge. I have a little magnetic pencil cup that has different colored pens for each member of the family that I hang right next to the calendar. Everyone has a color so we know whose activity is whose at a quick glance. We have a standard fridge (freezer on top, fridge on bottom) so the calendar fits on it. If you have a side by side, you could hang it on the wall. The adhesive strips don’t take paint off or leave any residue. I like the big calendar because it’s easier to write more than one or two activities on.

      Reply
    120. Jennifer says

      August 05, 2014 at 11:06 am

      Great post! I make a list of subjects and plan family field trips & we watch Netflix movies for extra learning.

      Reply
    121. Jennifer says

      August 05, 2014 at 11:08 am

      Pinned it under my education board!

      Reply
    122. Pamela says

      August 08, 2014 at 10:34 am

      Pinned! This would be great for my family we have 5 kids!

      Reply
    123. kristie says

      August 09, 2014 at 6:25 pm

      can you tell me where the white tray was purchased?

      Reply
    124. Erin says

      August 12, 2014 at 12:53 am

      I love the homework station idea and the fridge planner! Great ideas:)

      Reply
    125. Karen Vacek says

      August 19, 2014 at 11:10 am

      I did something similar last year but can see I need to update it with some of the Martha Stewart Chalkboard labels. Love them!

      Reply
    126. Nancy says

      August 21, 2014 at 3:03 pm

      Using the magazine box for signed documents from school is brilliant!

      Reply
    127. Melanie says

      August 21, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      I love this, especially the idea to have a spot for papers to be signed! We created a similar homework station for our kiddos, and it has greatly reduced the amount of time they waste looking for the materials to complete their work. I used a decorative caddy from Homegoods that has a handle and is easily carted around or put out of sight to keep everything in. I like that everything is easily portable 🙂

      Reply
    128. Amanda Shaw says

      August 21, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      I love this entire post! It gave me a great idea about how to get a work station organized for my kids for school! Thank you for your awesome pictures and ideas! This is going to be such a big hit at my house!

      Reply
    129. Nicole says

      August 21, 2014 at 11:53 pm

      My tip is a command center for all the electronics! My son is vision impaired and has extra equipment along with the iPad and iPod for school. Both kids charge equipment at night (ensures they aren’t awake playing too!) and then it’s ready for the back pack in the morning! This has saved us many a days from me charging them in the morning and running them to school!

      Reply
    130. Lisa Richardson says

      August 22, 2014 at 8:01 pm

      I love the entire work station. I currently have my sons school supplies shoved in a cabinet since I couldn’t think of anywhere else to put them. My son is my first one going to school and he’s just starting Kindergarten so all of this is new to me. The work station is a great idea so everything is neat, tidy, and in one place.

      Reply
    131. Barbara says

      September 19, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Love this . Could you tell us where you got the containers and tray?

      Reply
    132. Tessa says

      March 11, 2015 at 2:26 am

      it was very helpfull TO me!
      I hope it is for more people!
      Tessa

      Reply
    133. Becky Williams says

      July 13, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      I love the box for things to be signed. I am guilty of misplacing those papers but this is a sure fire way to keep them at hand.

      Reply
    134. Christine Zhang says

      July 18, 2015 at 8:39 pm

      Pinned! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469992911090650413/

      Reply
    135. Tina says

      July 19, 2015 at 12:45 am

      I have learned to pack her lunch the night before, make sure her backpack is packed, and clothes are picked Out.

      Reply
    136. Klarge says

      July 22, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Faborite back to school organization tip: I have a three trying binder. Each child has a pocket divider with thier name on it. Documents like class list, forms to be kept with school passwords etc., ribbons and certificates earned and more go into their individual pocket divider. Monthly class calendars get hole-punched to go in front of this pocket divider. Important class dates and deadlines are added to the master family calendar in the clear front cover of the binder (updated monthly). The binder is kept on the counter in the family “drop zone”.

      Reply
    137. Klarge says

      July 22, 2015 at 3:20 pm

      Pinned image of homework center and left tip.

      Reply
    138. Meaghan says

      July 26, 2015 at 7:26 am

      As a teacher I LOVE getting organized for back to school. My oldest will be in second grade this year, so I need to step it up at home. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea. Everything in one place and neat and tidy!

      The best organizing thing I ever did for the school year in our home was to put a shoe bin with the kids socks in it at the door. It goes under the height appropriate hooks on the wall for the girls to put their coats and backpacks. This makes it so much easier to get out of the door! Everything is right there and at their level so I can get all of my stuff at the same time.

      Reply
    139. Pat says

      August 08, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      Great ideas…thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    140. Alycia says

      August 12, 2015 at 11:12 am

      Love this idea I need to get organized ASAP. Definitely pinning this 🙂

      Reply
    141. Julie Reid says

      August 12, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Love your tips for homework! We have three boys and the oldest starts 1st grade this year. I like everything on this post but especially the box for holding papers to sign or other important papers or even homework.
      I’m a wannabe organizer…I try hard:) but I don’t stress over it.
      Blessings
      Julie

      Reply
    142. Vickie says

      August 14, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Love the family week planner and everyone adding to it. Families should be able to all do homework together.
      I enjoyed all ideas.

      Reply
    143. Kendra Haro says

      August 21, 2015 at 5:26 pm

      Got get that fridge calendar.

      Reply
    144. Consuelo Hawkins says

      June 11, 2016 at 7:10 pm

      Love your idea. Wish I had a tip for you. The best one I have is to take a picture of all your kids work you “kinda” want to keep then post it on Artkive and toss the paper copy.

      Reply
    145. Carrie says

      July 18, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you! My back to school tip is to get advice like this from experienced moms! Thanks. I’ve pinned this to my organization board!

      Reply
    146. Christy Basile says

      July 31, 2016 at 12:42 pm

      I keep a tote with the same items under my sons bed. He simply slides it out gets what he needs and slides it back under. We organize it before school starts each year and when my kids outgrew some of the items (crayons, book covers, pencils) we donated them to the closest elementary school for less fortunate kids to use.

      Reply
    147. maynard grier says

      October 22, 2016 at 2:31 am

      My colleagues required IRS W-9 a few weeks ago and discovered an excellent service that hosts a searchable database . If others are looking for IRS W-9 too , here’s https://goo.gl/ChE4aX.

      Reply
    148. hanika ragua says

      October 22, 2016 at 2:41 am

      Savvy article ! BTW , if your company has been searching for a IRS W-9 , my colleagues came across a fillable form here https://goo.gl/F8NhLc.

      Reply
    149. Jules says

      August 11, 2017 at 5:20 pm

      *** Is there any possibility you could answer the four asked questions (to which I could not find an answer from you in the comments section): 1) where did the magazine holder come from, 2) where did you get the tray? 3) someone also asked where did you get your containers (idk if she meant the ones I’m including or others? 4) & the question I wanted to know along with others, what do you use the wooden pepper shaker for? Or is it just for looks?
      I’m personally guessing the magazine holder/file holder is from Martha Stewart. 😉

      Reply
    150. Jules says

      August 11, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      Also… thanks so much for this great tip, as well as those in the comments section! Very helpful! 🙂

      Reply
    151. Jules says

      August 11, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      Lol … PS: I’m capable of clicking on the highlighted links in the article, you so graciously provided to us for the file folder, etc but it seems others were struggling, so that’s why I just included all of their questions, along with mine about the pepper shaker so you could maybe do a one & done answer. Thought it might help you out. ??
      Thanks again. ?

      Reply
    152. Molly says

      September 05, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      I love this idea! Where did you get that cute tray? Thanks again.

      Reply
    153. essays online says

      June 15, 2018 at 9:03 am

      What a great ideas, I really enjoy it. Where do you take these wonderful ideas? What you have just shown is really convenient for parents who have a lot of children, because success in school depends largely on organization. If everything stand in its place, then the child can do his homework faster and be able to do something useful for self-development. I heard that there is statistics, which indicates that when the right organization of the workplace, children do their homework faster for 20%.
      Thank you very much for sharing such useful articles!

      Reply
    154. Vanessa says

      August 23, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks for sharing! This is so cute and functional!

      Reply
    155. Bob says

      October 17, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you very much for sharing such useful articles!

      Reply

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