Homework can be a struggle if you are constantly running from one activity to another after school. Whether you are headed to afterschool sports activities, music lessons for a sibling, or errands, a portable homework station will give your children the tools they need to complete their schoolwork on the go.
On-the-go homework tote bags work best when they don’t have to be checked every day. Every weekend I clean out our car and homework bags and update them for the next week. I like to include a healthy snack and a water bottle to prevent after-school energy dips. (Non-perishable snacks work best if you leave your homework bag in your car during the week.)
Reduce homework stress and prepare ahead of time by creating a portable homework tote bag. Your children will always have the supplies they need, and you will be prepared when appointments or activities go longer than planned.
What to include in your homework tote bag:
- Pencils and erasers
- Plastic pencil sharpener
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Notebook paper
- Clipboard (include extra notebook paper clipped in)
- Water bottle
- Healthy snack: fruit, granola bars, nuts
- Headphones (These are great for children who are easily distracted.)
Organize your homework bag by placing loose objects in zip lock or pencil pouches. I like to organize pencils, erasers, and sharpeners in a separate pencil pouch. I place colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and other art supplies in their own small bag.
Additional activity ideas for your homework bag:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reducing children’s screen time. Encourage your children to find alternate activities if they finish their homework early. Include a fun activity book or reading book as an option! If you have younger children, include “homework” for them to complete in the form of colorful workbooks.
Some of my children’s favorite after school activity books are:
Skill Sharpeners: Geography
Skill Sharpeners: Critical Thinking
The Never-Bored Kid Books
At-Home Tutor: Reading and Language
Some additional non-media after school activities are:
- Write a story or funny cartoon and draw a picture.
- Write and solve your own word problems using the math strategies in your homework.
- Red pen challenge: write two sentences with grammar errors. Correct them with a red crayon or pencil.
- Choose three math facts to memorize. Write them down and memorize them. For example:
8+7=15
12-3=9
7×7=49 - Design a new invention and label the parts. What problem does the invention solve?
For more homework help, check out 10 tips to help your child with homework!
Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.