The Homeschool Basket System

Do you have schoolwork and books scattered everywhere? Is it difficult to get your homeschool up and running in the morning because you and your kids can’t find what you need to start your day?

This was us. As a homeschool mom dealing with chronic health problems ( specificallly migraines) this was very overwhelming and felt very defeating on migraine flare up day. I knew I needed to come up with a system that was very simple, very effective and very budget friendly. I landed on the basket system

The Problem

Now I’ve tried a lot of different ways to keep the kids’ schoolwork organized throughout the years

I’ve tried using a bookshelf near the kitchen table. This was great while it was organized. But everything from the kitchen table would get piled on every empty spot there was available. It never took long for this spot to become utter chaos.

So we moved on to a cart for each kid. You know the ones; every homeschooler on Instagram and YouTube had them and raved about them. This would be perfect, I thought. But again, chaos reigned.

Everything the kids had used would just get tossed back on the top shelf, making it precariously heavy on top and a little tippy. We also have a smaller house, so finding a place for 3 carts just didn’t happen.

Something really had to change. Schoolwork and books were scattered everywhere. Every time we turned around, someone couldn’t find their schoolwork.

The Solution

I decided to give large baskets a try. And low and behold, I found what worked for our family. The basket system. I’m going to break down how this very simple, very helpful system works in our homeschool, and hopefully it will help you if you’re struggling to find an efficient and very inexpensive way to keep all of the schoolwork together

The basket system

All you need is a large enough basket for each student’s schoolwork. That’s it. We use sturdy wicker-type baskets for holding books, pencils, notebooks, timers, fidget toys, extra bookmarks, etc.

I will be honest, my high schooler needs two baskets for all of his things, so don’t worry if you need another basket

Here are the 5 steps I use weekly to keep our basket system working effectively during each week.

1. Getting Started

Gather your basket and all of your student books and school work that needs to go in the basket. This is a great time to discard any work already done and no longer needed and to make sure they have plenty of pencils, notebook paper etc.

I like to place the books and workbooks in the order that my kids will be needing them during the week.

2. Keep it Clean and Tidy

This one is the biggest challenge for us because we aren’t naturally inclined to being super tidy.

But keeping these baskets organized is pretty easy and I ky needs to happen once a week or so.

On your last school day of the week (our is Thursday!) or on Sunday before you start a new week, have the kids go through their baskets and throw away any stray wrappers, extra papers, and whatever other garbage made it in there during the week.

3.Keep it Organized

Next, have them straighten up all of the books so they are in a neat row or pile in their basket.

Put all pens and pencils and eraser in a pencil case or pencil cup and put any fidget toys, timers, etc in a small case

4. Keep it stocked

This step helps keep the school day flowing a little smoother.

Have the kids check their pencils. Do they need sharpened? What about the pens? Have they dried out? If so, toss them and replace them. Do they need fresh erasers? More notebook paper, etc.

Have them restock anything they will need for the week ahead.

Put the Baskets Away

We have a dedicated shelf for our kids baskets. When they are all cleaned out, tidied up, and restocked they go back on the shelf, and you are ready for the new week.

Bonus Tips

Kid Friendly

Please don’t skip letting the kids have ownership of their own basket

It’s a great hands-on way to have them help out with running the homeschool, and they take pride in having their basket look nice (sometimes).

And if you’re in the middle of a chronic health flare-up and they are already familiar with taking care of their basket, they will be able to do it with minimal help from you.

Budget Friendly

Check thrift stores and garage sales for inexpensive but sturdy baskets. They are generally a fraction of the cost that you can find them at Walmart or Target.

So there is our very simple and effective basket system. I hope it helps your family stay on track this homeschool year.