Refreshing for the New School Term

We are only a few days into our first week of school holidays here in WA, however , we are going away for most of break so I really wanted to get organised and sorted early.

With only one Term to go of school, the kids school bags, shoes and supplies are getting a bit grubby, disorganised and need a little refresh. 

Each holidays I like to give the kids school bags a wipe over. They are made of a PVC type fabric so can't really be chucked in a machine (well its no benefit) but just by using a spray bottle and cloth, they come up sparkly and clean!

I like to use a Eucalyptus spray (diluted using the Eucalyptus cleaning solution) for the initial clean and then a quick once over with Pinoclean for a disinfectant of germies!

All our kids have a whole set of school clothes as a spare in the bottom of their larger pocket ( I just bought generic and plain items from Best and Less) of their school bags. 

When I was away a few weeks ago, I picked up this handy plastic pencil case, perfect for storing wet or soiled items or to keep the clothes safe from lunch box spills. 

The change of clothes now has a new home and it folds nicely in the base of her bag.

Stella has a little zippered purse in the front pocket of her bag (I don't quite trust Max and Lacey with one yet hehe) and this holds a few dollars in change. Just in case she needs to buy something from the Canteen, I forget money for an excursion or 'ice cup Friday'. 

I simply topped up the change, cleaned it up and popped it back in the front pocket. 

Before the term ends, its also a good idea to check your kids school supplies, pencil cases and other items like hats etc incase they need a top up or replacement. Some teachers may send a note home (Stella's teacher has a small printable she uses where she ticks the item that needs to be replenished) but you could also ask your children.

Stella needs new Wind up crayons , and because we are heading into our extremely HOT summer, I bought a new roll on Suncream for her to use at break times. 

All the kids sneakers have had a run through the washing machine and look like brand new and all their school hats have had a thorough wash and dry in the sun (helps to kill any left over germs).

I am now free to go on holidays, enjoy myself and return home and not have to worry about back to school preparations. 

I think I may just try and be this organised more often! 

Back To School- Homework Supplies

Even though are children are young and are in early grades of schooling, they still receive a small amount of homework. 

They also love to draw and write random notes on any piece of paper they can find!

For this reason, I have always kept a caddy full of stationery and drawing supplies , within reach and convenient to them. 

As with anything, these things tire, get ratty and need an update. 

The caddy we use is from Pottery Barn Kids and can be found HERE.  I bought this quite a number of years ago and it is still in great condition , despite its rough treatment by the kids. I did line the compartments at the base with clear contact when I bought it , to protect the base from pencil stains etc.

There are quite a number of caddies on the market these days like THIS , THIS and THIS. 

Something that is transportable, easy to carry and has a few compartments for different supplies.

So with the back to school sales at the moment, I took advantage of the prices and bought some new supplies for our caddy. 

Gave the caddy a clean and filled it with some new goodies! 

Its amazing what creativity some new supplies and a few days at school can inspire! 

Our Max drew this the same day I gave the Caddy a tidy. He never , ever draws. He would much rather play with his cars or Ninja Turtles , but I was so pleased he joined us for a drawing session. 

And he is so good at it when he wants to be!

So there you have our answer to making the homework time a little easier! 

I have found it a challenge to be able to supervise the other children that want to sit and create at the table, while Stella is doing her homework, whilst I am trying to help with the said homework too! Throw in the fact that its cranky hour and I am trying to prepare dinner! Phew, hard work!

Anything to make this time easier, I say! All the supplies, in one convenient spot.

Perfect ...