As Andrew approached sixth grade, I wanted to start increasing his independence by giving him responsibility for his schoolwork. Our new school day needed to be organized and incorporate some type of a visual concept so that he could immediately see what needed to be accomplished. In my search, I found the Homeschool Work Box System by Sue Patrick. I knew immediately it was a good fit for us.
We are entering our third year using Sue’s Homeschool Work Box System. The work boxes, or drawers, created the independence and responsibility that I wanted for the school year. However, I didn’t expect the effectiveness of this type of organization. I saw an immediate increase in the amount of school work that Andrew accomplished each week. Another aspect of the Work Box System is the adaptability.. My method is a bit different than Sue’s, but the outcome is the same.
What is the Work Box System?
Work boxes are an organization system. You can choose to use bins, stacks of drawers, shoe boxes, cubbies, manila envelopes, or other organizers. I chose to purchase this stack of drawers that I found on sale at JOANN Fabrics. While the drawers were meant for crafting, the sale price was good, and the 8 drawers were large enough for text books and supplies.
I created a method of movable, Velcro clip art, so that Andrew could visually look at the drawers and immediately tell which subjects he needed to accomplished before I arrived on scene. Each drawer is assigned a single subject, with the exception of spelling, which also contains cursive practice sheets. Andrew’s Big Life Journal and my record book sits on top. At any point during school hours, Andrew can look at the drawers and tell exactly how many subjects he has left for the day.
Our Homeschool Work Box System
I printed, laminated and cut-out clip art depicting each subject, and I found empowering Super Mom logos. I added Velcro stickies to the backs of each tag and four Velcro dots to each side of the drawers.
The Daily Assignment Strip allows me to write the day’s school work for each subject, with a dry erase marker. Every drawer gets a Daily Assignment Strip. You will notice that our week includes Saturday. If attitude gets in the way of finishing a subject, it is added to Saturday morning. In the beginning, we did school on Saturday a few times, but not so much anymore. The attitude stays in check because Andrew does not want to do school on the weekend. Actually, I don’t either!
Tags for the Work Box System
Click below to download printable tags for setting up your own Work Box System. Decide what type of organizer you will use, and then print the following sheets, laminate, cut out what you need, and you are in business! In addition to the Super Mom Tags, we have included Awards and Praise tags as well.
The Method
Andrew is an early riser. He likes to finish independent work before breakfast at 8:00 am. During this time, I will get ready for the day, throw in some laundry, sweep, or try to tackle anything that needs to be done.
When Andrew sees that there is a subject velcroed on the left, he knows that these drawers have independent assignments. Once he finishes the work, he moves Super Mom from the right side to the left side. This is a visual that the drawer is completed and I know it is ready to be corrected.
If there is a drawer that starts out with subject and Super Mom on the left, Andrew knows that this drawer has no independent work because I need to teach new material first. He skips this drawer and goes to the next.
When we have medical or therapy appointments, not all subjects will be part of the school day. When a subject is not part of the school day, the subject and Super Mom will stay on the right side of the drawer.
Planning Assignments
Every evening, I fill in the next day’s work on the Daily Assignment Strips, replace them in the respective drawers, and add in extra items, like glue sticks, flash cards, a game, or manipulatives that will be needed for the next day. You could fill out the entire week at one time, but I discovered that seeing so many assignments at one time was a stress trigger for Andrew.
Keeping Track of Work
In addition to the Work Box System, I use a teacher’s record book to organize daily attendance (a state requirement) and check off subjects completed. I make notes about illnesses, travel, field trips, and other accomplishments. I also check mark extracurricular activities, therapies, and have an area specifically for keeping track of co-op classes.
Overall the homeschool Work Box System is awesome and Andrew loves telling others about how our school day works. The new organization has increased productivity, and gives Andrew independence and responsibility. A win-win for both of us!
Here is just a few of our homeschooling articles:
To Homeschool or not to Homeschool
Extending Your Homeschool Day, without Teaching
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Homeschooling and the Socialization Issue
We love to hear from our readers so feel free to comment or question below. Let us know about your homeschool organization efforts!
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