Kids Schoolwork :: An Annual Review

Ok friends, it’s that time of year again. The school year is winding down and the kids’ artwork and school work is comin’ home. What’s your plan going to be? Is this the summer you tackle the mountains? Is this the year you stop feeling guilty for tossing some {most} of it in the recycling bin? I’m going to share with you the system I adopted last June, where it’s at today and leave you with a few new ideas you may want to try out too!

Here we go…

Last summer I decided once and for all, I would get a grip on all the school work, art work, certificates, school photos, team photos, etc. etc. With three kids it was about to take over my home. I decided on a system that looked like it would work for me. So far, so good. I’ve been able to keep up with it throughout the year without any major pile ups happening. I think I’m sticking with this one for the long haul.

Here’s the set up:

1. one large file box per kid

2. inside each file box is a hanging file folder for each grade from preschool {1} to 12th grade. This is where the schoolwork and artwork we decide to keep gets filed.

3. inside each hanging file is a colored file folder that holds that years’ report cards, important documents, awards, recital programs, any special recognitions, sports photos and any leftover school photos.

4. attached to the front of each file folder is a school pic from that year.

5. really special artwork is framed and hung.

6. oversized art or special items get stored in a bin for the school year and sorted out. these items get photographed and added to their collage.

The first week of summer after school is out is one of our favorite weeks. I try not to start any camps quite yet, instead spend time lazying around and having time for special projects like this one. My kids really get into the sorting and organizing. It’s like a trip down memory lane for all of us.

New Ideas to try this year: