Workboxes

We have started The Workbox System.  Why oh why we didn't do this last fall?

The idea is that each child has a drawer, or tub, or bin, or folder, or magazine holder for each subject.  The child starts at the top or #1 and works through his drawers (or whatever you are using.)

Here's why this system rocks:

• The child knows when he is finished and how much is left.
• The child has everything he needs for each activity.  No more, "Hold on a second I'll get some glue.  Oh, you need scissors?  Hold on, let me get those too."  
• It is motivating.
• It is organized.
• It promotes independence.
• It is flexible.
• It is fun.
• I can organize the drawers so that one child is working independently, while I help the other and vice versa.  This helps so much!
• It's just awesome, okay!

For now, Mowgli (1st grade) has 6 drawers and Bud (Pre-K) has 4.  Eventually they will each have their own ten-drawer cart.  For now, they are sharing one.

Here's how this works:

Mowgli Drawer 1:
Math-U-See assignment.  If he needs manipulatives or his lesson DVD, they would be in the box ready for him. 

Mowgli Drawer 2:

Math Dice game to play and addition 0-12 flash cards.  Both of these are things he does with me. 

Mowgli Drawer 3:
Grammar and Spelling Assignments

Mowgli Drawer 4:

Music flash cards. 

Mowgli Drawer 5: 

Foam clock and copywork.  These are in the same drawer together because I didn't have enough drawers this day for everything.  The clock is to work with me.  I give him a time and he sets the clock to that time. 

 

Mowgli Drawer 6:
Journal and a writing prompt

Bud Drawer 1:
Flash cards

Bud Drawer 2:

Math worksheets

Bud Drawer 3:

Puzzle

Bud Drawer 4:
Lined handwriting paper and Alphabet Bingo to play with me.

  
















If you are interested in using The Workbox System, a simple Google search will return thousands of results.  You can get so many ideas for different ways to organize the system based on the layout of your home and storage situation.  This cart fits in a closet right off the kitchen/dining area, so it is quickly tucked away where it won't get played with.  (Or should I say, ruined?)

We do the workboxes in the morning, have lunch and then do reading, All About Spelling, Science and Art together in the afternoons.  Workboxes work perfectly for the subjects the boys do individually.

Stay tuned for another "What's in the Box" post.

Someday, that is.

--Sanz