​Personalized Designs                                                                  
Art & Organization Monthly
October 2018

Back to School & Ready with a Paperwork Organization!

Let’s continue with the back to school items that cause stress... Paperwork & Organization... After being in school for a month or two, you'll look around & see a pile of papers all around the room (sometimes on every surface).  That's when you realize that you meant to get to all of those papers, but the back to school rush has you so busy, you just don't have time!  I know because I've been there, done that!   Organization is a process that has to be repeated on a regular basis.  Let's do it together!  First, sort threw the piles; & then next week, when those papers come home, you'll be ready!

In & Out Paperwork-This type of paperwork is usually time sensitive, so deal with it immediately!  Sign permission slips; write checks & seal the envelops; put important dates on the calendar; etc.  If you can't act on it immediately, make a point to act on it by tomorrow (when the kiddos bring home the next round of paperwork).  Have a dedicated space for paperwork that needs action & those that need to be returned.  It could be included in the student center or wonderwall, but it doesn't have to be there.  I have my spot by the door to remind me to take the "out paperwork & mail" as I go out the door!  Options for paperwork organization are plenty: letter sorts let you see what needs action quickly; box containers let you put items away & coordinate with your style; drawer containers do the same, but allow you to access papers easier.  

Keepers-This kind of paperwork is usually a type of creation- art, poetry, etc.  Younger kids tend to have larger papers than older ones.  A portfolio is great for storing larger pieces.  Smaller pieces can be stored in a folder, shoe box, or drawers.  (Portfolios can be made or purchased.)   You may want to save a keepsake box for your kiddos.   Keep in mind... every piece of paper that comes home isn't special!  A lot of work that comes home is busy work.  Pieces that have hand written stories, or art that has some thought behind it is considered a keeper!  Those pieces that are fill in the blank, or color in the number don't usually reflect your child's personality, so pitch them after looking them over!

Shred/Trash-Shred documents that have sensitive information on them & trash worksheets that don't!