Feb. 9, 2010 - Workboxing
I've been doing it without knowing what it was but with the actual system you actually do more than what I've done. Currently I'm using the expandable file folders, which is nice but doesn't hold much more than papers and with the workbox system I'd actually be putting all the supples that would be needed for that subject. To see more about workboxing, visit Sue Patrick's Workbox System. I have been told that tweaking is supposed to be a no-no but I am a tweaker - I tweak almost every curriculum I use, even math.
If I do workboxing for each child, right now I have three (that could change though Lord willing) I'd need 18 boxes for just the three I have now. We have people, one dog and soon to be guinea pig in 675 square feet, there is no way I can have 18 shoe boxes in my house, unless I wanted to get rid of the kitchen table, a couch or the stove LOL so I cleared off a shelf on my book case and will be investing in some magazine file organizer things which will be for my oldest. I'm hoping to get at least 6 on the shelf, so 6 less than the recommended 12 but that will give us a good idea if workboxing will work for us.
Why workboxing? Freedom. I am only half joking - workboxing will free up the time I spend with teaching Hannah so I can work with Bethanne and Christian. Right now, Hannah is pretty independent doing grammar, geography and cursive on her own and I do science, math and art with her. By using the workbox system I can put all the supplies and her art lesson in a box, she can pull out the art book read what needs read and do the art lesson. I'll still need to help with math but with science she can do the reading and her lapnoting on her own. This will save me time and while she is working on her I'll be working with Bethanne and Christian.
What about finished work? I'm no expert and I'm waiting on the Sue Patrick's Workbox System User Guide I ordered last week to arrive. From what I gather from other workboxer's blogs there is a schedule and when that box's contents are completed they remove the schedule thingy and move it to another area (okay I know that sounds confusing!) so they (and I) can see what has been done. Once all the work has completed I'll go through and do grading and put the next day's assignments in the 'boxes'.
As I learn more and as we get our system going I'll post pictures and updates. Hannah is very excited as am I. I think it will make school more fun and provide Hannah with a sense of accomplishment as she finishes each 'box' throughout the day.
Comments
Feb. 10, 2010 - Your comment on Bethany's blog
Posted by Anonymous
I saw your comment about when you were pregnant with GD. I wanted to clarify...are you saying that because you had GD when you conceived the doctors recommended you abort your baby?
Thanks,
Debra
windingtheskein@gmail.com
Feb. 10, 2010 - Yes
Posted by Sara @ Growing for Christ
Hi Debra,
I wanted to answer here as well in case others see your comment. It was highly suggested that I abort, my now 3 1/2 VERY healthy and lively son, since I was 4 weeks pregnant with early onset Gestational Diabetes. I've never gone back to that perinatologists office again.
Sarah
Feb. 13, 2010 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
sounds like you are on the right track-and tweakage is good. Honestly-I don't bother with grading at all in the elementary grades, and only some for Jr high. I just expect their best and what they get wrong, they can go over with me to fix or fix it on their own. I have a "dump box" for putting all the non-consumables in after they are done with a workbox and a "to be checked" box for the stuff I need to go thru. That way at the end of the day/week, I can go thru it...
Don't forget to visit Honey Brown's site-she has a ton of workbox goodies/ideas! You can get to her blog via the "I am on a workbox blog roll" button on my What's in the Box? blog. :0) Happy workboxing!
Sheri
