Age group(s) for which this strategy is helpful:
Elementary School
Middle School

Instructions for using this strategy:
Keep all supplies in a homework box in a secure place (ours is on top of the refrigerator). Scissors, sharpened pencils, markers, rulers, pens, paper (all kinds), and maybe even a treat are in it, BUT cannot be used for anything but homework. That means if Dad needs a pair of scissors, or Mom needs a piece of paper, they have to find it elsewhere. Then, when homework time starts, everything is there and kids can't use missing supplies as an excuse to get off track. It only needs to be checked occasionally to renew supplies. My freshman in college still uses his homework box.