Displaying and Storing Kids Art Work and School Papers

I promised this post about ideas on storing, organizing and displaying your child’s school and art work earlier this week. I have still been feeling a little under the weather, so I apologize for being late on getting this out. I had actually written this about a year ago and it’s been published in a few online magazines since then. I have made a few changes though, as far as pictures and adding a few more ideas.

First, you don’t have to keep everything. You have permission to not keep every little tiny thing your child has ever made a mark on and you won’t be considered a bad parent. There will be some things you will want to keep though. Here are some ideas on what to do with them.

Frame their little masterpieces as artwork. You can leave them up for a few months or years. Your children will be so proud to have their art displayed in their home.

My daughter painted this in 1st grade and she’s in 6th now. It’s at the top of the stairs by her bedroom:

My son did this in 5th grade and he’s graduated now. He’s the one leaving for Basic Training tomorrow:

This one is in my other daughter’s room. It’s about 2 years old.

Make their larger pieces of art into placemats. Take them to the copy store to have them laminated or purchase clear laminating or contact paper and do it yourself.

It seems like all of my kids at one time or another have made life size drawings of themselves. What do you do with all those huge pieces of artwork that won’t fit in a binder? Take a picture of your child with the art and put it in their album. Now you have a memory of  it forever and you can toss the actual art.

Think of creative ways to display your kids artwork or school papers around your home. Make a little clothesline and hang them from clothespins, hang them from clipboards or display a few pieces of their art on a cork board and rotate them weekly. You can toss the old ones or keep a few special ones for a binder.

Mail or take some artwork to grandparents. Speaking from a grandmother’s point of view, they love it. Make sure your child’s name is on it and the date.

Take some of their extra nice pieces or ones that would coordinate with a specific month and have them made into a calendar. How fun would that be to have around the house or to give to the grandparents?

Have a basket for school papers you won’t be saving. You can use them for scratch paper or lists and your preschooler can use them to draw on.

Temporarily store school papers and art in plastic stacking drawers and then go through them at the end of the term. Have a separate drawer for each child. Only keep the ones you and your child really love.

Once you have decided on the papers you are going to keep for a school year, put them in protective sheets and put them in a binder or have them spiral bound at a copy center. This makes it easy for you and your child to look through them.

Let your child pick some art to put up in their rooms. Change it out with the seasons or when they get tired of it.

What if your child has bigger items, like pottery or wood working projects? Display these throughout your home or in one location and rotate them often.

Be sure to keep papers from the first of the year and the end of the year so you can compare writing, drawing, spelling and math skills. Keep special awards, notes from the teacher and other special reminders from that year also.

Enjoy your kid’s work, but don’t feel like you have to keep everything. None of us have a house that big.

This is my first time participating in Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. I love this site! Check out other great metamorphosis projects at Between Naps on the Porch and get some awesome ideas you might be able to borrow.

Papers, Papers Everywhere!

It’s Why Not Organize Something Wednesday and today we’re going to be tackling all those papers coming into the house daily. Jessalyn wrote in and especially wanted to know how to deal with all the papers coming home with her kids from school. Do you ever feel overwhelmed with what to keep, where to keep it, or what you would feel safe with (heaven forbid) tossing? What about when you come in from the mailbox? Yay, more paper! It’s never ending. First we’ll tackle the mail.

1st: Deal with papers daily! Not twice a week or weekly. Everyday. What if you don’t have time to do it right now? You’re running to soccer practice, a play performance or you’re trying to get dinner ready. Then you need a file folder labeled “Daily Mail”. Open the mail, put the pieces in the file you need to keep, and then toss, shred or recycle the rest. That way if you need to reference something, at least you know where to find it.

2nd: Once you have time, after the evening rush, go through the folder and put papers where they belong. I have a folder for every member of the family, and a separate area for bills that need to be paid. I have a basket that sits by my desk for all the files I need to access often. You can use a basket or a table top file holder (just make sure it’s big enough for the files you need to keep there). Remember you need to make it convenient for you, so you’ll use it.

3rd: Make files you will use and use the files you make. Some suggested categories are: one for every family member, coupons, to read, to file permanently, to do. When your child brings home their soccer schedule, file that in their personal file. When you receive a birthday invitation or reminder to make a dentist appointment, file that in “to do”. Something catches your eye that you want to read, file that in “to read”. I love the “to read” file. You know how you always seem to be waiting some where? At the doctors office, at the kids school or after sports practices, just grab the file and bring it with you. Ta-Da, time to read.

4th: Use your calendar! Before you file away that birthday invitation, write the date and time on your calendar. You can also give yourself a reminder to buy the gift a few days before the party. Before you file the soccer schedule, write down the days you have treats for the game. My calendar is color coded so I know what’s most important at a glace and what pertains to me or another member of the family. I also write down when bills are due a few days before, so I can pay them online.

5th: Go through your files once a week to weed out old papers and make sure you didn’t miss anything. This should keep your files pretty small and easy to find anything you need to access.

If you keep up on this, dealing with papers should only take a few minutes a day.

Now, school papers. Ugghhhh! Why do they send so much home from the schools, on six different papers, for four different kids? Yesterday I received book swap reminders, parent-teacher conference reminders, monthly calenders, lunch schedules, green ribbon week calender and walk to school day reminders x 3!

1st: This is where I put all the duplicates. In the paper recycling basket. We use these for coloring, doodling, working out math problems, shopping lists, paper airplanes, etc. At least they print them off in different colors so we have some variety. The other basket is for newspaper, flyers and magazines for recycling. That will be going in the mudroom if it ever gets finished.

2nd: Back to the calendar to write down the parent-teacher conferences, walk to school day, book swap days, etc. All color coded in light blue, for kids.

3rd: What to do with their school work. Clipboards have been a lifesaver for me and the kids. Nothing has been lost in the last 5 years, since we started using them. What goes on them? Spelling words, math homework, projects being worked on, supply list for projects, book report info, etc. Everything is at their fingertips. If we’re running to dance practice or a soccer game, they can grab their clipboard and bring it with them to work on their homework. Plus they have a hard writing surface. I also put any papers that need to be returned to school or notes to teachers on it, so they can be put in their backpacks in the morning. The clipboards are checked everyday after school, before bed and before school. It only takes a few minutes.

This has been a long post, so I’ll cover what to do with your little darlings art projects and other school papers later this week. I hope this has helped you manage your daily paper coming in from the mailbox and school a little better. For us striving to be in a paperless society we sure do have a lot of it, don’t we?

Thank you to all of you that have sent me your Organizing Dilemmas. I will get to all of them as quickly as possible. What Organizing Dilemmas do you have? Leave me a comment or e-mail at leanneja@organizeyourstuffnow.com and I’ll be happy to write a post about it. Here’s to a more organized life!

I’m linking this to Works For Me Wednesday over at We Are That Family. I know it’s late, but I was without a computer for most of the day.

School Emergency Supply Kit

It’s WHY NOT ORGANIZE SOMETHING Wednesday! Oh my gosh, my younger kids start school on Monday! I’m not ready for homework, going to bed on time and sticking to a schedule yet. This is going to be harder on me than them. I think they’re excited to go back to school, meet their teachers, make new friends and start learning again. I have four more days to get used to the idea of getting back into the swing of school.

One of the things I have the hardest time with is projects that are due the next day, because my child forgot to tell me about it a week ago. I despise running to the store for a poster board or page protectors at the last minute. So I have a School Emergency Supply Kit that I keep in a tote just for those last minute needs. School supply sales are going on now, yay! So, now is a great time to go shopping for supplies and stash them away for those times when you’re caught off guard. Here’s necessities that I keep in my tote:

*Foam Core Board  *Pencils  *Poster Board  *Colored Pencils  *Construction Paper  *Markers  *Lined Paper  *Pens  *Graph Paper  *Crayons  *Sharpies  *Composition Books  *Report Covers  *Dry Erase Markers  *Printer Paper  *Highlighters  *Index cards  *Pencil Sharpeners *Erasers     *Magazines  *Post-its  *Page Protectors  *Binders  *Binder Tabs  *Glue Sticks  *Stencils   *Tape *Textbook Covers  *Pipe Cleaners  *Stapler & Staples  *Paper Clips  *Yarn  *Glitter  *Masking Tape  *Ribbon  *Pom Poms  *Stickers  *Felt  *Googly Eyes  *Foamies   *Hole Punch  *Scissors *Ruler  *Small Paints  *Brushes  *Printer Ink Cartridges  *Clay

Are you always out of printer ink when a big report is due the next day? Yeah, I always have extra on hand now. Don’t forget to replenish the box as you use items! Happy Last Minute Projects!

Financial Aid Tips for College

·                    Research scholarships and grants based on gender, major, ethnicity, extra-curricular activities, sports, etc.

·                    Don’t rule schools out just because of the cost, more expensive schools often offer more financial aid.

·                    Research scholarships offered through the community and local corporations.

·                    Apply for scholarships as you send in school admissions.

·                    File the FAFSA (free application for student aid) as soon as possible, after January 1 of your senior year, it determines eligibility.

·                    After submitting the FAFSA you will receive a Student Aid Report, it summarizes your information and expected family contribution.

·                    Apply for student loans if you still need assistance.

·                    Ask about making a monthly payment plan instead of paying in one lump sum for tuition.

·                    You need to reapply for financial aid every year and also some scholarships.

·                    Once you’ve been enrolled in the school for a while and receiving good grades you can apply for departmental and other special scholarships for upcoming years.

Considerations Before You Choose a College

·                    Location of the school- Do you need or want to live at home or will you live in a dorm or apartment?

·                    Cost of attending the school- In-state vs out-of-state tuition, books, additional class fees, housing and transportation.

·                    Entrance requirements- GPA score, SAT or ACT test scores, extra-curricular activities, community service, placement in graduating class.

·                    Financial aid and scholarship options- FAFSA (free application for student aid), grants, local, state and school academic or sports scholarships.

·                    Available majors and areas of specialization- What school offers you the education and area of expertise you are looking for?

·                    Size and make-up of student body- Do you want to attend a small or large school? What about class size? Do you want more athletes or academics?

·                    School distinctions and awards- Has the school received any special recognitions from the nation, state or community?

·                    Academic record of incoming freshmen and graduates- Inquire at the schools you are considering attending.

·                    Extra-curricular and campus activities- clubs, groups, community activities, dorm activities, sororities and fraternities.

Preparing for College Your Senior Year

·                    Continue researching financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including FAFSA.

·                    Request transcripts from school guidance counselor.

·                    Put together your personal and academic resume and begin working on your essay.

·                    Begin applying to schools the day after Labor Day.

·                    Develop a timetable of admissions deadline.

·                    Send off financial aid applications as soon as possible after January 1.

·                    Schedule college and scholarship interviews and add the dates to your timetable.

·                    Make your final decision and accept college and financial aid offers.

·                    Inform all the colleges you applied too of your decision.

·                    Discuss classes and housing with a representative from the college.

Preparing for College Your Junior Year

·                    Begin by thinking about what majors and careers interest you.

·                    Review your current studies and classes and plan for Senior classes.

·                    Talk to your guidance counselor about college entrance requirements.

·                    Decide on some schools that meet your personal criteria and request information and applications for those schools.

·                    Set up a separate college file for each school you are considering, be sure to include a checklist of application requirements.

·                    Make copies of applications before submitting and keep copies and all correspondence in your college files.

·                    Pick your first date to take the SAT/ACT. Get the practice tests from your counselors’ office.

·                    Schedule appointments for open houses and visits with college representatives. Your high school should have a day scheduled where colleges in your state can come and meet with Juniors and Seniors interested in their school.

·                    Make appointments to visit your top two or three college campuses.

·                    Start working out a realistic college budget and researching financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Do You Home School?

          If you home school you know how important it is to keep your time, space and curriculum organized. You are the parent, teacher, and principal for your child and are already spending a lot of time preparing lessons and activities. Here are some ideas to help you keep your space functioning to its fullest potential, so you can spend valuable time teaching your child:

·                    Create a separate work space in your home. It can be part of a room or a whole separate room.

·                    Post hours the classroom will be open. This way grandparents, friends, kids, parents, etc. all know and other activities will not be scheduled during that time.

·                    Post classroom rules. Then time isn’t wasted going over and over the rules and everyone knows what is expected of them.

·                    Color code the subjects and grades to make it easier to identify for everyone. Post a key on the wall or shelf.

·                    Post weekly and daily curriculum. Prepare a week in advance if possible.

·                    Add a bookshelf to the work space and use each shelf for a different subject. Label the shelves so things can be returned to their proper place.

·                    Make use of walls by hanging maps and charts.

·                    You can use a rolling tote in case you decide to work somewhere else for the day.

·                    Use a binder with tabs for every subject and a clip to mark where you left off.

·                    Have separate lockers or cubbies with pull-out baskets for each child to keep their current work together.

·                    Check your local newspaper, community newsletter, library, community center, etc. for possible field trips.

College Check List

School Supply Kit

          School has just started and I’m already thinking about all those school projects that we’ll be helping our children with this year. And all those last minute runs to the store to get supplies when our child tells us she has a project due tomorrow. Are you as tired of those last minute shopping trips as I am? Now is a great time to put together an emergency school supply kit while most of the supplies are on sale. Keep this supply kit in a special Emergency School Supply tote and use it when you’re caught off guard with a report or project that’s due soon. Don’t forget to replenish it when you use some of the things in it. And you will always have the supplies you need when you need them.

Emergency School Supply Kit 

         Foam Core Board           Pencils

    Poster Board              Colored Pencils

    Construction Paper        Markers

    Lined Paper               Pens

    Graph Paper               Crayons

    Composition Books         Sharpies

    Report Covers             Dry Erase Markers

    Printer Paper             Highlighters

    Index Cards               Pencil Sharpener

    Post-it Notes             Erasers

    Magazines

    Page Protectors

    Binders                   Glue

    Binder Tabs               Glue Sticks

    Stencils                  Tape

    Textbook Covers           Stapler

                              Staples

                              Paper Clips

    Pipe Cleaners             Masking Tape

    Yarn                      Hole Punch

    Glitter                   Scissors

    Ribbon                    Printer Ink Cartridges

    Pom-poms                  Ruler

    Stickers

    Felt

    Googly eyes

    Small Paints and Brushes

    Foamies