This is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Office Depot, but all opinions are my own. #PMedia #InspireStudents http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
Being a teacher’s kid, I have been around schools and teachers my entire life; and since I can remember, I have been spending my summers helping mom set up her classrooms. I’ve always loved it – especially putting together bulletin board designs and organized learning stations. I’m sure mom is the reason I get a little giddy when walking through Office Depot looking at all the school supplies!
It’s always been incredibly important to teach children the basics of writing and grammar. But, it seems to me that these days there are more word-count requirements and essay test than ever before. That’s why I love this idea of a classroom writing station. Making everything fun and easily accessible for kids is really crucial in setting them up for success.
One of the things that kept leaping out at me while I was brainstorming this writing cart was the idea of letting kids make their mark on the world. I genuinely believe that allowing children to be innovative in their thinking can help them figure out who they are. And, really, what’s more important than that?
Here’s how I set up my classroom cart:
Tier 1: My favorite part about the top level of this writing cart is the writing prompt. All I did was take a cheap picture frame and put a plain white piece of printer paper in it (of course you could jazz it up with some scrapbook paper, too). Now I have a simple place to jot down the day’s writing prompt with my Expo Neon Window Markers! I’ve also provided some Sharpie Clearview highlighters, Paper Mate mechanical pencils, and Pink Pearl Erasers.
Tier 2: It’s pretty much impossible to do any sort of writing without paper and pens. Most kids have a preference between wide and college ruled paper – and if the teacher doesn’t care – I like to give them an option. So, I purchased one pack of each kind of paper, and put them in folders that I labeled using Gold Metallic Sharpies. A little galvanized bucket contains both black and blue Paper Mate Ink Joy pens.
Tier 3: This is a great space for the extra items that might not be necessary everyday, but are definitely useful to have on hand. I find that I always always always need Sharpies that the oddest times, so I like to have them within easy reach. Some sort of dictionary or thesaurus would also be great to keep here. The book you see in my photos is one that I got in one of my college courses, and I still use it constantly!
If you’re SO ready to make your own writing station, you can head over to Office Depot and save $5 off your purchase of $20 or more on select Newell Rubbermaid Brands (PaperMate, Expo Neon Window Markers, Sharpie, Uni-Ball & Mr. Sketch) – while supplies last.
Now, I know not everyone out there is a teacher … but this idea is really useful for moms, too! My oldest son has accumulated so many crayons/markers/pencils/etc. that it’s getting a little out of control! You name it he has it – including sticker books, dry-erase learning boards, and educational flash cards. I use a rolling cart in the playroom to hold all of his learning stuff. I’m loving it because he actually uses it all now. Before I think he would just get so overwhelmed with the mess of it all that he wouldn’t even bother with it.
Plus … it’s super fun to practice name writing with the Expo Neon Window Markers! ;-)
What do you find is the best way to encourage creativity in your children?
WEEKLY SAVINGS (August 24 – 30)
- Select PaperMate Flair 4-packs: $4.00
- Sharpie 12-count Asst Fine & Ultra Fine Asst: $6.00
- Sharpie Dozen Box Black Fine & Ultra Fine: $6.00
linking to these parties
Robin~AllThingsHeartandHome says
What a great idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing at Twirl and Take a Bow!
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama says
Love this idea!! So great! Thanks for sharing!
Sam says
Thanks Lindsay! It’s been so fun for us here at home!