Almost Free Summer Family Plan (Part 4)

During the summer, most stores run specials on school supplies. If you plan a special 'homework place' for kids before then,you'll be able to take advantage of those sales.

 A homework place is a dedicated space where kids can sit to work on school projects. It might be the corner of the dining room table, a child-size table or a desk. The idea is more important than the actual space. So, if the entire family uses the one hour after dinner as a quiet time to read, pay bills, write or focus on projects, while kids do homework, we show them that we value their work and commit to our own quiet work at the same time. 

Start with this list of supplies and build as space and funds allow.

1. table space or a desk with good lighting and a suitable chair

2. tools: pencils, pens, paper, notebook, crayons or markers, dictionary

3. drawer or folders to store on-going work

4. a small bulletin board to display good work and positive sayings (or a space on the fridge)

When I grew up my home was very small. My homework space was the kitchen table. It was a great space and had room for my parents to sit with me and give me help when I needed it. We made the hour a family quiet time with my Dad reading the paper and my mom doing projects. It remains a fond memory and set up my work habits and organizational skills for the rest of my life.