When I was researching homeschooling styles and methods last summer I kept reading about “workboxes.” There were lots of different variations of the workbox system, and we settled on one that worked for us. Basically, each subject (or task, you also include break boxes with a snack or “just for fun” activity) goes into a numbered drawer. We don’t have a very fancy system (yet), we just use the numbered boxes as an orderly way tackle school work.
At this point, Thing One is VERY systematic on his boxes. He goes in order, every day. And he gets upset if his tasks aren’t in the same boxes (for example, should I move math from box #3 he freaks out, not sure if this is good or bad). I have 10 numbers for Thing One, but we don’t always use all ten. Boxes that aren’t filled with school work I fill with: a file folder game to reenforce a skill, a “fun” workbook, and various games or “educational” manipulatives.
Thing Two, well, he is all over the place with his boxes, but that is fine for now. I fill the numbers to 6 with his activities (usually themed for this LOTW) the I would like him to complete for the day. In the other boxes I rotate with some of his favorite tot books, various matching activities, and some new things as well. He likes that he can just pull his drawer completely out and take it to were ever he likes to “work.”
So, that’s how we do workboxes. The 10 drawer carts are from Michaels (they aren’t too bad if you use the 40% off coupons). And I know that even if the boys outgrow this drawer system…I have -plenty- of crafty hobbies which can make use of these carts when the time comes! hahaha
Would you like some fun numbers for your boxes (or folders, or shelves, or bins)? Here ya go (click the pictures to download)! Enjoy – and drop me a note if you use them in your school, I’d love to link to your post for others to see!
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