As our thoughts turn to planning the school year, I thought I would list some things I have found through the years that make homeschooling easier on us as teacher moms. Some of them are very simple, and yet they make things run much more smoothly! I hope this list gets your ideas flowing.

A library basket: Several years ago I got a gift card to Pier One and used it to buy a large, pretty basket we now have sitting in our living room. I have trained the kids to store all library books in that basket when they are not being read. This helps a lot with misplaced library books, and also keeps things tidy when we bring stacks of books into the house! I also recommend getting familiar with your library’s online system so you can keep up with when your books are due.

Brita Pitcher (or some other form of water dispenser): My husband actually bought this recently, but I have found that the kids and I are all so much better about drinking the filtered, cold water from this pitcher than we ever were about drinking from the tap! Ideally, I would love to have one of those drinking fountains with the little cone-shaped cups for the kids to get their own water, but this pitcher does the trick just fine!

Grocery List: I bought a pad with a magnet on it at Michael’s for $1 and use it to list our grocery and other needs as I see them. This way it helps me to write things down as soon as I see we have run out of them. (Now if I could just get my husband and kids to do it!) When I get ready to go to WalMart or the grocery store, I just tear off my list and go. Of course, there always seems to be something left off the list, but I do feel more organized with the list than without it.

Electric Pencil Sharpener: I just bought this after years of wanting one. This was my big school supply splurge for the year! The kids have had a blast sharpening pencils with it, and it helps eliminate those pesky shavings that never seemed to make it into the trash. I bought a large stock of #2 pencils and they are all neatly arranged in a pencil box waiting to be sharpened and used throughout the year.

Mechanical Pencils: This falls into the above category, and is what my kids enjoyed using last year. These pencils are nice because they don’t need to be sharpened. I have found that my older kids would rather have these to write with. Find them on sale at rock bottom prices now!

Assignment Books: I started this practice years ago so that my kids could be more responsible for their work each day. Every day I use my teacher plan book to list out what they need to do for that day. I include chores, household duties, personal grooming, and outside activities in addition to academics. They love having what is expected of them spelled out, and I love putting the accountability back on them. I use a 5×7 notebook with a vinyl cover as that is more likely to last the whole year without wearing out.

A Written Schedule: I fought against this for years, as I wanted to be more “unschool-ish” and not have a schedule, but I have found that having a specific time to get up, shower, do chores, complete activities, have rest time, etc. really helps us all to flow through our days better. I have scheduled our read aloud times this year, for instance, just to make sure they have a time appointed, which will hold me accountable. I also have scheduled computer time for myself, to keep me from squandering time that should be spent with the kids! I think that the “Managers of Their Homes” book is great for learning more about scheduling, though my schedule is nowhere near as regimented as they recommend! My schedule is really just a “routine,” but it works for us!

Wipes: Last but not least, I have to put in a vote for how easy wipes are when assigning chores. Whether it is cleaning a bathroom, dusting, or cleaning windows, I can hand my kids of all ages a wipe for the job and send them off to do whatever it is! Even my little ones want a wipe to pitch in and do their part. Instead of having to oversee spray bottles and cloths, the wipes are convenient and disposable. Granted, they are more expensive, but they’re still cheaper than hiring a maid!

Please share what you have found to make life easier by leaving a comment. I can’t wait to learn from you guys!

Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.