The Original Homework Box, produced by the company MOMS Made Easy, was created to make life easier by keeping homework supplies in one convenient container. It is simply a storage solution for school-aged children, but I am sure it was also created with the needs of the parent in mind. As MOMS Made Easy founder and CEO Monica Taylor says on her website:

I too was an overwhelmed mom trying to keep up the facade of being Superwoman. That's why we talked to moms, listened to their concerns and created a line of products that actually make a difference in our daily hectic lives.

The Original Homework Box is a sturdy, recycled-plastic file box with a clear top and handle, and it closes with a latch. An organizer insert fits down into the top of the box to hold supplies. The box also comes with a ruler, a stapler, a glue stick, a pencil, a pencil sharpener, scissors and tape. It is tall enough to hold papers vertically and wide enough to contain quite a bit of homework. It will also hold hanging file folders. I received a "boy-style" homework box, so this one is orange with a design of blue racecars on the outside. However, the box is also available in a pink girl version.

I do like the idea of having all supplies housed and organized into one portable container, and I agree with the concept of teaching children to take responsibility for their things and their work. However, since we are homeschoolers, I would probably use the box as a daily work organizer rather than a homework station. I can see putting my son's daily papers and workbooks in there, and it would be perfect if he needs to move from one spot to another. And the bonus--he would have supplies handy as well.

Granted, it would be less expensive for a parent to simply purchase a plastic file box and similar supplies and let the child decorate it with markers or stickers. But my son thought the racecars were cool, and the little stapler, pencil sharpener, and other supplies that came in the box definitely held more appeal than a homemade version might. However, at $23.95, the price of The Original Homework Box might be the deciding factor for most one-income homeschooling families, especially when a similar type of box can be purchased and put together for less. I guess it is all about convenience and how much a parent is willing to pay for that convenience. But the idea IS a good one! 

Check out the Moms Made Easy website for more information on The Original Homework Box and other available products.