Peter Walsh: Part 5

As a mom with young kids, I already find myself with piles of paper each day filled with pictures that they drew for me. I have to find a solution of how to keep some of the pictures and get rid of others. Peter Walsh offers his advice:


Set up schoolwork

1. Hang a large bulletin board in the child’s room and mark off one section with colored masking tape. Reserve this space for current assignment sheets, reading lists and other important school papers. A metal bulletin board with magnets is the easiest and safest option for younger children since tacks tend to get lost underfoot.
2. Buy a plastic file box or crate in a bright color, along with a set of colored file folders. Take time to teach the child how to choose which papers to keep and file. Start slowly, especially with young children: Choose two folder colors, perhaps one for homework papers and another for notices. Gradually increase the number and specificity of the folders.
3. Invest in an inexpensive label maker when your child grows able to manage more than a few file folders. Kids love gadgets and are more likely to maintain systems they’ve designed themselves.


Organize artwork

1. Combine storage with display. String a wire along one wall of the child’s room and use metal clips or wooden clothespins to create a personal art fair. Rotate pieces out as new ones come in.
2. Add two or three narrow shelves to a section of wall and prop artwork on them. Frame favorite pieces and attach others to foam board with double-sided tape so they’re rigid enough to stand up. Or mount acrylic clip frames or shadow boxes at the child’s eye level, raising them as the child grows.
3. Store favorite paintings and drawings in an artist’s portfolio, and slide under the bed or behind a door.
1. Outfit a bookcase with stackable, clear plastic boxes for all their creations. Labeling the visible ends of the boxes will help the system work. Use a photo or
2. drawing if your child is too young to read. Regularly cull the collection to make room for new pieces.
4. Place picnic baskets, either new or from the flea market, in a corner of the child’s room to hold art projects. The hinged lids make it easier to keep things tidy.

Tips

Encourage children to select pieces of artwork and write messages on them to use as greeting cards and wrapping paper.

Pick up a supply of unused pizza boxes. They’re the perfect size for a growing portfolio and stack under a bed easily. Mark the outside edge by year and by child.