I recently participated in an informative blog webcast hosted by Office Max and led by organizational guru Peter Walsh of TLC’s Clean Sweep. Peter emphasized the need for routine in the home and how just making things more organized can help boost your child’s confidence. At our house we have a designated area just for homework. I am also really diligent about preparing school lunches/snacks the night before, helping my daughter choose an outfit (she wears school uniforms so it makes things easier), and setting everything we need as far as backpacks, etc. on the kitchen table. Peter also spoke about teaching your child how to read and understand a simple wall calendar from an early age. At our house we have a special calendar just for the girls’ activities and events and I have it hanging in a prominent spot so they can read it.
Here are some of the highlights of the webcast:
Tips for Home
1) Find the Vision you have for a Space
2) Make Organization a Family Value
3) Use the Right Tools for Great Organization
Tips for Organizing Your Home
1) Show that you Value Organization
2) Establish Clear Limits and Routines
3) Always ‘Finish the Cycle’ (Complete a Task)
Tips for the Classroom
1) Establish Clear Routines
2) Involve Kids with Classroom Organization
3) Use Words, Pictures and Color to help Organize
OfficeMax’s kid-centric school supplies line, Schoolio-Von-Hoolio.
Follow the Back-To-School Office Max blogcast host and panelists online:
- Peter Walsh: Twitter.com/Peter_Walsh
- OfficeMax: Twitter.com/OfficeMax
- Heather Wolpert-Gawron: Tween Teacher blog
- Ana Picazo: Finding Bonggamom
