We LOVE Workboxes!

We have recently implemented the use of workboxes in our homeschool day.  It's a system designed by Sue Patrick, initially for her son with Autism.  She quickly realized that all students can benefit from such a visual, tangible system of work planning and so she began sharing it with the homeschool community at large.  I had personally never read her book explaining the system-just read about peoples'  different versions of it on various blogs. However, I recently got a copy of her book and learned it's about much more than just having a system of work holders.  She integrates learning centers and other activities to show you how to make independent learning fun and rewarding for your students. I HIGHLY(!!!) recommend reading this book!  As a result of me taking a couple hours to read her ideas, my children have had a very positive experience with their workboxes which they look forward to each day!  I kid you not; they are always anxious to see what their workbox has in-store for them that day.

All that being said, I did not do the physical boxes for the kids.  In fact, that's how I discovered RubySlippers school page.  I was looking for alternative ideas to house the workbox concept for small spaces and I found this link to her workbox design.  Not only did I shamelessly copy the concept, but I actually found the same containers she used.  Sadly, they weren't 4.99 in my town, but I was happy to find them on sale at Joann's for 6.99 instead of 12.99. I'll take 2! 

Here is what ours look like:

I simply went to google images and typed in 'free backgrounds' to find a background template I could use in my printshop program.  For my son I chose a Mario world background and for my daughter, Hello Kitty.  Then within my program I just typed a number in each square.  Some contact paper and velcro and Voila! We had appealing, stylish workboxes.  Thank you Ruby Slippers for your inspiration! :)

Each morning I set them on the kitchen counter near the table where I am doing preschool with my daughter. We use that time for the twins to do their independent workbooks and worksheets.  In the afternoon we do our group projects and reading aloud.  I keep the boxes out of their rooms for two main reasons: 1) I can keep a general idea of how focused each child is that day. 2)  It keeps them accountable to go in order and not be peeking ahead or skipping around.  I plan to add in my younger one's workbox this fall. Hers will not be file drawers. Instead I will be using a little cart with colored drawers that we already have on hand.  This will be something she can do after we've had our kindergarten time and the older two will be reading aloud or otherwise needing my attention.

I am so thankful for people like Sue Patrick and McMama over at RubySlippersSchool who take the time to share their good ideas with the rest of us School Marms!