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Monday Motivation: What Do I Do With My Children's School Papers and Keepsakes

This blog post was first published on Saturday, June 6, 2009 


As we come to the end of the school year, we're faced with a dilemma. What do we do with all of the schoolwork our children have brought home from school. If you're like me, my sentimental side wants to keep everything my child has touched. However, the practical side of me screams "what do I do with all of this stuff?" I'll give you some ideas to keep both sides of your brain happy.


1. At the beginning of the school year, label a small file box for each child.

Storex Economy Portable File Box, Black (61502U01C)

2. Label several hanging files for different areas of paperwork you might want to save for your child. Each child will be different according to their age and activities. Some examples are art, handwriting, poems/stories, awards/pictures, research etc.

Pendaflex Recycled Standard Green 1/5-Cut Tab Hanging File Folders, 25 per Pack (81602)

3. Every time your child brings home a paper, decide first if it is a keeper. You don't have to keep everything. In fact, if you try to keep everything, you will be overcome with paperwork very quickly.


4. If you love it or your child loves it then you might consider keeping it.


5. Once a month, go through what you've kept and decide if anything needs to be thrown out. Maybe your child has a final copy of a poem he wrote. You can safely throw out the rough drafts.


6. At the end of the school year, go through your files and keep only what is special and represents the school year. You should have enough to fill a large manila envelope or a 2 pocket folder. Label the file/folder with the child's name and school year. Place it in a storage bin and store in a dry place. At the end of 12 years, your child will have a bin of memories to enjoy.

Sterilite? 16 Quart Basic Clear Storage Boxes with White Lid

7. If your child has a large piece of artwork or a bulky project, the best thing to do is take a picture of the item. Maybe you can take a picture of your child holding the item. Some artwork is nice to frame. I've seen some very simple artwork matted and framed and it looks beautiful.


8. Now that my children are leaving the nest, I've given them their keepsake bins to keep. Some of the items were kept, but some were thrown away. I feel like I've done my duty and protected their childhood memories. Even so, some of my favorite memories were not my children's memories.


9. If my child made me a mother's day card or a special picture that was just for "Mommy" then I have kept it in my own keepsake box.



I hope these ideas will help you get a handle on your child's paperwork.  Please use the comment section to share the solutions you use to corral your children's schoolwork.
 
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