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Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This clever diy Dollar Tree desk organizer back to school craft is just the perfect idea to organize your homeschool places. Besides the dynamics of The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter means organizing learning areas.

Do you need something simple and inexpensive to help get you or the kids (maybe both) organized for your first day of school?

This craft idea help you to get your workspace tidied up and make everything a little easier to find.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

It looks cute with any decor, is fun to make, and it’s only $6.25 in Dollar Tree items.

This simple craft corrals crayons, pencils, sharpeners, glue, paper clips, whatever you need tidied up.

Join two or three together to make a larger organizing station for your desk, the kids space, or use it elsewhere in the house.

We could all use a little help getting our routine running smoothly.

12 Ways to Use A DIY Desk Organizer

What better way to accomplish this than organizing your most used supplies in a pretty and functional way.

Look at the ways to use your diy desk organizer school craft.

You can store:

  • Craft paints and brushes
  • A glue gun and glue sticks
  • Flashcards
  • Post it Notes
  • Needles and thread
  • Essential oils
  • Small sticker packs or treats for rewards
  • In the bathroom for makeup or hair supplies
  • Scrapbook supplies
  • Tea Bags and Coffee Pod
  • Science supplies
  • Individually wrapped snacks:

And since they’re so cute and easy to make, you’ll want to make several.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

You’ll love this list of easy supplies from the Dollar Tree.

Easy Dollar Tree Supplies

Let’s get started on this simple craft.

You will need:

My unfinished wood pieces were pretty smooth.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

But if you find that yours have a few rough spots smooth them down really quick with a small piece of fine sandpaper or a sanding block to keep splinters or scratches form happening.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

How to Make a DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer

If you already have a stain on hand you can use that.

But you can easily made tour own faux stain by watering down brown paint and add just a smidge of black paint..

The brown pain wasn’t dark enough for the stain finish I wanted to achieve so I added a bit of black.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Paint on your homemade stain, coating all the areas.

Be sure to get in the corners and cracks thoroughly.

I like to work in small sections and immediately wipe off the excess with a paper towel to get that transparent stained look.

Repeat this process with all of your wood pieces on all the sides and bottoms because it will all show in the final except for a few small spots. I used less than ¼ of a 2 .z bottle of craft paint to do all of this.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Allow the paint to dry completely for at least and hour.

It should dry up rather quickly since its a thin coat.

Use a ruler to measure the center of each of your side slats and crates.

Apply a generous amount of e600 glue to one side of the slat at the base and press into the center of the side of the crate.

Make it level across the bottom and this will be your base.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Repeat this step, doing only one side slat with the other two crates, one in the middle and one at the top. 

Be generous with the glue and wipe off any excess that squeezes out right away. Attach the slat on the opposite side of the crates.

You can use a hot glue if that is all you have on hand. But I find that it’s thicker and you don’t get as much working time to make adjustments as you do with the e6000. Hold it in place with clamps.

Organization Tips for Your Homeschool Room

I also grabbed these clamps at Dollar Tree in the car/home improvement section to use on crafts.

Let your glue dry completely overnight to be sure that it is set well the remove the clamps.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Additionally, add stickers if you like to personalize it for each child or label what is going into each bin.

You could also make it a totally fun kids craft by letting them paint their own wood pieces whatever color they like.

Finally, look at some other fun back to school crafts.

More Back to School Craft Ideas

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have thirteen amazing ideas for fun gifts for kids who love history. Whether you’re looking for one to go with ancient civilizations or current history, you’ll love these gift ideas.

Do you have a child or adult in your life who can’t get enough history in their life? Maybe it’s you?

Whether it be ancient history, modern history, world or local, you’re sure to find an idea on this list.

I have curated a list of 13 history related items for you to make gift giving to your favorite historian a little bit easier.

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

Too, if you have a hands-on learner, then history games, stories, and even old letters bring history to life.

Besides gifts, you can use these ideas in your every day homeschool.

MORE GIFT LIST IDEAS

First, look at these other gift lists for more unique ideas.

History Gifts for Kids

Before I had hands-on learners, I used only worksheets to learn about history.

However, I quickly learned that my kids were not remembering what we were learning.

So, not only did I switch my curriculum to Story of the World starting in first grade, I also added in history games.

For example, I added in Professor Noggin’s Ancient Civilizations Trivia Card Game.

It was my first time using games to learn history.

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

Little did I know then that one game could create a lifelong love for history.

Since then I’ve been adding history gifts for my kids to feed their love for learning.

Gifts for kids who are wild about history

So, I know you’ll find an idea or two here for your kids or for the history lover in your life.

Other Fun History Resources

Add these to your first of the year homeschool supply list.

13 Gifts for History Buffs

You'll love these ideas for a history lover of any age. Add them in your curriculum too.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 4 confronting relatives and naysayers in the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. Sometimes when our friend and family confront us about our choice to homeschool it can affect us.

I have never been to a wedding where the minister asks why a couple should not be joined in holy matrimony and somebody speaks ups to object.

Often times I wonder what would happen if somebody did object. What, the couple won’t get married if they are both adults? I think it would make for some great drama.

Then you hardly ever hear the old fashion line speak now or forever hold your peace, but that is just what is needed from relatives when you start to homeschool.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Too, sometimes relatives and family confront us with negative comments because they understand our lifestyle. I always think of it more like them questioning us instead of us confronting relatives and naysayers 

Also, if we focus on the criticism and negative talk it can take us away from what is important at the moment.

For example, my first instance of being criticized for homeschooling happened went I went to the mall one day. I was in line to pay for my items with my children cheerfully in tote.

Confronting Relatives and Naysayers

The lady behind me asked why my oldest was not in school. My reply with such conviction as if the whole world was going to be happy about my choice was “because I homeschool him”.

Her quick witted reply was “like you are doing now”.

Being crushed in spirit, I thought at that moment, if only I had some facts to support my decision to homeschool it would have made a difference.

What I have learned now is that any statistics and homeschooling facts should have been for my own sanity so when statements like that happen it doesn’t pierce my armor of conviction.

Have you taken time to read some studies and grab some facts?

My previous post on Day 3 directed you to the NHERI.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting some facts on your phone and keeping them handly to pull out and read

Of course, you would look smokin’ hot smart if you were to whip out your phone and pull up the website.

The truth of it is that there is nothing that really can prepare you for the criticism of family and friends other than to say it will happen.

Teaching in my new homeschooler workshops for ten years, I have to come realize that are two types of new homeschoolers when it comes to family criticism.

New to Homeschooling Where to Start

One group determines this is what is best for their family and is not really affected by family comments and opinions and doesn’t solicit them.

The second group however is more affected and desires family approval or they are at least affected by the comments of others. The second group of moms are tender souls and it is hard for them to just shake off the dust of comments by others.

Preparing for Homeschool Criticism and Comments

How to Prepare for Homeschool Criticism

One. Grab Facts & Statistics Speak Volumes.

Not everybody is moved by your desire to homeschool and are only silenced or at least give pause for thought when you talk about facts and numbers.

Two. Prepare Your Answers in Advance.

It took only one time for me to get caught off guard when asked why I decided to homeschool.

I not only wanted to prepare my mind,  but I wanted to represent other homeschoolers proudly. I had many replies and a few of them were:

  • I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
  • I homeschool because my son was advanced and I needed to move at a different pace.
  • We homeschool because the public school schedule is not our family schedule.

Three. Google More Reasons to Homeschool and Create Your Own List.

There is no lack of the advantages for homeschooling. I created a list of reasons why I wanted to homeschool and then added more as I schooled longer.

Creating your list now will add conviction to your tone and strengthen your resolve to homeschool.

Four. Just Be Nice.

Understanding that we all have a choice in how we educate our children and many will not agree helps to season your speech.

It is hard to determine at times when to speak and when to keep quiet.  I feel many times that I have to defend homeschooling choices, but I have learned sometimes it is better to say it is not for everybody.

Homeschooling does require self-sacrificing and we live in a world that does not engender that spirit.

I have given up many things to homeschool my sons, but none of them are worth trading for all the precious time and memories we have created so far.

I won’t look back and regret not learning professional photography, but I may have time in the future to learn it.

People are down on what they are not up on. I use this saying many times because everybody has a preconceived idea of what is homeschooling.

Maybe they know somebody that did not take their responsibility serious and didn’t really homeschool her children.

It happens. Appreciating that sometimes people are misinformed helps us to deal with them in kind ways.

I always try to encourage a conversation with naysayers instead of rapid fire come backs. If they are truly interested they will have a conversation with you, but if they only want to criticize then don’t waste your time.

New to Homeschool

Also, look at a few other things about me.

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Also, prepare your children so they are not pawns by the relatives.

Relatives and other people alike can be very bold thinking they have a right to quiz children about what they are learning. Is it harmful or helpful? You can determine this by weighing in on what their motives are. Would this person be questioning your child if they went to public school?

When relatives speak up to criticize, it can create drama or not.

Negative drama depends on your response, not theirs.

Strengthen your homeschool resolve by preparing now for the fact that not everybody will be delighted about your lifestyle change, but then again you do not need their approval to embark on this exciting and memorable journey.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Other Resources for New Homeschoolers

Have you got any responses ready?

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp. Sometimes when our friend and family confront us about our choice to homeschool it can affect us. Also, if we focus on the criticism and negative talk it can take us away from what is important at the moment. Learn how to prepare for homeschool criticism and read the free 31 day bootcamp for new homeschool educators. #newhomeschooler
Day 4. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace. 31 Days of New Bee Homeschooler Blog Boot Camp

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Homeschool Organization – 12 Unconventional Ideas for Storage

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool organization is one of my favorite topics in how to homeschool.

Creating niches and discovering spaces you didn’t know you had can bring your home school area to life. 

And turning unconventional storage pieces into useful tools for those areas can be daunting.

Also because I am not sure what type of stores or resources I will be able to find in South America, I am both excited and nervous to think of ways to create a new learning space when we move.

Switching subjects on you here for a minute, I promised I would update you on our move.  The Mr. is still working on closing some business he has going on here in the states. 

Homeschool Organization – 12 Unconventional Ideas for Storage

So we still have not put our house up for sale.  It would be okay with me if we didn’t put it up for sale until March because the weather would be better. 

Either way, in the meantime I have been hoarding resources that have unconventional storage ideas.  I know my favorite stores like Target or Hobby Lobby won’t be there.

So today I have rounded up a few useful resources to help spur on the creative juices.  Savvy solutions don’t have to be costly either.

Also, though I love to mix the old and the new with unconventional storage. In homeschool, we have so many needs that we want a wide variety of items to choose from.

And storage should look cute and inviting for our learning areas with kids.

And don’t forget about lighting. Most of us prefer a lot of natural light but I love me a gorgeous lamp when I can find one.

It really counts when I can find it in one of my favorite colors. Purple goes in a school room, right?

Simple Solutions to Stop Clutter

Whether it’s ziploc bags, jars or shower caddies going from the conventional to unconventional can still be beautiful while minimizing clutter.

Check out a few unconventional homeschool storage ideas that I have flagged.

Homeschool Organization – 12 Unconventional Ideas for Storage

Looking at them keeps me excited about our move and redecorating. I hope to stay inspired and implement some of these ideas when I have no Target to run to for my latest fix. (scary)

Do you see any ideas you can implement now in your school area?

Other Homeschool Organization Tips

12 Homeschool Organization Unconventional Storage

You'll love these ideas for unconventional storage for your homeschool learning spaces.

Homeschool Organization - 12 Ideas for Unconventional Storage
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DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This diy easy duct tape pencil pouch back to school craft is a great way to start your year. Before you jump into learning how to homeschool or a full schedule, have some fun first.

As homeschoolers sometimes we don’t really get the full traditional back to school shopping experience, so I like to work in some fun activities to freshen things up and get them excited.

Even though we school year-round we take breaks and this is the perfect activity to jump back into a new unit.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

It would also make a great craft to do with your co-op or just a couple friends.

Offer a few duct tapes and bag sizes. And put them on a table with an example to invite them to create.

Fill it with pencils yes but it is sturdy enough to hold scissors, pencil sharpeners, protractors, calculators and more.

Just because you are not heading off to school outside the house doesn’t mean you don’t need somewhere to gather and hold all your small supplies.

How to Use the Duct Tape Pencil Pouch

We are going to make a full sized pouch to carry our watercolor palette and brushes in our backpack for nature hikes.

Upper elementary to high school will be able to complete this project on their own. However, younger kids might need a little help with the steps.

It is very user friendly for all ages.

Let your child pick up their favorite pattern on Amazon.

I have linked several of our favorites below or you can find some at Hobby Lobby near the art supplies like canvasses and artist paints.

I have even found a good variety of solid tapes at Dollar Tree, making it a very economical craft.

You can use duct tape for a great number of projects.

For example, you can make pouches in different sizes for different uses.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

Besides pencils turn it into a makeup bag or for collecting specimens on a nature walk.

Cover a jar or can for a desk pencil holder, make a custom composition notebook, wrap around pens and pencils to coordinate with your pouch, or cover a plain phone case with it to jazz it up some.

Your pouch should last you the school year with normal wear and tear but should it not last it is very economical to make a new one.

Duct Tape Options and Patterns

Here are a few of our favorites duct tape patterns. I love this wave blue.

And I also love this checkered one.

And it’s so easy to make with only 3 components.

  • duct tape
  • gallon bag slider top
  • scissors
DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

You probably have all three things in your home now.

How to Make an Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch

You can make your pouch the full size of the bag or adjust it to any size you like by cutting off the bottom at the measurement you prefer.

We made ours just slightly larger than half the bag.

If you want one that is not so wide you could use a quart, sandwich, or snack size bag too. Just make sure you grab the slider top.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

Once you have cut your bag down to size lay a piece of your patterned duct tape on the bottom so that half adheres to the very bottom.

Fold it over and press into place to seal the bottom well.

You can repeat the process if you think you need the extra strength, but it is pretty strong with just one.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

Next, rather than work your way up the bag you are going to want to put the next piece right up under then zipper portion of the bag.

This makes for less cutting. And depending on your pattern makes it easier to match them up.

Leave just a bit on each end to trim at the end.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

Work your way down the bag by adding another two rows of duct tape.

The final row will cover up the folded tape of the bottom of the bag and cover half of the center row.

Flip and repeat on the other side.

Then, trim the excess to even with the plastic bag. Try not to cut into it, just right at the edge.

To finish off and reinforce the sides, overlap the tape so that half covers each side.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

Trim off excess.

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft

You can go a step further by adding names or other words with stickers, mix up patterns and solids.

Hole punch the bottom and it can be added to a 3 ring binder to keep everything together.

Other Back to School Craft Fun

What do you think? Are you ready for not back to homeschool?

DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft