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One of my favorite kids’ organizing projects ever has been our homework caddy. It’s a take on the caddies I had at each of my student tables when I was an art teacher. I loved having everything accessible for my students – it kept them at their spots and engaged in the activities at hand. Using this same idea, I put together this little caddy with my oldest kiddos a few years ago and every year right around school supply time we assess it, refill it, and get it ready for the next school year. I posted about it 2 years ago – you can see that post here.
The great thing about a homework or crafting caddy is that it can work for kids of all ages – toddler-high school and beyond that if you are an adult that likes to craft, it can work for you too. Think of what your kids use daily for crafting and homework and gather those things into one place. I use a divided cutlery caddy – you can use a bin, a box, a basket, or any other type of container you can think of. I added mason jars so the kids can grab just one thing from the caddy at a time. We put the caddy on the middle of the kitchen table for homework time and one kid will grab the markers and the other will grab colored pencils and another will grab a pencil. For some reason that one step of extra containment works better for keeping it neat and tidy, easy to clean up and put away. If you don’t want to use glass, use plastic cups for the same idea.
Gather your supplies:
- caddy/box/basket/bin
- jars to hold the supplies
- markers, pens, pencils, crayons
- rulers, scissors, glue, sticky notes
Put your caddy together:
While you’re picking up all the school supplies your kiddos need for the school year, pick up a couple extra boxes of pencils and markers and make a little homework caddy. I’ve found that keeping homework supplies in a caddy makes homework time a little easier to start and finish. My kids come home from school, have a snack, and start in on the homework. We try to get everything done right away while we’re already at the kitchen table and having a tote-able homework caddy helps us stay organized and efficient. This year I tweaked the caddy and system and thought you might want to see what I put together.
Then I just loaded it up with the supplies that my kids seem to use on a nightly or weekly basis for homework and crafting – markers, pencils, erasers, glue, Post-Its, and scissors. I don’t think we’re ready for back to school quite yet, but at least we have our homework caddy ready!
Abigail Wiest Says...
I love this idea. I decided to add a timer or stop watch (haven’t decided which, maybe both!) to my homework caddy this year. It seems like my kids always are required to do 15 minutes of reading or see how many sight words they can identify in a minute etc. If I have a timer or stop watch at the ready it will make it a game and something we can get done right then vs later when I have time to stop and set my watch or microwave timer.
Becky Says...
Post authorLove that idea!
Pamela Rodriguez Says...
I used to be an art teacher, too! Keeping supplies organized is so helpful. I used caddies for some things, trays for others, and decorated tin cans. It makes it easy for kids to find what they need, teaches sorting and organizing skills, and you can see at a glance what else is needed. I put colored pencils in with the pointy end up because the leads are so soft, putting them in with the point down makes them break off quicker. I also have a stackable letter tray for paper supplies, blank white paper in one, lined paper, and construction paper in the other slots.
Jayme Kinsey Says...
That caddy looks fabulous! I think I may try one this year for our homeschool supplies that we use daily, instead of dividing everything into three separate boxes. I’m an artist, so I could probably use one (or two!) on my desk as well for the stuff I use most often!
Love the idea of using containers inside the bin. That solves my peeve about pencils and crayons marking up plastic containers!
Susan Williams Says...
My kids are all grown up, but I have my Grandsons several times during school week. I made a homework caddy for them. I keep it in our office on top of a file cabinet, in front of an electric pencil sharpener. When we first started it, neither boy could reach it, now both boys can reach it.
I am retired teacher, and I think an electric pencil sharpener is one of the best things you can have. So much quicker and better than those little hand held sharpeners. Worth every penny.
Gia Says...
Where did you get the caddy? I meant to purchase one over the summer and forgot and now I can’t find one I like.
Becky Says...
Post authorTarget – in the seasonal section 🙂
Lois Wild Says...
Also the dollar store.
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Nina Says...
We added a mini dictionary and thesaurus, ruler, compass and protractor to our caddy (kids in junior high) as well as highlighters for note taking. Works a treat!
b r Says...
Post authorGreat idea!
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