Working the Workboxes

The basis of the system is to have 12 workboxes for each student. Each box (or drawer, envelope, however you choose to organize) holds one activity that the child is to do that day.These boxes are stored on shelves or on a shoe rack. Since each box is numbered, the child knows what needs to be completed and in which order. For more detailed information, see Sue's book.

Many homeschoolers have tweeked this set-up using other containers as workboxes (see A Peek Into the School Room for examples).

-- Repurposed Cereal Boxes
-- Sterlite plastic drawer carts
-- Hanging file folders
-- Magazine holders
-- Wall Pockets
-- Notebooks



Besides seeing the workboxes, each child has a schedule strip. The schedule strip reinforces the workbox order, and also allows the teacher to place additional schedule cards for activities that won't fit in the boxes on the strip (ie. take a 15min. break, jump-rope for 10min.) The child matches the number on the schedule strip to the box and by the end of the day, all the tags should be removed from the schedule strip and all the boxes empty.

When you order the book you will have access to all the printables you need to get started. Sometimes though, you might need a specific type of card or just want something different. Here are a few free printables for the schedule cards and the number cards that I have come across while learning more about workboxes:

Circle Tags by Cassie -pictured right
Workbox Tags and Cards from Homeschool Creations
Workbox Schedule Extras from Homeschool Share
Worbox Tags by Robin
Schedule Cards by 1+1+1=1
Many different themed workbox cards by Sunflower Schoolhouse
Physical Activity Cards
Clock In and Out Cards by Angie

Looking around the web, many homeschoolers are sharing what this system looks like in their home. Some use the system as-is, and others have modified it to work with their family's specific needs.

Traditional Set-Up:
Cassie's set-up with Ikea shelving & Itso boxes

Maureen's (that's me) traditional set-up

Magazine Holders:
Tristan's set-up using magazine holders

Ruby Slippers School using file folders

The Reed Family using file folders

Sterlite Rolling Carts/Drawers:
Wayzley Academy's set-up using 3-drawer units

KGB That's Me's set-up using Sterlite rolling carts

Merry's set-up using tower drawers

Clothesline Musings' set-up using 10 -drawer rolling cart

Banker's Boxes/Milk Crates:

Classic Housewife using banker's boxes

RanDoM Happenings of Us also using banker's boxes

Mama Jenn: 1 box per student plus 9-12 bags for subjects included in the box

Other:

Fenced in Family using work pockets for small spaces

Work Pockets from Noggins and Nonsense

Jolanthe's 2010 post on a weekly set-up

Sheri from What's in the Box created a bound version of the workbox schedule

Confessions of a Homeschooler shares what is in her workboxes

Living Simply has a free download for creating an essay writing folder for the workboxes

Each box contains an assignment or activity that your child needs to complete during the day plus everything they need to complete that assignment. So yes, throw that pencil/eraser/crayon in there too so that there is never any excuses for not getting started. What I like is that I can easily see what type of work my child has to do for the day. If the day is a little heavy on written work, I might throw in a creative activity or game that goes along with a lesson.