Monthly Organization Project 4: "Preschool Papers"

Project Time:  10 minutes
Project Supplies: 1-inch 3 ring binder, sheet protectors, sticky back paper, computer, printer, scissors

My big girl began preschool last week.  Already, many little projects and precious pieces of "art" have come home (my favorite are actually the little notes).  We always display what comes home on the fridge.  When new work comes home, it replaces the old work on the fridge and stack of  precious work begins to develop.  What to do with these sweet little pieces has quickly become important as I don't want to throw some of the little things that come home.

While I was at Target yesterday, I noticed that all their school supplies are 50-75% off.  I found some nice 3-ring binders and thought they'd make the perfect Preschool Work organizer.  This 1-inch binder was only .98 cents!

I got some sticky back paper (mine are actually shipping labels that I use when I ship) and printed a fun little label to go on the front.  I used "Giddy Up" font and found a cute image of a schoolhouse.

I trimmed up the label and stuck it to the front of the binder.

Viola!  Now we have a place for all the work of a budding and excited preschooler.  Now, I won't keep everything, just the things that mean the most to us.  

I also plan to use this binder to put class pictures in and any other preschool-related items we want to save.  A year of preschool in 1 binder!

On a side note, I use plastic sheet protectors inside to keep all the work in.  That way you don't have to ruin a masterpiece by punching holes in the sides.

It's all about the process, not the product...

One of my good friends (and fellow teacher), just reminded me of something vital when it comes to working, playing or being creative with kids...

For kids (toddlers, babies and preschoolers), it is more about the process of doing something rather than the product or final outcome.  So many of us (myself included) are programmed to expect a lovely PRODUCT after we have played or done something creative with our children.  For kids, the process of mixing colors, smashing Play Doh, dotting hard with markers, placing stickers everywhere, tearing, folding, etc. is essential to learning and discovery.  Eventually, in time, they will enjoy creating their product after being able to explore without strict boundaries.  So, go ahead, let your little one scribble, tear, and experiment.  They will  gain so much more out of an unguided process rather than a strictly guided project with an expected product.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Lady in Pearls, for the fantastic reminder.  After reading your post, I am inspired again to let the reins free during our creative art time.  I fondly remember these philosophies from school but now that I am teaching my own children, it is good to be reminded of Best Practices.