It’s that time of year again! As the end of summer approaches, it’s time to get organized and gear up for back to school. The return to school can help households to return to a routine and schedule. Before your kids start returning from school with schedules for basketball practice, field trips, and after school activities, determine what type of calendar system will work best for your family, and start putting it into action. Whether your prefer the simplicity of the classic wall calendar, or you need to keep your tech-savvy family in sync with a mobile calendar, find the system that works best, and get it into action.

Though your kids may be excited to see all of their friends again, it is doubtful that they are looking forward to the prospect of homework. However, creating a proper, functional study area will help to improve their productivity. Regardless of whether you have an area that can be strictly dedicated to homework and studies, be sure to take the following into consideration, wherever your children set up their workstation:

- Eliminate distractions – This means no television, games, iPads, phones, etc. Avoid being a distraction yourself, ensure that the allocated space is not in a high traffic area where people will congregate and chat.

- Provide the tools of success, and keep them at the ready – erasers, sharpeners, pens, pencils, rulers, glue. If you do not have a dedicated homework area, store these in a portable container that can be easily brought out when needed.

- Create an inbox or mailbox for permission slips and returned tests.

- Provide sufficient task lighting, and add table or desk lamps as needed. Straining your eyes can lead to headaches and fatigue.

If your home can accommodate a study room, there are some great things that you can do to make the space comfortable and inviting:

- Allow for a couple of different workstations, including desks and, if possible, a “comfy area” with a sofa or relaxing chair, or a window seat with some pillows. This will help to encourage creativity and allow for a change of workplace when needed.

- Shelves, cubbies, baskets, and bins are great for keeping tools and materials organized.

- A chalk board and/or white board can help to get the creative juices flowing and work through challenging homework problems.

- Want to keep the art projects off of the fridge? Hang a ribbon or string on the wall between two hooks, and use clothespins to hang and display the latest works.

For more inspiring ideas, check out our Creative Homework Areas board on the BTSH Pinterest.

Did you know that many families can’t afford the simplest back to school necessities? Click here to learn more about helping families in Waterloo Region.

Anselma House and Haven House are two additional organizations that are always in need to supplies for the children that they house, from backpacks to pencils and books. For details on what they need, contact Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

Contact Beyond The Stage Homes today to find out how to get your property sold!

Phone: +1 (226) 240-0766
Email: info@btshomes.com
www.beyondthestagehomes.com