MAKE THE ULTIMATE HOMEWORK STATION
Create the station:
You will need:
1. Cut the board in half horizontally. Set one half aside if you plan to make just one carrel. Lay the other half facedown. To make the carrel easy to fold even when stocked with hanging supplies, pencil a vertical line parallel to each existing fold, 2 inches closer to the center. Using the yardstick as a guide, score the lines, cutting through only the top layer of the cardboard.
2. Fold along the scored lines. Cover the carrel's back with Con-Tact paper or paint, if desired.
Add the supplies:
Use glue dots to affix clothespins to one side for holding important papers and notes.
Adhere magnets with hot glue to scissors, the back of a stapler, and other frequently used supplies. Line them up along a ruler/magnet strip, with more magnets and a magnetic clip.
Use adhesive-backed Velcro dots to attach supplies that need to be easily removed: the ruler/magnet strip, a clock, a calculator, a sticky-note dispenser, and a pencil box.
Hang a zip-close binder pouch from an adhesive hook to hold small supplies.
Affix a small cork square for displaying photos or notes, using hot glue or the adhesive supplied with the square.
SMART READERS' TIPS FOR HAPPY HOMEWORK TIMES:
Sit Down Together
When our older child, Karlie, was in first grade, our entire family would gather at the table after clearing the dinner dishes. While she completed homework, her little sister colored, my husband read, and I made a grocery list or flipped through a magazine.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Take Dance Breaks
To help our daughter, Emma, age 7, we divide her homework assignments into small sections. When each section is completed, we turn the music on and boogie down for one song. Afterward, she's able to focus better on her work.
Tallahassee, Florida
Track the Minutes
Every time Cole, age 10, and Olivia, age 9, read, write, or work on math, I light a tea-light candle. When they finish, they blow it out. When the candle wax is completely burned away, they get to pick an activity, such as going to a movie.
Centennial, Colorado
