August 2010
By now, you have probably heard the catchy tune. You know the one I’m talking about? The famous ad from Staples where they advertise ‘Back to School’ sales. Yes, that’s the one. Although August has just started, stores all over the city have set out their school supplies. Although the thought of making lunches and battles over homework make you want run as fast as you can to the nearest beach, August is actually a good time to think about setting up your home to ensure success with your family. Below are just a few tips and/or ideas you may want to try out this fall:
- When purchasing school supplies, purchase a separate set just for your home. Pencil crayons, felt markers, pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, paper, etc. By having a set that stays at home, there will never be an excuse like, “…I forgot my pencil case at school…” It’s a great idea to buy now when items are on sale.
- Find an area in your home where those supplies will be located. It may be in a separate pencil case that is located in a drawer; it may be in a large baggie that is in the cupboard. Wherever you choose, make that the ‘supply home’ for the year. By keeping supplies in one area, you will easily know if some supplies are getting low (like glue sticks) and your children will always know where to go to get supplies if they need any.
- Homework area – designate (with the help of your children) where a good place to do homework will be. Some families have their children do their homework in their rooms while others prefer to be able to see their children do their homework. Keep in mind that if you have 2 or more children, what may work for one child, may not work for the other.
- Guidelines when doing homework – every child is unique and when completing homework, one needs to remember this. Some children work best at coming home and getting their work done right away. Other children need a break before they tackle their homework. If your child likes to do their homework on the kitchen table and there is a TV in the area (or close to the area), one guideline might be that there is no TV on while completing homework. I find the process of making guidelines works best when you include your children in this process.
- For older children (gr. 4 and up), you may want a place in your home where they can display their timetable and have their own calendar. Placing important dates on the calendar (i.e.: a project deadline) allows for kids to plan ahead. By placing their timetable out in the open, it allows for your children to see what they have each day (i.e.: if they have brought their gym clothes home to get washed, they will see that they have gym and remember to put the clean gym clothes into their backpack).
by Sheri Bruneau
© 2010 Get It Together Inc.
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