One thing that comes along with our kiddos going back to school is homework. I thought I was done with homework when I graduated college, but girl was I wrong. Once my oldest started PreK, it felt like I was back in school myself. With younger kids there is very little they can do all by themselves. So their homework and projects become your homework and project as well.
Sometimes the amount of homework can be overwhelming and stressful not just for our kids, but for us as well. So in order for us all to the start this school year on the right foot, there are two things that I have found that have helped to make homework time less stressful for everyone.
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down
and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:28 (ESV)
Make Homework Time A Part of Your Routine
For our kids to successfully complete their homework, they need time, space, and necessary supplies. Since we all have probably been working on our routines and schedules since the summer is finally over, adding homework time to your routine is an important first step. Between our own busy schedules and all of our kids’ activities, it’s easy for us to forget things and for things not to get done.
So that is why it is important to set aside time in our schedules to make sure our kids are getting the time they need to get their homework done. Along with adding homework time to our schedules, we have to also be realistic about our schedules.
We have to accept that there is only so much time in the day and that everyday everything may not get done. For example, on Mondays all of my girls have swimming lessons after school. So by the time they get home, we go to swimming, and then get back home, it’s time for dinner. So we started having a no homework day during the week.
Having a designated ‘No Homework‘ day during the week may help take some of the pressure off of our already overloaded schedules. It allows us to see what other days we may need to spend a little more time on homework to make sure they get it all done. As far as supplies are concerned, this is where a homework basket comes in.
Homework Basket
Creating the homework basket was a total game-changer for my girls. I started to notice that we were spending half of our homework time looking for supplies. Whether it was a pencil, scissors, markers or the homework itself, they never seemed to have or could find all the supplies they needed.
After a while, I knew I needed to create something that could contain all the homework supplies they regularly used. It also needed to be portable and easy to carry. So the next day while my girls were at school, I went to one of my favorite stores, Dollar Tree. I wanted to see if they had anything that would fit my needs and they did.
Creating your own homework basket is easy and fun. All you need is basket or caddy and a set of supplies that is for homework use only. For example, since my girls are so young their supplies are pretty simple. In our homework basket we have: pencils, large erasers, crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, and glue sticks. I also have a folder for each child that contains their homework until it’s completed. That way it does not get lost or messed up.
I know that as my girls grow and their homework becomes more complicated, the supplies they need will also change. However, even with the changes that I know are ahead of me or the ones that you are now facing, we can all face them in a more strategic and less stressful way.
We can do this by setting up a routine for our kids that helps them to successfully complete their homework, with the time, space, and supplies they need. We create an environment that will make homework time less stressful and a routine that benefits the entire family.
I’d love to hear about how you make homework time less stressful
and all about what you plan to put in your homework basket in the comments!
Love any and all things organized so this is a fab for me. Routines save so much time and stress. Just like teachers implement solid routines at school to maximize time, we can do the same at home.
These are brilliant tips for Moms to be a lil less stressed out! Thank you.
Love these tips, especially the homework basket!
Thanks, Leigh. I hope they were helpful.
You always have such great tips. I don’t have kids but I can tell these would be helpful to my mommy friends.
Thanks so much, Tanvi.
Now if we could just get all teachers to sign on to the “no homework night” concept. Lol! By 4th grade, our kiddo has had teachers who are lax on homework and teachers who go crazy with it. Fingers crossed for a good balance at this BTS…
I need that too, Julie. Trying to find a balance that works best for our kids is not easy.
I keep a basket with various art supplies and a container of writing tools (small pencils, markers, dry erase markers, and pens) for our homeschool. Keeping our supplies more organized has made a big difference in our homeschool. Way to set up your children for success! I wish I had had a homework basket growing up.
I wish I did too, Maegan.
I homeschool my kids, but I love the idea of a cute, little basket of supplies like that even for us. I pinned this so I’ll remember to do it!
Beautiful! I could almost get behind homework in a setting like that!
I’m all about keeping things tidy and assessable so I love the homework basket idea. Thank you for sharing. I always love your tips.
The homework basket is a great idea! It makes that time seem a little less like a chore and more like a fun activity!
It definitely does, Sarah. My girls love to be the one who gets to get the basket and who gets to put it back.
great tips! i can imagine homework time is never easy!
With this school year, my daughter and I have begun to set aside 15 minutes for her learning. I also thought I was done with homework after college but wrong! I love the idea of a homework basket that’s a good way to keep everything on hand and organized.
The homework basket is such a great idea! Love it!
Lauren
Thanks, Lauren! ?
This is a great idea! Pinned for when we are inevitably hit with homework next year!
Cool, Kelly!
I don’t have kids yet, but homework these days seems much more intense than when I was in elementary school!
This is brilliant! I am sharing this with my teachers and parents at school. I always suggest having a homework spot, but this takes it a step further.
Thanks so much, Jessica! Sharing tips and tricks to help both teachers and parents have a successful and enjoyable school year. ?
I love the idea of already having everything ready to go. And the no homework day! Our oldest is starting pre-k this year and I know we have a couple of take home projects throughout the year so this will be our first taste of homework on the parenting side. It does make me a little nervous, I have to admit! But these tips are great and I’m going to keep them in mind.
That transition to going to school can definitely make us all a little nervous, Brittany. But you got this!!! Setting a great routine and making it fun will help you all have a great start to the school year. ?
last year, when my daughter was in K, the pta gave each kid a HW kit – a closeable pencil case with pencils, erasers, a scissor, glue, etc. we have since refilled it with new thing and other things – a ruler for my 2nd grader and we use that for HW.
Great tips that I will suggest my sisters to read it, homework is the least favorite thing to them xo
Thanks, Ivana. I hope your sister finds it helpful. Homework is definitely one of those necessary but not loved activities for most. ?
These are great suggestions. That homework basket idea is wonderful. What a fantastic way to keep everything in one place!
I love the idea of the homework basket! I need to get a basket like that together for myself!
I love the homework basket! Great idea!
Ayanna, this is a great idea. I’ve actually got a few of those laying around the house. Now all I have to do is get the kids excited about this idea and in the habit of using them. This would have a drastic impact on my cluttered drawers too!
I love the idea of a basket! I will need to remember this for when we start school this coming year! It’s so exciting being able to plan things and hope the kids find it helpful!
I love the planning part too, Amanda. And don’t wait too long to make your homework basket to make sure you can get all the items you need. ?
Such a timely post! My kids struggled with their homework last year (Kindergarten and 3rd grade). I love the idea of a “no homework” day for a break.
I’m so glad, Nancy. My twins will be in kindergarten and my oldest will be in third grade this year, so starting them off on the right foot is so important. And I know those no homework days will come in handy for us all. ?
This is such a good idea! It helps create the atmosphere for designated homework time and place. I love it!
Thanks, Kate! Creating the right atmosphere for homework and so many other things in our lives is so important.
This is such a great idea! I have to go to the dollar tree tomorrow. I know I saw these baskets there. Thanks for the tip! Pinned to fun stuff for the kids ?
Awesome, Jamie! I love going to Dollar Tree when it’s back to school time because they have a lot of great new items. ?
My toddler hasn’t reached homework age, but she would love the homework basket. We do work with her on some skills.
She would definitely love it, Amanda. I start working with my girls early as well and they loved sitting at the table with their big sister to do “homework”.
Great ideas! We had to make homework time a part of our routine as well. I think it is the only way. By making an environment without distractions they are best able to get to task and get it done. I have fond memories of all gathering around the kitchen table working on homework with the kids.
That’s awesome, Lori. I hope to have fond memories of the time my girls spend around the table working on their homework and working together. ?
Thanks for sharing these amazing tips! Will def have to keep these in mind for my future kids. 🙂
Awesome, KD. ?
Oh gosh, I’m not looking forward to my kids having tons of homework in elementary school! Good for you for being so organized about it all!! 🙂
I wasn’t either, Julie, but I’ve discovered that it is a big part of elementary these days. So making sure we’re well prepared for it makes a big difference.
I love the idea of a homework basket, and having everything all in one place. Less room for distractions 🙂
Yes, Corey! My girls like to find reasons to be distracted, so this helps to eliminate a lot of them. And having multiples of a few items, like crayons, pencils, and scissors, helps to stop the arguing. ?
i wish i had a homework basket too, this sounds like a great idea.
Me too, Dixya. I remember having to search through my backpack for forever looking for things just to complete my homework.
Such great tips, Ayanna. I absolutely love the idea of a homework basket! When my little guy gets older I will totally try this idea out! 🙂
He will totally love it, Latasha! ?