We are 100% focused on back to school readiness. Or should I say starting school readiness? My oldest will be starting full day kindergarten on September 4th. I am so excited for him and so nervous, too. I know he will do great. It is me that is nervous about the unknown, about being unprepared, about him growing up too fast.
As I tackle some new projects to get ready for school, I realized there are several great “back to school” projects I have already completed. These projects are great for any household with school age or preschool children. We have enjoyed these projects for a while already, and I am excited that they will help us be more organized during the school year, too.
Arts & Crafts Storage Center
This is still one of my all-time favorite organization projects. This arts & crafts command center holds everything my boys need to unleash their creative juices. Grandma helped us stock this when we put it together and she just replenished the supplies for my oldest’s birthday. Go here to see what we keep in all the bins. This would also be a great storage solution for any supplies kids need to do their homework. I am sure over the next few years it will transition partially to a homework station for us.
Flash Card Organization
I just thought of this project when I was picking up school supplies for my son. Last year I purchased these index card holders from Target (available again this year) and used them to store and organize all our flashcards. Our nanny took it a step further and used the elastic bands on the outside to hold certain cards. For example, if they were learning about certain letters, she would pull out related flashcards from the set and put them on the outside of the holder under the elastic band…genius!
Chalkboard Door
I am sure you have seen tons of chalkboard doors, but have you ever seen one that is completely removable? To create my chalkboard pantry door I used chalkboard vinyl from Michaels. It adheres to the door and is completely removable. Many have asked how it has held up and the answer is wonderfully. It has not peeled at all. It wipes perfectly clean with no chalk residue. I simply use a damp paper towel to wipe it down.
We use this for everything including messages to welcome house guests, grocery lists (great for the nanny to let us know what is running low), and the boys make doodles at the bottom. I have been meaning to add more vinyl to the lower half of the door just for them, but I used up my current roll for may chalkboard lined makeup drawer (seriously love this stuff).
Quatrefoil Cork Board
Our pretty cork board will be handy for pinning up school papers and art projects. This 3ft x 3ft board is in the laundry room near the arts and crafts storage center. Since I am moving all of my craft stuff to my new studio, the laundry room will become school central.
Wall Pocket Mail Organizers
I am far from perfect, but I try really hard to process all incoming mail and keep it off the kitchen counter. These wall pockets have been helpful. I know the school will be sending stuff home often, so I think the ” read” pocket will get frequent use. I am excited the school uses a folder system with one side for things to read and keep (which will end up in the “read” wall pocket) and the other side for things to fill out/sign and return to the school immediately.
Reading Nook
I am looking forward to adding new, age appropriate books in the reading nook. My son’s school also has a book share program where they encourage all kids to take home books from the classroom library. I think we will reserve a shelf in the nook for the book share books to further encourage him to bring some home.
Organized Mud Room
I can only imagine a clean, streamlined mud room will be critical for before and after school success. Our mud room is in pretty good shape, but I think it is time to label the hooks for each family member. This will ensure a consistent, reserved space for my son to hang his backpack when he comes home from school.
What are you doing to get ready for back to school? Any advice for a new school mom…like how many boxes of tissue to bring for me the first day?
This is so adorable! I love the reading nook. Will you come over and decorate/organize my house, please?
So organized, Jackie! You are definitely going to be ready for what school brings.
Oh Shauna, I still feel so far off. I asse this is natural when the first kid goes off to school. Lately I have been obsessed with figuring out a first day of school gift for the teacher…does everyone really do this? What do teachers appreciate most?
Where did you find the wall pockets. I want those!!
Rhonda, they were from Target. They don’t have these exact same ones anymore, but they have some similar ones in the office/stationary area.