Jul. 28, 2008 - Organizing our Homeschool Stuff
I know the word "stuff" isn't the best verbage to utilize in a manuscript such as this one, but I was at odds with my brain to deduce another word equally as descriptive as "stuff". 
Anyway, I have spent these last few weeks organizinng our papers, puzzles, binders, textbooks ( yes, we do have a textbook or two 
), calendars, library book lists, phonics readers and my own brain. I have typed up all the checklists for the boys and hope to hole punch them tomorrow. My goal is to have them check off the assignments as they finish them at their own pace. I want them to gain more independence for their schedules. I also have some goals and lessons that I want them to learn. I don't want May to come around and find that we never really delved into the Word or that the boys didn't write a single sentence all year long.
On a side note, I haven't forced or even really assigned writing to my boys. They have not been ready to express themselves like that and I don't think young kids, especially boys, need that pressure. I was hoping that my theory of wait until they are ready would work and don't you know that they are ready! Every morning each big kid writes in their journal after breakfast. Katie draws and dictates her story and the boys draw and write tons. It is amazing to see them writing. I can't wait to see how much they mature this year in their writing. I am relieved to know that they see a need for writing and I hope that they both learn to love reading soon.
So, back to organizing, here is a 4 drawer cart we bought several years ago at Home Depot. It has a white melamine top, not smooth like a countertop, and has 4 wire basket drawers. Three are deep and one is shallow. For now we have the library books and the small globe on top of this cart and the kids have their everyday books and notebooks in the drawers.
It may not look like a lot and it isn't. We have the craft/laundry room full of crafts and puzzles and the bookshelves are all over the house. I like keeping my home streamlined and efficient. As long as everthing has a place, our day goes smoothly.
