Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

dy•nam•ic constant change, progress, activity

home organization

Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

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

I have a list of the best tools to organize homeschool. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips and ideas.

Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging to keep track of everything.

The right tools can help you stay organized and on top of your homeschooling goals.

Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

To be the most successful homeschool teacher you can be and keep kids engaged and excited to learn, keeping your workspaces organized is a priority.

While being organized is a state of mind and takes intention, there are some wonderful tools out there that can help you achieve it more easily and keep things on the right track.

I think the most important areas of organization in your homeschool are planning, student records/transcripts, and supplies.

The beginning of a new school year, or of the calendar year, or even a random Tuesday is a great time to take a look at where you may need a little extra sorting and organizing.

BEST TOOLS TO ORGANIZE HOMESCHOOL

Also, look at these other activities.

Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

I have come up with a list of organizational items and where and how to use them to help you out.

10 TOOLS TO ORGANIZE HOMESCHOOL

Here are some of the best tools for homeschool organization.

Homeschool Planner

Because a homeschool planner should be the life blood of your day, I’ve created many different ones here. Whether you are using a planner to track lesson plans, or just journaling, you’ll love the choices here.

{Planners should be organized for the children you’re teaching this year. So, do not try to make your unique lifestyle adjust to something made for a classroom.

°Rotating Desk Organizers Homeschool

MULTIPURPOSE LAZY SUSAN STYLE ORGANIZER! Forget boring storage trays, our Rotating desk organizers is truly multipurpose with 9 deep bins, a super smooth 12” turntable & great colors – perfect for serving snacks, office and school supplies,
organizing makeup & transforming messy desktops into mess free order

File Organizer Box,Filing Box with Lid

  • Clear Sliding Bars: Every file storage box has two Clear sliding bars, Easy to slide
    file folders with no friction, and protecting the edge of the box, Make your file box beautiful and durable.
  • Space-Saving: Manage files, work papers around your desk, make your
    office more nicer, organized, and safer. The storage container collapses
    down simply for easier storage when not in use.

    • Large Cork Bulletin Board

    A cork board is a great way to display your homeschooling schedule, assignments, and other important information. It can also be used to post reminders, encouragements, photos of fun homeschool field trips, chore lists, and even some seasonal bulletin board decorations

    Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags

    These bags have become so popular in recent years; they save space and keep anything with small multiple parts together and tidy. I have seen them used the most for unboxing games and storing the contents in, they take up much less space this way. You can also use them for drawing markers, flashcards, manipulatives, pocket sized learning games, science items, etc.

    3 Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart with Table Top and Side Bags

    This one item is so useful from homeschooling on the couch to the dining room table or in an entire homeschool room. You can move it from place to place and change out what is on the shelves as easy as pie. Fill it with art supplies, themed activities, or anything else you like.

    Magnetic Dry Erase White Board

    A whiteboard is a great way to brainstorm ideas, take notes, and solve problems. It can also be used for presentations and games. If you don’t have a dedicated homeschool room consider a smaller portable whiteboard that can be tucked away
    when not in use.

    Magnetic Wall Chalkboard Monthly Calendar, Large Wooden-Framed Chalkboard Calendar

    A good-sized wall calendar is a great way to keep track of your homeschooling schedule, appointments, and other important dates. It can also be used to track your child's progress and set goals. I love a fun chalkboard calendar that can be used as a creative outlet too, don't forget to grab some chalk markers to use with it.

    Handy Label Maker

     A label maker can be used in so many ways, from creating labels for file folders to labeling storage bags and containers, water bottles for co-op outings, and just about anything else you can think of.

    Bookshelves and Bookcases Set of 2

    Do I need to say more?

    100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places

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

    I have 100 ideas to organize homeschool area. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

    Whether you have a large or small learning space, you want to maximize your space and organize your homeschool area. Thinking outside the box is key.

    For example instead of looking only at bookshelves designed for an office, look at more inexpensive options that are designed for a dining room area.

    Instead of pots for plants, think of them as pots for organizing supplies.

    And instead of an over the door shoe organizer for your shores, think of using to organize your supplies.

    100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places. If you're looking for an out of the box idea, scoot by and grab one or two of these AWESOME ideas!

    Too whether you have a dedicated homeschool area, a dedicated close, or homeschool in the open, you’ll love grabbing several of these tips to implement in your learning space.

    Homeschool Organization

    Organizing Tools for Your Homeschool

    5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

    I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

    Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

    Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

    The Unhurried Homeschooler

    Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

    Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

    Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

    The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

    Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

    Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

    Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

    Homeschool Organization Ideas

    Additionally here are some ideas which work for your books and supplies.

    Homeschool Organization Hacks

    Finally, look at more tips to organize your homeschool area below.

    More Organize Homeschool Area Tips

    This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

    Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

    | 1 Comment
    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

    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools

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

    I collect my homeschool room organizing tools from all over and from some of the same places you probably have in the area you live in. Look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips.

    Some I order on online because I want some specialty items.

    What helps me to focus on a tool and to think outside the box is to have my *needs* not a *tool* in mind.

    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools

    The tool serves the need.

    Have you ever come home with a bunch of pretty organizing tools and not really have a place to put them?

    Though pretty, they won’t be much use if you can’t put them to work.

    Determining your use, determines the homeschool tool.

    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools

    Thinking outside the box too doesn’t mean you have to steer away from traditional uses for a tool either

    who really wants to organize with a draining dish

    This idea of a dish drainer for books is one of them that, for me, well I have a hard time being inspired to look at every day.

    The idea is novel but  I would have to think of a way to hide the drainer, then I may be more inspired when I look at it every day.

    Organizing Your Homeschool Room

    Organizing does not have to be expensive. It is one of those hobbies useful life skills that can be inexpensive. I decide how much to pay or not pay for items.

    And sometimes you just need to add a pop of color to your learning area. Our learning area was the formal dining room turned learning area.

    So here are 13 things that make me sing when I did a spruce up from last year.

    After, I explained them here, I have a list below.

    1. The lamp was on clearance from my one of my stalking trips to Target.

    The stencil was a wall stencil I got online too. It is a Moroccan look. I have been looking at it for a year now to determine if I want to do my pantry in this pattern.

    Trying it out on the lampshade helps me to look at it for a while longer to see if I still am in love. I am still swooning over it.

    The paint is acrylic paint I already had in the house; it’s cadmium orange color. Gorgeous.

    2. The orange slices, lemon slices, coral and white mustache bookends are what I spent my money on this year.

    You know I told you the longer you homeschool, the less you need curriculum wise. So you get to spend your homeschool budget on other yummy things.

    So I purchased all of my cool bookends on ETSY.

    They seem to have a variety to choose from each year.

    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools
    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools
    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools
    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools

    I am still swooning over them and have restrained myself for the time being in not putting matching book covers over all of the books.

    3. The magazine bins I got from different places.

    It is easy to match your decor if you don’t want to take time redoing an older magazine holder. I keep all of mine though because I do redo them as I get time.

    I find a lot of them on Amazon.

    4. I knew when these binders came out at Target and I was there the first day they were putting them out, that if I waited to get them they would be gone.

    I knew I loved everything about these designs. So I made sure to book mark this site Green Room.

    5. Use expanding jackets to hold art work or other paper crafts while your children are doing.

    I found these expanding jackets to store our art projects in.

    Keep the kids organized by assigning each one a color.

    Besides the fact they have GORGEOUS colors, they last a long time for the price. I use them year after year.

    No sense in having the paper crafts strewn everywhere.

    6. Next, use items made for bathroom storage as a pencil holder and scissors stand.

    I got mine online from Amazon. Instead of looking at the more expensive storage section, I browse the bathroom section. That is an example of  thinking outside the box.

    Homeschool Organizing Tools

    The scissors holder they sell as a toothbrush holder and the cup is for a bathroom drinking cup. Who says?

    Can you picture that trash basket as a beautiful way to hold maps and other artwork that is folded but needs to stand up? And that is EXACTLY how I used the beautiful trash can. It holds folded up maps.

    Instead of seeing a toothbrush holder, can you see a paint brush holder or mechanical pencil holder?

    If you see a soap holder, can you see it as paper clip storage?

    7. The pink storage bins, I think, I got from Hobby Lobby too.

    I have had them for a while upstairs in my school library. But too, don’t forget to measure your area to see how big. Here are some others I’m loving.

    8. Here again, I am visiting the bathroom section of Target to find small storage bins with color.

    This canister is part of their Room Essentials collection. I heart this container because it has three sections that flip out for easy access of small parts we use on our lapbooks and paper clips.

    9. Use a drawer of towers.

    Drawers are well not just drawers when it comes to storing heavier books and items. Iris is the brand that is I heart and that is carried by the Container Store.

    It is a little more pricey but too the drawer does not fall over at the first minute my kid pulls the drawer open. The drawers are encased inside the unit making it a lot stronger than inexpensive ones that I had bought at Walmart many years ago.

    I take a longer time now to fuss over which drawers I buy. They have to not only be pretty but first they have to be sturdy. Here are some others I’m eyeing.

    10. The clear hanging file holder I love.

    You can get it from Amazon and I love having the bin to fit on a desktop, table or any surface. It’s easy to get in and out of each file.

    Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools

    Desk top or table top file holders are the perfect size for holding charts and other material that you need to pick up and take some other place.

    We can pick up the chart bin which has our maps and geography printables I make and take it with us to the living room or just bring it to the table.

    As your children get older, you move away from all those cutesy things hanging on the wall and look for creative ways to store items that any family member can pick up and take elsewhere.

    Table top bins can even be a place to keep your organizational printables for your family at one spot, like a command center. It works good for small spaces or just to keep it all organized.

    11. Extra storage for crafts and supplies.

    .The pink set of drawers I bought from Bed, Bath and Beyond when they had their college dorm things out. But there are others I eyeball because I’m always looking to update my look.

    I wanted something that was just for my storage of files and extra supplies like staple, tape, notepads. It had just the pop of color I wanted too

    12. I couldn’t resist adding in my free 7 STEP DIY Homeschool Planner.

    Where do you store yours?

    Mine is on an easel. If I pay money to print the pink ink then why not flaunt it and use it as part of your school decor?

    If you love it, show it. I am not sure if my orange and pink crush was my inspiration for our room and planner cover or the other way around. But I love them both.

    13. Then, nothing beats a small storage cabinet.

    You know I told you I wasn’t going to bother hubby this year on something different for the school room. He still needs much rest.

    But I found this beautiful simple storage cabinet from Bed, Bath and Beyond and I could actually put it together.

    I like the fact it is versatile and the books I had to go in it measured just the right height when I found it.

    simple storage cabinet

    Learning spaces are important because I know you spend just as much time in your area as I do in mine.

    Find inspiration from the things you love and don’t settle for something like a dish drainer unless you are really taken away with the idea no matter how novel.

    In my workshop I share that organizing is about the heart, not about will. You have to want something different than you have now.  Mountains are moved one stone at a time.

    HOMESCHOOL ORGANIZING TOOLS

    Thinking outside the box too doesn’t mean you have to steer away from traditional uses for a tool either.

    Moroccan Tile Handmade Charlotte Laser Stencils,

    This stencil has been available off and on .

    Gorgeous Book End

    They seem to have a variety to choose from each year.

    File Holder Organizer Box

    Simple Houseware Magazine File Holder Organizer Box
    Photo Credit: www.greenroomeco.com

    greenroom

    Greenroom has proudly established an exclusive partnership with Target
    since 2005, when we became their first fashion-forward line of
    recycled paper products.

    6 Pocket Expanding File Organizer

    Durable one-piece plastic construction and reinforced gussets help prevent edges from tearing. Bungee cord closure keeps contents secure.

    (Orange+Green+Pink)

    Easy to clean,perfect for kids and family use.

    Plastic Bath Sets

    Instead of seeing a toothbrush holder, can you see a paint brush holder or mechanical pencil holder?

    If you see a soap holder, can you see it as paper clip storage?

    Foldable Storage

    Foldable storage cubes with PU Leather handles are made of durable canvas and waterproof PE coating linner. A sturdy metal rod frame around the top to keep the basket shape.

    Rolling Cart with Drawers

    3 drawers in one or more colors provide you with much more room for organizing papers, kitchen tools, toys and home office supplies. Compact size also makes it suitable for corners, which helps you save room space.

    3-Tier Rolling Mobile Utility Cart

    34 inches; Equiped with our utility cart has 3 tiers, 3 Cups, 4 Hooks, this utility cart will help you organize your daily things well and make your rooms look neat and elegant, allowing everything to have its own place.

    Hanging File Organizer Box

    Hanging File Organizer: This acrylic file folder organizer is designed for convenient storage of letter size / A4 files, folders, and papers, making it an ideal solution for both office and home organization. Please note that quick and easy assembly is required, and the package includes assembly tools.

    Arc Desktop File Organizer

    Add simple sophistication and style to your desk or office with this unique file organizer in green

    2 Drawer File Cabinet

    The under desk drawer cabinet with lock, equipped with two keys, can increase the security and privacy of your files.Two drawers can be locked or opened simultaneously. Fashionable exterior design can perfectly blend into your office or home .

    Did you make a small organizational change that you heart this year?

    I find this quote inspiring today because I think about the changes and sacrifices you make for homeschooling your family. Don’t think they go unnoticed. Especially if your kids are real young, it is hard to feel the homeschooling love.

    Look at these other tips:

    I hope I can impart a positive attitude and can do spirit even if just a little bit for you each day.

    “When you’re happy for yourself, it fills you. When you’re happy for someone else, it pours over.”

    ~ Sarah Addison Allen~

    Hugs and you know I love ya,

    Save

    31 Days of Dinner Ideas for December With Linked Recipes for Busy Homeschool Nights

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

    December 31 Days of dinner ideas @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
    Can I hear a drum roll? We made it! You stuck with me for a year long project that will give us LOTS in return. This month is the last month for the year long series and I have the 31 days of dinner ideas for December with linked recipes for busy homeschool nights ready!

    Back in January, I encouraged you to come along and menu plan with me by menu planning for 31 days instead of 7 or 14 days. Too, by focusing on your weak area, you’re using menu planning to help you, not overwhelm you. Think of which meal brings you the most stress and plan it only. Don’t over organize.

    For example, I chose dinner ideas because it normally is the weak area for most of us. At the end of the homeschool day we’re tired and need dinner to practically make itself. Right?

    Even though we still have to prepare dinner, it can be so much more engaging and enjoyable knowing ahead of time what we will make and also knowing that we have every ingredient on hand.

    In addition, by menu planning longer than 7 or 14 days, it gives you time to focus on more important things like lesson planning and homeschooling.

    Though it make take an extra few minutes to plan for 31 days, I reap so much more. A few tips I remembered as I planned is that I stopped looking ahead in the month to see when I had field trips planned, when the Mr. was going to be off work and if we had a co-op planned.

    Simply listing 31 dinner ideas doesn’t mean I cook each one in order, it does mean that I can select which ones I want to cook for the week and which ones I want to skip or substitute.

    The bottom line is that my brainstorming work for dinner ideas, which is the hardest part is already done for me.

    Did I mention 12 months of dinner ideas and about 371 recipes for the year in my recipe book eases homeschool stress?

    It’s so worth taking time each month to do this and instead of stressing out over this, we simply made a plan each month this year.

    Now, we will reap the benefits all next year and the year after and so on because we have a plan in place. In the future, you can substitute recipes and that is easier to do than trying to think of 371 dinner ideas.

    Did you benefit from this? Did you grab each month? I have a few months in the beginning of the year that I need to link, but you have all these ideas at your fingertips.

    What other year long projects would you like us to do together?

    Download here December 31 Days of Dinner Ideas.

    Grab the other months here:

    January dinner ideas along with an editable menu planner
    February dinner ideas
    March dinner ideas
    April dinner ideas
    May dinner ideas
    June dinner ideas
    July dinner ideas
    August dinner ideas
    September dinner ideas
    October dinner ideas
    November dinner ideas

    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.