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DIY Undated 12 Month Calendar | Organized Planner

December 18, 2016 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

DIY Undated 12 Month Calendar @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Remember this? I loved sharing my free printables and tips for my home management binder.

Home Management Binder @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool PLus

But it’s in need of an update. It’s been about four years since I’ve updated it and a lot of things have changed.

The first thing that I need to update is the diy undated 12 month calendar.

The last set I did to use in the home management binder was hard to use. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I created it.

I must have had an out of body experience because it was so hard to read. Of course, like I said that was almost four years ago and my experience in printables has grown tremendously (thank goodness).

Today, I have updated this set of undated monthly calendars because it is the one I prefer to use in my home management binder.

I prefer to use this set because I can add two or three years of the same month in my binder, which is a huge motivator for me as I track and plan our family life and look over the past year, current year and next year.

By simply filling out the calendars as needed, I have a ready made calendar at my finger tips.

However, the other thing too that unnerves me about writing in planners and calendars is that I’m a little obsessed with having lines to write on when I add a date or track information on my planner. So not only did I make the calendar pages easier to read, but I added lines for writing.

Too, for my home management binder, I wanted a full page to write on and I also added a place at the bottom of each month for notetaking.

Of course you can use these fee calendars on my free student planner, my free 7 Step Homeschool Planner or my free Home Management Binder. That is the beauty of these forms, you can slip them in anywhere.

I hope you love the update.

Download here DIY Undated 12 Month Calendar

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 2. My FREE Organizing Printables {Any topic}, Home Tagged With: calendar, curriculum planner, diy, freecalendars, homeschoolplanner, lesson planner

Homeschool Organization – Why You’re Still Drowning in Clutter

October 31, 2016 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool Organization - Why You're Still Drowning in Clutter @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Getting rid of the kids is one option for homeschool decluttering. (okay, okay). Today, I’m sharing homeschool organization – why you’re still drowning in clutter because understanding why we save things helps us to part with them.

The Big Four Barriers to Homeschool Decluttering

Telling you that I have a regular routine to declutter and why you should too won’t have one ounce of meaning or motivation to you unless you understand why we all keep clutter.

On top of that, homeschooling just adds another layer of stuff to what we already have in our home.

Before we can address workable solutions, we need to conquer our fears, which are the barriers to homeschool decluttering.

Look at these four reasons why you can’t let go of clutter.

ONE// The one day thinking.

It for sure is the most crippling mindset, which is one day I will need it.

TWO// It may be worth something one day.

This is especially hard for us as homeschoolers because a lot of us by nature are frugal or thrifty, but can that be misguided thriftiness?

THREE// My ________ (insert family relative here) saved it for me all these years or gave it to me.

My mom and I are real close, but unlike me she saves everything. She had things from my high school and elementary years which were sentimental to us both.

However, she didn’t just have a few things, but tubs and tubs of them. I have no room to store them, but I am thankful for technology today because I am able to capture numerous photos of them.

FOUR//  It’s worth too much to just throw away.

The somebody, somewhere in the world will be able to use it that can’t afford nice things is another mindset setback for decluttering.

You and I both know as teachers that before we can correct negative behavior with children or find a solution to their problem we have to understand and identify the behavior first. Decluttering our homeschool is similar.

Confession time. Which one are you or do you want to silently stalk here? That is okay too because I will be addressing each of these barriers in upcoming articles with solutions and tips.

You won’t have to wait too long for some help, look at these articles right now.
5 Homeschool Things to Toss By the End of Summer, Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Space in (Really) Tiny Homeschool Spaces and How a 31 Day Menu Plan Makes You a Healthier, Better & Smarter Homeschool Mom + Free Editable Planner.

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Home, Homeschool Space, Organization Tagged With: home organization, homeschool clutter, homeschoolorganization, new homeschooler homeschool organization, organizationalprintables, organizedhomeschool

5 Homeschool Things to Toss By the End of Summer

August 4, 2016 | 19 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

5 Homeschool Things to Toss By the End of Summer @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

If I lived in the perfect world of just organization, I would ideally label one box give away, another box labeled to keep and another one to throw away or recycle. But I don’t live in that world because I need to homeschool too.

Homeschool organization is quite different than having all day long to organize, which of course I would love but it won’t happen as long as I homeschool.

Why Homeschooling Simply is of Lasting Value?

Because my time is limited, tossing has always been my go to option. Unless something will bless a homeschool family right away and in a large way, clutter multiplies if you don’t get rid of it soon.

Too, because we are sharing living and learning spaces, a lot of the things I do at the end of summer spills over into my home organizing.

I find that back to school or the beginning of a school year, after I have chosen my curriculum is a great time to take a peek at my home to see what I need to toss.

Look at 5 homeschool things to toss by the end of summer…

ONE. Toss old food, containers and items from your pantry. Mark containers clearly.


Toss old spices and food items @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

toss old containers

When I need to make room for food that my family will eat because their likes and dislikes have changed, I find that cleaning out my pantry for the new homeschool year gets me ready.

It’s hard to cook well when there is a mess to begin with. Take time to toss what you won’t eat this next year or take it to the food pantry for others to be blessed by.

Then, get rid of containers that make it hard to see what you have on hand when ready to cook. I love see through containers and I mark them clearly (no corny pun intended) so I know what I’m grabbing when time is rushed.

TWO. Toss recipes that you do not use.


You know I have mentioned before that though many apps exists for recipes, I like to put my recipes in a 5 inch binder.

Homeschool-Organization-Are-you-Collecting-Cookbooks-or-Recipes_thumb.png

I don’t like my hands touching my devices while I’m cooking. And with page protectors I can turn the pages easily in my binders and wipe them off to sanitize them.

It’s the way I roll and so I always try to go back through my 365 recipes for the year and toss ones that just don’t make top marks with my family.

THREE. Art projects. Do you have some of these lying around the house?


Perish the thought that I don’t keep every crafty piece of art that my sons have done, but I don’t. I would be living under a suffocating pile of heap-o-junk.

A long while back I had to have a reckoning with Tina Day. I was in homeschooling for the long run, which meant I had to make some hard and fast decisions about art projects to keep and which ones to not keep.

toss old art projects by the end of summer @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

I do cherish each one and take several pictures of each project.

How to be Happily Homeschool With What You Have and not With What You Don’t Have

And though I do love free cloud storage, I prefer to use a huge external hard drive because I don’t want to rely on free cloud storage that may come or go.

I use the Toshiba 1TB portable external hard drive because it has tons of storage (1TB) is slim and I can travel with it. I take lots of pictures of our projects through the years and store them on the hard drive.

FOUR. Sorry, but I don’t pass on nasty broken crayons or map colors to the younger siblings.


Unless I have a preschooler in the house, which chunky crayons are for, each kid gets brand new crayons or map colored pencils.

Even younger kids are smart enough to know that they are getting second hand crayons and they don’t want those old nasty things.

I guess you could have a party with the crayons and melt them all to make an art piece but then you’re back to needing to store that project.

FIVE. Toss or tear down old science projects. Recycle if you can.


I say toss loosely here because sometimes we can use the same parts over when we have built something previously.

Toss or recycle old science projects @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

We have loved every contraption and gadget we have made through the year but the end of the summer is a great time to part with them and make room for new creations.

We break them down and keep only the parts that look like we may be able to use again.

Those are just a few of the things that I am happily sorting through.

What about you? What do you toss or recycle by the end of summer?

Also, look at my article, How Can I Achieve Simple Homeschooling and Get Organized – Rev Up for the New Homeschool Year.

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

 

19 CommentsFiled Under: Home, Organization Tagged With: home organization, homeschool, homeschool clutter, homeschoolorganization, new homeschooler homeschool room, organized pantry, organizedhomeschool, organizedkids

Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Space in (Really) Tiny Homeschool Spaces

August 3, 2016 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Space in (Really) Tiny Homeschool Spaces @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Improvising and finding inspiration when setting up a learning area in cramped quarters doesn’t mean you have to give up style too.

I have not always had such large homeschool spaces to have my boys learn in, but I’m always up for new and creative ideas to expand on what I have already used. Does that resonate with you too?

Look at these top 10 tips for maximizing space in really tiny homeschool spaces.

ONE// When space is at a premium, use one side of a door for a chalkboard area.

paintaninteriordoorwithchalkboardpaintforhomeofficehomeschoolroombathroomkidsroombedroom

(Credit: The Domestic Diva)

TWO// Laundry mesh bags aren’t just for laundry.

Store puzzle pieces, school supplies and even books in them.

toy-storage

(Credit: Two Twenty One)

Use a S hook and hang the bags on the wall. Looking at a row of clear mesh bags, it’s easy for you to take down what you need. Your children can bring one or two bags down and put them away when not in use.

THREE// Use a versatile table for learning.

Have you seen dining room tables, which lowers and raises? When it’s lowered, it can be used for younger children or do double duty as a coffee table.

If you have older kids, raise it to use as a school table.

dining room table that lowers

For younger kids, use storage folding lap desks, which can be folded and tucked away behind a sofa or in the closet.

homeschooling in tiny homeschool areas


When my boys were younger and we were limited on homeschool space, they sat on the floor and set up lap desks on the floor for our science activities.

Homeschool Learning Spaces Without Limits

FOUR// An over the door organizer equals versatile flexible storage.

An over-the-door organizer is one of the most versatile and inexpensive ways to add instant storage. Sure, it can be a shoe organizer, but an over the door organizer can come with different size pockets.

Not only do they come in pretty colors, (you know a little aqua luv doesn’t hurt) but you want to be sure they have clear pockets so that you can easily identify what’s in them.

Just be sure to label each pocket so that your children know what belongs in each one.

FIVE//  Keep your books underfoot.

Books are always challenging to store in small spaces. Don’t forget floor spaces under furniture.If you have the room to create a drawer, that is best.

under bed storage

(Credit: Lushome)

However if you don’t have the space, you can glue a set of small wheels that you can buy inexpensively at any hardware store. Glue them on a slim rectangle clear plastic storage case or slim wooden crate, fill it with books and roll it under your sofa. Roll out the container and let your children choose their favorite books to read.

Also, grab some more super helpful ideas from my article, 17 Creative Book Storage Ideas When You Homeschool.

SIX// Use every nook and cranny.

The small wall area between the bottom of a widow and the floor may seem like wasted space. Create DIY shelves to fit the exact niche by using inexpensive repurposed wood or sturdier industrial looking pipes.

bookshelve to fix an exact niche

And I love how the space is used here at Hip Homeschool Moms.

homeschoolbookshelves-copy

(Credit: Hip Homeschool Moms)

SEVEN//  Curtain rods are not just for curtains.

Use magnetic curtain rods. And though you can put them on your walls, hang them on your refrigerator for extra storage.

curtain rod

In addition, you can add two or three stylish curtain rods at eye level on a wall. Add and use drapery clips to hold clear storage bags.

Tiny Spaces Homeschool Hacks

The storage uses for a humble curtain rod are endless. It can corral paper clutter, school supplies and even a book. The best thing is that when you hang clear bags, you can see what is inside.

EIGHT// Baby gate alphabet walls.

Many years, I used several baby gates in my home. That too is valuable ‘wall space’ that is just waiting to be used.

I love this idea from Lalymom. Create an activity center for your preschooler by creating the wall with soft fabric.

Adding pockets for a preschooler to sort letters or numbers in makes this a great learning area.

DIY-Baby-Gate-Cover-Alphabet-Chart-from-Lalymom

(Credit: Lalymom)

Not only does it make for a pretty cover for your gate, it doubles as an activity center. When the baby is up, put away the small pieces, like letters or numbers that fit in the pockets.

NINE// DIY Sofa Shelf.

Then I just couldn’t pass up sharing this next genius spacing saving hack.

Can you say, oh let me add some more books there? And the best part is that not only can you do this skinny minny table yourself, but it’s inexpensive.

I would, however, measure my books and use the one that has the largest depth to use as the width of the table.

Look at the tutorial over at Always Never Done.

sofa-table-Always-Never-Done-23-400x600

(Credit: Always Never Done)

TEN// Free up precious wall space. Use the middle of the floor.

When the boys were preteens, I bought a large oversized craft table and put it in the middle of the floor to free up valuable wall space.

Our wall space was also limited because one wall had all windows.

The added bookshelves under the table was a welcomed storage space.
Also, grab some more ideas from my article, How to Turn a House Into a Homeschool Space Part 1 and How to Turn a House Into a Homeschool Space Part 2.

Taking a homeschool space from drab to fab is worth it especially when you’re homeschooling because of how much time we spend in an area.

What tiny space hacks are you going to try or have used?

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

8 CommentsFiled Under: Home, Homeschool Space, Homeschool Tools, Storage, & Accessories Tagged With: home organization, homeschool challenges, homeschoolorganization, homeschoolrooms, new homeschooler homeschool room, organizedhomeschool

Free 31 Days of Dinner Ideas (February) Organize with Me!

January 31, 2016 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

31 days of dinner menu

And yes, I know February doesn’t have 31 days, but I want you to have tons of dinner ideas at your fingertips! Today, in sharing my free 31 days of dinner ideas (February) organize with me post, I want to encourage you to take baby steps toward easing your homeschool load.

Free 31 Days of Dinner Ideas

Hear my heart. Menu planning may seem like one more thing in your whole long list of things to do to get organized, but homeschooling begins with the home.

That means making top priority your family and health. The result is a lighter homeschool load because things like cooking just fall into place when you have a plan.

When I get bogged down with menu planning or cooking, I have learned to step away from school for a day or even delay it for a few hours until I get a handle back on what is important.

Taking a baby step that is really huge meaning it’s a small step with a large payoff because having a plan each month you have a direction each week for what you are buying at the grocery store.

Too, by giving you a menu plan for the area I struggle with the most and maybe you too, which is dinner because I don’t want to think about what to make for dinner, I am hoping to help you to get dinner on the table faster, with meals your family likes.

So my menu plans each month reflect what my family likes to eat, but from it I am hoping to inspire you on to creative ideas for feeding your family.

Guess what? If you stick with me for the whole year, we will both have MORE than 365 dinners! Maybe we will make a cookbook together. (okay, okay)

Why Menu Planning for the Month Blows Away Weekly Planning

Back to a few more tips I want you to know.

  • Organizing for the month is so much more easier than the week. It takes about 20 or 30 minutes longer, but you get relief for the whole month. Have you noticed how fast the end of the week gets here? Before you know it, you have to menu plan AND lesson plan. No thank you. I want one of those huge tasks done. I don’t like beginning of the week stress.
  • Planning 31 meals for the month regardless of the days of the month gives you options and flexibility.
  • Monthly planning is for rebel cooks because contrary to what some people think, you are not stuck with having to cook what is on that day. No, you have 31 choices to choose from. Nobody said you have to cook what is on each day, unless of course you want to. Either way 31 day menu planning is about options! Give me 31. That is why this month and every month will have 31 days of dinner ideas and it has nothing to do with how many days are in the month. You always get to decide if you want to follow it to make the dinner idea each day or change it around and choose something else from the list.

I have a few more tips I will be sharing next time, but for now grab my dinner ideas below.

DOWNLOAD HERE 31 DAYS OF DINNER FOR FEBRUARY.

(where possible, I linked recipes for your quick reference. However, I have been cooking for a long time, like you probably have to and have many recipes not on line. Eventually, I will have my recipes on my site or link for you, but in any case, I want you to have the ideas.)

DOWNLOAD HERE FREE 31 DAY MENU PLANNER . To plan 3 meals a day and it is editable!

Let me know how you’re doing with organizing those meals!

Hugs and love ya,

Tina Signature 2015c

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

8 CommentsFiled Under: 2. My FREE Organizing Printables {Any topic}, Home, Meal Plan Tagged With: home organization, mealplanning, menu planning

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