I’ve always loved the routine of school. There’s rules and structure and opportunity to learn. But sometimes all that structure can feel like a lot to juggle.
September is always hard here. The transition from summer fun to schedules can be tough. Add to it a handful of orientations, parent nights, and school supply lists and it’s enough to make even the biggest fan feel a little weary.
But there is hope!
Here are 5 simple things I love that make the school year run smoothly:
Calendar
Yes, I still use a paper calendar. This one goes right in the kitchen and it’s the central location for all the things. I love it because it’s real paper (not glossy), has big boxes with lines to keep things neat, and it comes with stickers. Plus, it’s under $15. I’ve used it for years and love it.
Digital Calendar
I know, I just sang the praises of my paper calendar. And I do love it. But sometimes you need things on the run.
I love Google Calendar because it’s free and I can color code things, plus all my people can access it. Cozi is another great option that has fun features like shopping lists and even a place for a family journal.
The best calendar is the one you’ll use. Pick one and use it. It really is that simple.
Supplies
Your kids will probably get a supply list from school. Those are great – for school. Consider what they may need (and actually use) at home.
For us that means great pencils, plenty of paper, a ruler, a pencil sharpener, and something to color with (even in high school). It also never hurts to have a few pieces of poster board on hand. The few dollars now will save you a trip at 9 pm one night down the road.
Clothing
If you’re looking to make shopping easier KidBox and StitchFix are great options. High quality, new clothes chosen by a stylist to match your kids look. Super easy, delivered to your door and you just send back what you don’t want in the prepaid bag.
And I have two great deals for you!
KidBox offers brand new, stylish items for $11-$16 each and has free shipping BOTH WAYS! Save $25 on your first KidBox or Baby by KidBox order.
StitchFix offers high-quality, stylist picked clothes for kids, women and men with free shipping! Get a $25 credit on your first fix!
KidBox, & StitchFix make your shopping super easy!
Faith Building
When school starts, things can get out of balance fast. Finding ways to keep our focus on God in the middle of school days is important for the kids and for us.
Incorporating God’s Word in our day helps us stay focused on what really matters. Check out some of my favorites here.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Things for School?
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
Rebecca,
I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one who likes, and needs a paper calendar! I do write things in pencil since schedules are constantly changing. I wish I had some of the great resources when my kids were still in school. ThredUp and StitchFix sound like great options. I dreaded the school clothes shopping and high credit card balances. Good luck getting back into the school days routine!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I use pencil on the calendar too! Life is too crazy and always changing to use pen! (Except I did find some erasable pens that work so well. I use them in my planner 🙂 )
Books to read (that aren’t for school) too! I’ve found those very helpful. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca. Many blessings!
Books are the best!
This reminds me of how thankful I was that my kids wore uniforms to school. I remember that first year we transitioned to uniforms, 4 kids! The bill was over 1K. However, after the initial shock and for the years following, life was so much easier when it came to shopping for school clothes!
Tweeted & pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Yes! Uniforms would make things easier in a lot of respects! (except the initial bill!)
I really need to look into Thred Up. I wonder if they have these hard-to-find boys’ sizes that are sort of between boys and men. They’re so tall and skinny it’s hard to find clothes for them.
That stage is so hard sometimes! Lands End usually has “slim” fit and larger sizing, so that might be an option. And ThredUp may have some of that. Good luck!
Rebecca, what a super practical post! As for calendars, my brain is on my calendar which syncs with my kids’ phones. So we’re learning the discipline of putting our events on there so we each know what’s going on. Since our kids have to wear uniform clothing, I’ve found that Old Navy has some great sales on the things my kids wear. Since I’m on their mailing list, I can go online when they have their 50% off sale on uniform clothing. I saved over $100 this year doing that. 🙂
I have been wanting to check out StitchFix. And, I’m really curious about ThredUp. thanks so much for sharing these resources!
That’s awesome that you can get uniform deals at Old Navy! Give StitchFix and ThredUp a try too. (Even for you!)
I need to get my kids to help with entering their stuff on the google calendar. That’s a great idea!
What fun suggestions!
Hope you are doing well this week.
August should not be 3/4 of the way over!!!
You too friend! And I can’t believe how fast it goes!
I always love recommendations! laurensparks.net
🙂
We don’t really buy much for back to school– just a few packages of erasable pens and we’re usually good to go but I could not live without my calendar to keep us all organized.
We try not to buy a lot. I’ve given up on the teacher lists and try to just get what they need. But it seems like there’s always something!
Rebecca, your 5 simple things are great to keep the transition running smooth. I love how you mentioned both paper calendars and Google. Me too! I keep a big paper calendar where I can write things in and love Google calendar as well, where I can add events and send the invite and details to my hubby.
I do need to get better about the google calendar. I feel like there is so much to keep track of sometimes. I just need 10 minutes of calendar time a day!
Rebecca, I read this post because I have always loved the start of a new school year. The fresh supplies always represented new opportunities for growth. Now that our children are grown, I was drawn to read this post and pray for my granddaughters who will soon be starting up again 🙂 May you and your family have a wonderful and blessed school year!
Thank you so much Joanne! I always love that fresh start and new supplies 🙂 And I hope your granddaughters have a great new school year too!
My days of getting the kiddos ready for school is long gone. But something about this post grabbed me anyway, Rebecca.
You had me at calendar, pencils, and online shopping …
YESSSS!!!! 😉
Pinned and tweeted! I love the start of the school year, too 🙂
Thanks Anita!
I have a paper calendar AND I use my phone/computer calendar. I need both for different reasons :). I haven’t figured out how to make my paper calendar send me notifications ;), but there’s something so solid about writing things down.
I’m not the only one that loves both!!!
I just spent this morning raiding Staples for school supplies. I had the school supply list with me, but I stuck to it a lot less than usual, thanks to it being all virtual. I was like, “Actually, we will keep our pencils in whatever we want, thank you.” ha! I am so with you on the staying centered on God first.
It’s amazing how much less pressure I feel for school supplies with virtual learning!
I saw your link at the Happy Now Blog link-up. These are great ideas for school starting. It’s looking so different this year! I love your mention of keeping our focus on God. That will help us and our kids with this transition. One thing we do is read scripture every morning together. Have a great week!
I love that you read scripture together in the mornings! I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate that without it feeling cheesy, but I think I just need to start!
Rebecca, I could smell the crayons and school supplies as I read your blog. It made me smile. Each new beginning with new supplies is filled with promise.
It sure is! I think I need some new “work supplies” to get me motivated for the fall!