Homework Corner

I am learning to be a more organized person.   It's not something I'm naturally good at or compulsive about.  I LIKE to be organized.  And truth be told, I get a little giddy about an organizing project.  But sometimes getting myself to actually start the project is the hardest part, and the second hardest is keeping it that way. 

Something I never realized about Aiden being in school is how much organization it would take on my part to make sure he gets everything done, and turned in- when it's suppose to be.  I tried having a school binder for me to keep his papers in but that didn't work for me. It was too out of sight out of mind. I also realized he didn't have a good place to do homework.  Everywhere we tried doing it was too distracting or just not the right kind of seating.  (couches are too soft, the counter is too high- he can't stop swinging his legs and fidgeting)  So I decided we needed a place in the house dedicated to school.  The one place that made sense to use was an unused corner in our kitchen. So I went to Ikea, and got a bunch of things to make him a homework corner and a place for me to keep all his paperwork, homework and books from school.

Here's the spot before.

To the left is our kitchen counter and cupboards. To the right is our pantry.

  And here it is after!

 Aiden's Homework Corner.

1. a hook for his backpack under the counter

2. lamp (because it's a somewhat dark corner)

3. table and chair his size! (very important for his comfort and focus)

4. white board - for displaying his work, posting things I need to remember, and writing on.

5. five paper holders for holding homework, books he needs to read, and other papers. (still working on which tray holds what. I think I'll label them eventually)

6. shelf to keep crayons and other supplies out of the 2 year old's reach and because it looks pretty. :)

Volia! 

I love how it turned out.

Here's some close ups of the different features.

I love this print of little bo peep by Sarah Jane.  She's my favorite local illustrator and has always been inspiring to me as an artist.  So I love that my mother-in-law gave me this print. 

   

 So yes, this space HAS helped us stay more organized, and has definitely helped Aiden focus and work better when he's doing homework.  As for wanting to do the homework, well we're still working on that one.  But I'm so grateful to have this space for him and so happy to have something nicer than a blank wall to look at in the kitchen.   I also love that I can work in the kitchen and be productive while he does homework and if he needs help I'm right there and can easily come over and help him.  It's been the perfect place to put his homework space.