What To Do For Those School Paper Blues

Now that the kids have been back in school for a few weeks now, the papers they have brought home are starting to accummulate. Left unmanaged, these can easily become clutter: an organizing dilemma I often encounter. The key for dealing with school papers is to be prepared! Here are some ideas:

1. Container! Container! Container! This is one area where having a container is absolutely necessary. It can be as simple as a box with a few file folders. Use a wicker basket for a nice decorative touch. I highly recommend purchasing some legal size manila folders (available at office supply stores) to accommodate larger sized items such as artwork. As I was surfing the internet, I came across some Corruboard products that would work well for organizing school papers. Here are some links to check out:
http://www.enasco.com/product/9720884H
http://www.enasco.com/product/WA26884H

Lillian Vernon has a great porfolio that can be used to hold school papers, artwork and keepsakes. Here is a link:
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/product_display.jsp?pdId=777

Today in Joann Fabrics I saw large portfolio cases made out of posterboard that were not only eco friendly, but wallet friendly as well ($9.99 each). Each looked as if it could hold a year plus worth of papers/artwork!

2. Give each child a separate folder. Also, create subfolders within each folder for categories such as homework to be completed, homework to be submitted, school notices (policies, permission slips, upcoming activities), and artwork. This will help keep all paperwork in one area and eliminate time being wasted trying to track things down.

3. Create a routine. Build time into your schedule daily to go through paperwork your children bring home. Also, look through the existing folders to weed out papers that can be tossed or transferred to a filing cabinet for long term storage. Creating a routine helps pass on useful organizational skills to your child. Eventually, they will be able to sort their school papers on their own!


Unleash Your Organized Me!