Yes, my kindergartener has homework. Or, rather, she will, a few more weeks into the school year. Last night at Back to School Night, one of her teachers recommended a fantastic way to keep it organized and safe from the grubby hands of younger siblings.

A plastic bin, with a lid, to be kept on top of the fridge.

That way, she said, it's up high, but still easy to get to. A few sharpened pencils, a box of crayons, colored markers, and a gluestick should live inside the bin with the homework and should never be taken out for any other purpose. Even if you are on the phone and desperately need a pencil to jot something down. Nuh-uh. Keep the supplies in the bin, she said, so that when it's time to begin homework you don't ever have to spend time looking for a sharp pencil or a red crayon.

Also, homework can be exciting and kind of fun, even, for a five year old who is interested in being a big kid. Putting it in a special place and bringing it down when it's "homework time!" (you can do a little song and dance, if you are inclined) helps to keep it exciting and fun. After all, you are setting the stage for your child's future attitude toward homework.