Back to School: New Job, Homework Organization and First Day Photos!

Hello! I apologize for my absence. I made the marvelous decision to go back to being a nanny and couldn't be happier! My new kids have been keeping me very busy so although I haven't been writing, I do have plenty to write about! I now spend my days with an 8 year old boy, S, and a 5 year old girl, O. We had a busy first month together swimming, going to camps, reading, playing with friends, and hiking. We also went to the aquarium, zoo, movies, and had lots of ice cream! Over the summer, I am with them all day but now they are back at school, I get part of the day back to take care of my neglected home, husband, and blog.

Today was their first day back at school! O started kindergarten and S began 3rd grade. I met their teachers and look forward to volunteering in their classrooms. (I can't stay out of schools completely!) Soon, S will have homework so one thing we did this summer was set up special "homework only" tools. They each have a bin that workbooks and library books go in. O gets her own set of tools also and I make up work for her to do. I'm so lucky that she loves learning because it makes up for her brother not liking it as much! 

They each have a bin with tools that are only used for learning, not for all the time use. If they want to use any of it for a craft or other project, they need to ask. This way, we always know where everything is when they need it for an assignment. Here is what is included:

~ Bin with separate compartments (Target dollar section)

~ Pencils

~ Pens

~ Thin tip whiteboard markers

~ Tiny whiteboard eraser

~ Pencil sharpener

~ Big eraser

~ Crayons (box of 24)

~ Scissors

~ Glue stick

There is also a 'share' basket with things that didn't fit like glue bottles, stickers, tape, whiteout, and my laminate Iphone and Ipad (more on those another time!)

Plus, a notebook and a whiteboard for each!

I hope that these things stay organized for as long a possible and will focus on practicing the 'tools not toys' rule!

One of my new favourite places to look for ideas is How Does She? and I found the best free printable for back to school! If you sign up with your email, they will allow you access to some of the incredible printables on their website. This morning, I used the first day of school signs! I took photos of S and O each holding the one that goes with their grade level. Someday, I will print them all out and use them with my own children - what a great memory! Find the printable here and sign up on How Does She? for access to this and many more!

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."  ~Malcolm S. Forbes