Since today is the first day of school for some of our kids here in Middle TN, I thought I might share a little tip that I started (and have continued) since Abby was in Pre-K.  

I think everyone may have their own strategy for overcoming the School Work Monster, you know, the mound of paper, art, writings, spelling tests, etc. that accumulate as the school year progresses.   I will share what works for me...

When Abby comes home with her school bits, I look them over with her....if there is something particularly awesome (a drawing, a story) I tend to scan it, send it off to the kin folk and then post on fridge.   But for the most part, after reviewing an appropriately praising her for her fabulous work - the school bits go in a box like this:

The school bits box - usually resides on the floor by my desk in the office

At the end of the school year, it's pretty much full.    Then, at some point over the summer (or on the first day of the next school year like me today) you make yourself a strong cup of coffee, sit down and go through the box.    You make two piles....one to keep and one to give to the garbage man.    Yes, I know....it's hard to let go.   But you must....


Now you may be able to do this process on the day your little cherub brings it home.....not me.     I'm too emotional and attached.    I would save everything!    After the school and summer have passed, I'm a little more objective about what to keep and what to throw.    Plus, if I need to go back and look at something from earlier in the year, it's all there in the school bits box.


So - once you have your "keep" pile, you put it in a nice little file like this:

Organized folder of school bits

What am I saving?   I'm looking for a snapshot of what Abby was doing in this school year.   I'm also saving certain pictures and stories that will capture who she is.    At the very front of the folder, I have a thin file folder that contains her report card, school picture, class picture and any special notes from her teacher.   I label the front of the folder with a sharpie - Grade, school, teacher name.

Once my folder is done, it gets put in the closet with the others:



Some day, I can give these to Abby to do with what she pleases....I know for myself, I have a box in the deep recesses of my closet that contains school work from my childhood.    Every once in awhile I pull it out, touch it, read it, laugh, remember.  

So there it is....maybe this will be helpful for you.    Maybe you can take something from this and make your own tip.   Bottom line, stay on top of the School Work Monster.....it will overwhelm and destroy if you let it!!

May your school year be blessed!!