August 6, 2014
Three Easy Ideas for Back to School
I was an art teacher for almost 10 years. I always felt a little grumpy, and yet excited, at the beginning of August knowing that my summer was nearly over (yes, I know not everyone gets a couple months off a year but I still felt grumpy). Now as a mom, I have that same feeling of excitement for what’s to come and that grumpy feeling. Instead of letting the grumpy feeling get the best of me I’m focusing on a couple tangible things that I can do to get this year off to a great start.
Today I’m sharing my 3 favorite ideas and tips for back to school….perfect for any age or grade level and family dynamic. Try one or all three – they’re guaranteed to get you moving in the right direction.
MAKE A LIST – It’s amazing to me what a difference a list can make in the scheme of things. Just putting pen to paper and taking your ideas out of your head and on a piece of paper is huge. Nothing is forgotten, everything’s accounted for, you have a reference and starting point. It’s obvious by my site and business that list making is important to me, I encourage you to try it. One of my favorite teacher colleagues used to wear a notepad necklace – as a 22 year old, I thought that was quirky and fun, but now I get it. I don’t do the necklace but the paper and pen and awesome list? You bet. Need a whole plethora of list making goodies? Grab the Back to School Printable Bundle before it’s gone (ends 8/9/14). I love the Back-to-School Planning Kit (pictured below and included in the Back to School Printable Bundle) from Aby at Simplify 101 – full of step by step methods for a successful start to the school year – I’m working on my errands list for next week.
ORGANIZE SOMETHING – Do something little or something big – spending as little as 10 minutes to sort something out can make a big difference. You’ll reap the benefits for longer than the time you invested into the project. Not sure where to start? Here are some quick back-to-school organizing project ideas: make a homework caddy, sort through kid clothing and pack away/donate outgrown clothes (make a list of what you need), set up a back pack station, sort through shoes and pack away/donate outgrown shoes, set up a lunch making station in a cupboard or pantry (include easy to pack food items, silverware, napkins, etc.), stock the snacks for after school and sports.
COOK OR BAKE SOMETHING – Putting food ‘up’ is a great way to prepare for the upcoming school year. I’ve been sharing a couple ideas on Instagram (you are following me, right?) But making food ahead is an easy way for me to prepare for the busy-ness that’s to come. I added a make ahead + freeze board on Pinterest and am frantically (not really) filling the freezer with breakfasts and dinners to feed us this fall. A couple favorites are baked ziti, prep ahead proteins, and lots of muffins, oatmeal, smoothies, and breakfast burritos.
shelly Says
I love the homework storage caddy – we have one – but it’s gotta be updated! (especially with new crayons) Also, LOVE the make ahead breakfasts! A great start for a school year – always a little hard to get up those first couple weeks – and a quick breakfast aside from cereal would be nice!