Summer is quickly coming to an end and the hectic-ness of back to school is right around the corner. One way to help your child transition back to the structure of school – and to keep some structure in your home – is to make sure they have a fun, and organized, study space. By having a dedicated workspace meant for them, and built by them, your kids may be more motivated and focused on the homework they need to do. To start building your at-home homework station, here are 3 easy DIY projects that you can do with your kids to help them organize their supplies and get excited about going back to school.
1. Colorful Pencil Holders
School supply shopping always includes buying a new set of pencils, pens, and markers. Make sure they don’t go missing after the first few weeks of school with these simple school supply organizers you can make from things you likely already have at home.
Supplies you will need:
- Empty and cleaned tin cans
- Colorful paper or fabric
- Mod Podge or hot glue & glue gun
- Scissors
- A ruler
- A paintbrush
Step 1: Clean and remove labels from tin cans – having this craft in mind a few days out will hopefully also inspire your kids to finish their veggies!
Step 2: Measure the height and circumference of the can and cut paper or fabric to appropriate height and length. Test to make sure it will cover the entire can before breaking out the glue.
Step 3: Spread mod podge, or hot glue around the can, and cover with the paper or fabric.
Step 4: Seal the seam with mod podge or hot glue.
Step 5: Once the glue has dried, fill your new holders with pencils, pens, markers, or anything else your kids may need!
Tip: use a variety of different size cans and patterns to create a fun and interesting look.
2. Customized Paper Desk Organizers
A new school year also means a new set of notebooks, mountains of paper and new types of assignments that may need a parents’ proofing. Help your child stay organized and clutter free while letting you know when their homework is done by making a set of custom paper organizers.
Supplies you will need:
- Empty cereal boxes (the large family sized boxes work the best)
- Wrapping paper or thick scrapbooking paper
- A plate or large round object
- Mod podge
- Scissors
- A ruler
Step 1: Cut top flaps off the box
Step 2: Place the plate on the top corner of the box and trace to create a file folder cutout. Make sure the plate is no more than 5 inches from the bottom and 3 inches in on the top of the box.
Step 3: Cut along the traced lines you made in step 2.
Step 4: When you reach the spine, cut directly across. Repeat for the other side of the box.
Tip: once you have one side cut, use that piece as the outline for the other side to make sure that both sides are identical.
Step 5: Cover one side of the box with mod podge and place paper on top. Press firmly down to adhere.
Step 6: Cut paper to fit the box, leaving about a half inch from the inside edge so that it can be folded over to hide the edge. Repeat on the other side of the box.
Step 7: Measure the back and front spine and cut a piece of paper to fit. You can use the same design, or switch it up! Cover that area with mod podge and place the paper.
Step 8: Create labels and attach to the front of the file.
3. Upgraded Wall Calendar
Organization goes beyond supplies with this fun whiteboard calendar. Having their own calendar will help your child stay on top of the assignments and projects they have coming up – not to mention all the fun things they have to look forward to. This simple project will help brighten your child’s study space and help them, and you, stay on top of their busy schedules.
Supplies you will need:
- Erasable white board (it’s easier if you find one with boxes and dates already on it)
- Variety of washi tape in different patterns and colors
- Dry erase markers
- Any other decorations you like
Step 1: Clean the whiteboard.
Step 2: Place washi tape on vertical lines of the calendar.
Step 3: Place contrasting colored tape on horizontal lines of calendar.
Step 4: Cover any other lines that you would like.
Step 5: Write in the month and decorate!
Each of these projects will not only help teach your children how to organize their school supplies, it will give you an opportunity to spend some quality time with them before they go back to school.
Comment below with your favorite craft to do with your kids and check out this Back to School checklist for more ways to get organized for back to school!