Workboxes

Several weeks ago I told you here that I would let you know how we use our Workbox System. Again, I got the idea off of Confessions of a Homeschooler and other blogs. I loved the simplicity of them and how organized everything is.

This is our Workbox Center

I went to Mardel when they were having a teacher supply sale and got my drawers for 40% off. I really wanted a zebra striped one, but it only had 7 drawers and I wanted 10. Oh well! 

How we do it:

Every Sunday I get all my school stuff together and plan out our week. I have workbooks that I pull sheets out of to make up our curriculum. This Fall I will be using Five in a Row and Math U See. Anyway, I have an accordion folder that I put our daily work in, separated by days. This makes it easy for me when I need to get our workboxes ready for the day.

The night before {or right before we start} I will put Pinky's school work in the workboxes so they are ready for her when we are done with breakfast and ready for the day. As you can see in the picture above I have laminated numbers on the outside of the drawers {I got these from Confessions of a Homeschooler}. Each of the drawers has some sort of school work to do in them. I put all the supplies in them that she will need. For example below is what I put in each one.

1. Handwriting-worksheet, pencil, eraser and crayons for coloring a pic on the worksheet

2. Spelling

3. Snack

4. Life Skill card-telling time with Judy Clock, playing store, sorting money, computer...etc

5. Reading-books

6. Language Arts worksheet

7. Physical Activity card- do jumping jacks, run around the kitchen, dance and fall down, jump rope...etc

8. Math

9. Art- all supplies that will fit go in the drawer

10. Misc Activity card-blocks, books, cooking, Barbie's, game...etc

Pinky has to go through each box in order. When she's done with a box she will get the corresponding number card from our number sack and put it on the drawer so she knows what she has completed. There is not something in each of the drawers everyday, just whatever needs to be done for the day. This system has been a lifesaver for us. She is a very structured little girl, she likes to know what's coming up and this system gives her the consistency of knowing what the future holds for her that day. We have been able to cut off at least 30 minutes of our school time. I love it and it works great for our family. It's not for everyone, but if you are even the slightest bit OCD about organization...then this would work for you.

Let me know if you have any questions I would love to help if I can and if you have any suggestions for me...bring them on! Hopefully I didn't leave anything out.