zaichiki Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 other than workbooks or curriculum... What kinds of games or handcrafts? Any interesting notes or "break coupons?" I'm looking for as many ideas for variety as I can get. Thanks! Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 For my 7th grade daughter, I am incorporating a PE credit. (She is a dancer and dances at least 4 nights per week, so while I'm not worried about her level of activity, I want her to get exercise from other areas than dance). On her schedule strip, she will have one form of active exercise each day. One day will be stretches & conditioning exercises (stomach crunches, push ups, etc). One day will be running (outside or on our treadmill). Two days will be Wii Fit or a yoga dvd, etc. The other day will probably be a jump rope in her workbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Some days we did tea time during a read aloud and my K'er would have a workbox with a tea cup so he would set the table up for tea time. Handicrafts--any project anyone was currently working on or new ones I wanted to encourage: weaving, sewing, balsa wood projects. I also picked up some $1 crafts at the craft store. Cooking or baking Games--board games (educational or not) card games, games that the kids made Treasure hunts (to help with reading) Science center--learning about magnets, planting seeds, weighing things Art projects Draw write now books Audio books Puzzles Mazes and dot to dots Projects with magnetix or knex Challenge projects (mostly from http://www.kidswhothink.blogspot.com) Taking care of pets Timeline I'm glad I did this list. It reminds me of some of the fun stuff we did this year and that we actually did do something! I've been feeling sort of like we didn't do much,but this is good for me to remember. Woolybear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 For my 7th grade daughter, I am incorporating a PE credit. (She is a dancer and dances at least 4 nights per week, so while I'm not worried about her level of activity, I want her to get exercise from other areas than dance). On her schedule strip, she will have one form of active exercise each day. One day will be stretches & conditioning exercises (stomach crunches, push ups, etc). One day will be running (outside or on our treadmill). Two days will be Wii Fit or a yoga dvd, etc. The other day will probably be a jump rope in her workbox. Could you share more about your schedule strip? I've been considering the workbox idea for my rising 7th grader, but we don't do everything ever day, and I can't wrap my brain around the logistics. I'd really appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kls126s Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Well, I only learned about workboxes two days ago. Literally. (I know - head under a rock. Actually I've been busy. Homeschooling.) Anyway - I'm all fired up about this idea because it addresses several problems we have and I've been brainstorming about how I would implement it. I made up 12 categories and then listed ideas to put in each. Here's what I have (in no particular order - just how they appear on my color-coded spreadsheet :glare:) Music - piano practice theory flashcards tin whistle (we do CC) Bible - Explorer's Bible study lesson CC Bible memory work Latin - Song School page Song School cd flashcards CC memory work Reading - history, science books of my choice (books of her choice at bedtime) (include reading log and occasionally notebooking pgs) God's World News issues and study guides other kids magazine issues - - - - Include a snack card to eat while reading? Language Arts - grammar spelling WWE CC memory work PE - basically an outside play break bike riding scooters jump on mini tramp look for kids exercise DVDs for winter? Math - math assignment flashcards CC memory work math games (we have several math bingo, roll n add type games we enjoy) Art/Crafts - Art project kids craft kits coloring Dover books for history time period Drawing w Children practice Draw Write Now books http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/ Kids Who Think project Science/History - (alternating) read spine read other books notebooking Writing - pen pal correspondence GD handwriting pages WWE copywork thank you notes dance mat typing Science/History Projects - SOTW activity guide Science projects Dover coloring pages history pockets books outdoor hour challenge Home Ec - sewing knitting embroidery cooking making Cmas gifts make lunch for us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twogirlsmommy Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 I put in DVD's that I want DD to watch for school, computer time for her educational things, games to play (any type), baking, cooking, projects, etc. I try to do a few of the heavier subjects followed by something fun. We always end with a fun thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 (edited) Here are some of the fun stuff I'm putting in the boxes: Ker gets My First Brain Box - plays with brother 1st grader Geoboard Pictures for Little Kids Magnetic Pattern Blocks Nursery Rhymes (work with Mom) Masterpieces coloring book (I have her pick one, I copy it, she water color paints it) Different kinds of coloring books from Dover (butterflies, bugs, snakes & reptiles, wild cats, etc. etc.) I ask her to choose one, I copy it, she watercolor paints it A Buki Activity Book - Sea-Side Mazes Montessori Pink Material 1st grader gets Draw Write Now K'nex Spanish songs Math-U-See songs Montessori Blue Material (phonics practice) Scooby Doo workbook (it's the same as any other workbook, but for some reason he considers it his fun work - he he) piano practice (he just does what he wants, no formal teaching yet) 2nd grader gets The above 1st grade stuff + Star Wars coloring book 5th grader gets Some of the other things above + "Read a poem and paint a picture about it" Read some nursery rhymes with little sister Grammar songs Multiplication Tables songs Lyrical Life Science songs Mind Benders Beg. Book 2 Puzzles That's all I can think of right now for fun stuff. For academics we use the K12 curriculum, so I break it up into work boxable sessions, plus we also use Math-U-See worksheets, and Worksheets for the Al Abacus (Rightstart Math), and Explode the Code for the youngers. :D Edited July 7, 2009 by JenniferB adding more fun stuff I couldn't remember before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 I've been debating about whether I want to try workboxes. This thread has gotten me excited to seriously consider it. Subbing for the ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted July 7, 2009 Author Share Posted July 7, 2009 So many great ideas! You KNOW I have to borrow some of these... I've now added: Draw Write Now Tea Time (I like the idea of putting the tea cup in the workbox.) baking an educational DVD typing notebooking a music CD or other CD (mult tables or wee sing American history) I feel energized! Now... off to make a spreadsheet! Thanks! Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kls126s Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Interesting to see your list for your youngest. I'm generally in favor of just letting youngers run around and play instead of pushing academics, but I know my son is going to want to "do school" too. You have some good ideas and some things I'd not even heard of - A Buki, for instance. Thanks for sharing - Ker gets My First Brain Box - plays with brother 1st grader Geoboard Pictures for Little Kids Magnetic Pattern Blocks Nursery Rhymes (work with Mom) Masterpieces coloring book (I have her pick one, I copy it, she water color paints it) Different kinds of coloring books from Dover (butterflies, bugs, snakes & reptiles, wild cats, etc. etc.) I ask her to choose one, I copy it, she watercolor paints it A Buki Activity Book - Sea-Side Mazes Montessori Pink Material Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Interesting to see your list for your youngest. I'm generally in favor of just letting youngers run around and play instead of pushing academics, but I know my son is going to want to "do school" too. You have some good ideas and some things I'd not even heard of - A Buki, for instance. Thanks for sharing - She just does the boxes as she wishes - I don't have to push her at all. She is like your son, and she was constantly asking me to do school with her, and I had nothing available. Well, I had tons of stuff, but it was in cabinets, and on shelves, and in various places. Now, I have 12 activities she can do whenever she wants in tidy little boxes. It's a brilliant invention - thank you Sue Patrick! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 She just does the boxes as she wishes - I don't have to push her at all. She is like your son, and she was constantly asking me to do school with her, and I had nothing available. Well, I had tons of stuff, but it was in cabinets, and on shelves, and in various places. Now, I have 12 activities she can do whenever she wants in tidy little boxes. It's a brilliant invention - thank you Sue Patrick! :lol: I love this idea for my Kinder boy as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nlmullen Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 The Allowance Game is a great game for Math and The Body Game is a great game when learning about the human body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) I took the plunge! Today I went to IKEA and got the Trofast frame and 12 bins. My dd is 12, so I have to make sure nothing seems juvenille. At this point, I am planning on setting up the boxes for 4 weeks at a time, with some type of "Mission" or directions in each box. I have one box that I will rotate different things through on different days, but all in all, I will be able to fill most of the boxes for 4-6 weeks! I will not have her empty the bins, but will have her do the task, and return the box to the frame with the materials inside. I think I will have 2 mini-envelopes on each box: maybe 1 red and 1 green. When she is done with a task/bin, she can return it to the frame and move the marker from the red envelope over to the green. THat way, we can both see where she is at a glance, and I don't have to refill boxes every day. Somehow, I want to incorporage a rock n' roll theme as I make the place markers and envelopes. I don't have all the details figured out yet, but hey, I will get there! Also, rather than calling it "workboxes," I will call it her "office." Just sounds more grown up. I am numbering my boxes right now! I am so excited about this idea - my dd is adhd, and I think this will be great for her. My husband informed me this morning that I am obessessed with workboxes. :hurray: Edited July 8, 2009 by Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christielee7278 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 my dd is adhd, and I think this will be great for her. My husband informed me this morning that I am obessessed with workboxes. :hurray: My son has adhd too. I think workboxes will be SO helpful!! My husband thinks the same about me too! lol :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I took the plunge! Today I went to IKEA and got the Trofast frame and 12 bins. This is what I was thinking of getting. What size frame and bins did you get? I'm trying to decide. I need 12 bins for my oldest ds, and about 6 for my K'er. I figured maybe getting one or two middle or large size bin for slightly bulkier items for things such as games or puzzles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I put all kinds of things in. Other than assignments... we've done card games, board games, field trips, chores (lol)... Today he had a note card in one of the boxes instructing him to try a software demo. Everything that I want him to get done for the day goes in the boxes. It is amazing that it all gets done. A df and I joke around saying we really should set up boxes for ourselves... you know, to get things done that we need to everyday. We would put stuff in our boxes like; box 1: sewing, box 2: bake cookies for charity, box 3: spa treatment... lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybear Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 :iagree: That's funny. I bet it would help me too. I had been thinking of putting some of the kid's meals in workboxes in the refrigerator! That way they just go and grab a breakfast box or a snack box. Haven't gotten around to it though. We are too busy *not* doing workboxes.;) Woolybear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 This is what I was thinking of getting. What size frame and bins did you get? I'm trying to decide. I need 12 bins for my oldest ds, and about 6 for my K'er. I figured maybe getting one or two middle or large size bin for slightly bulkier items for things such as games or puzzles. I got the white 3-tiered design and 12 (small 4") bins. I went with the apple green bins and they look so cheery with the crisp white frame! Oops, I am digressing. I also got an extra green bin and one double size white bin in case I need it for some box in the future. The double bin fits nicely ON TOP of the unit too - I have it on top of the single "cube" of the frame, and it is storing my teacher's manuals and manilla envelopes filled with ideas to rotate into the workboxes for fun. I think it is a good idea to get a couple extra boxes in different sizes - they can always be used as book baskets and whatnot. I love that all my books and workbooks lay flat!!! There is plenty of room in the 4" bins for a jr higher, and I even think that they would hold most activities for a younger child. They are larger than they look. The frame fits under my desk (perpendicular, or L-shaped to the desk), so only the top tier really sticks out. I love that I lost no work or floor space. If you look at the measurements at the IKEA site, it really helps to choose something that will work. As an aside, it is a good idea to add your your IKEA bins and frames to the "Shopping List" and then print it out and bring it, :auto: because the white frame I wanted wasn't in the showroom at all. You almost need to know what you want before you get there, as there were several confused moms looking at "Trofast" while I was there.:confused::tongue_smilie: I got this all set up and filled yesterday, an although it was a lot of work, organization always SAVES time in the end! THe element of surprise is a great feature to this system, and I am gathering all kinds of fun things that have been laying around my house to rotate in to surprise her! Since my daughter is older, I will set up most of the boxes for six weeks at a time, keeping a couple boxes as "wild cards" to surprise and rotate. It will also be fun for her to occasionally open her math box to find a "Free Pass - No Math Today!" card. Just sitting her, I brainstormed a few thoughts for more boxes: a "Joke for the Day" "Noteworthy News" and "On this Day in History." I am so obsessed and am having so much fun! :D Just a few random thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 :iagree: That's funny. I bet it would help me too. I had been thinking of putting some of the kid's meals in workboxes in the refrigerator! That way they just go and grab a breakfast box or a snack box. Haven't gotten around to it though. We are too busy *not* doing workboxes.;) Woolybear This is a FABULOUS idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I got the white 3-tiered design and 12 (small 4") bins. I went with the apple green bins and they look so cheery with the crisp white frame! Oops, I am digressing. I also got an extra green bin and one double size white bin in case I need it for some box in the future. The double bin fits nicely ON TOP of the unit too - I have it on top of the single "cube" of the frame, and it is storing my teacher's manuals and manilla envelopes filled with ideas to rotate into the workboxes for fun. I think it is a good idea to get a couple extra boxes in different sizes - they can always be used as book baskets and whatnot. I love that all my books and workbooks lay flat!!! There is plenty of room in the 4" bins for a jr higher, and I even think that they would hold most activities for a younger child. They are larger than they look. The frame fits under my desk (perpendicular, or L-shaped to the desk), so only the top tier really sticks out. I love that I lost no work or floor space. If you look at the measurements at the IKEA site, it really helps to choose something that will work. As an aside, it is a good idea to add your your IKEA bins and frames to the "Shopping List" and then print it out and bring it, :auto: because the white frame I wanted wasn't in the showroom at all. You almost need to know what you want before you get there, as there were several confused moms looking at "Trofast" while I was there.:confused::tongue_smilie: I got this all set up and filled yesterday, an although it was a lot of work, organization always SAVES time in the end! THe element of surprise is a great feature to this system, and I am gathering all kinds of fun things that have been laying around my house to rotate in to surprise her! Since my daughter is older, I will set up most of the boxes for six weeks at a time, keeping a couple boxes as "wild cards" to surprise and rotate. It will also be fun for her to occasionally open her math box to find a "Free Pass - No Math Today!" card. Just sitting her, I brainstormed a few thoughts for more boxes: a "Joke for the Day" "Noteworthy News" and "On this Day in History." I am so obsessed and am having so much fun! :D Just a few random thoughts. Tami, did you explain how you get 6 weeks set up at a time? I would really like to know how to do this, especially for my oldest? How does the system work? Does she put the work back into the boxes? I would love to see pics too! Those green bins, and that white tier shelf look really sharp. I'll bet it looks wonderful all put together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm late on the workbox conversations, but I found some awesome containers today at the dollar tree. They are kind of like a soft, flexible crate (but still plastic) and big enough for papers & books where they won't have to be bent, etc. I picked up 9 and plan to just set them on a bookshelf I already have. I asked my son about the concept and he liked the idea a lot, so I'm gonna give it a try. Watching these conversations to see how everyone else uses them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We'll, I won't see how it actually works until fall. ;) But yes, she will put the materials back in the box and return it to it's place unless there is a quiz or test. She self-corrects daily work while I proctor and grade quizzes and tests (contained in CLE Math/Language). For science, literature and history boxes, I will have a six-week checklist/course contract that is similar to the one used in "Home-Designed High School." Other subjects will simply have an index card with directions or even a sticky note on the book. She will take out the entire box, read any directions, do the task, and then return all materials to their original placed. Here are the boxes I have: 1 - History Reading (course contract with check-off boxes) 2 - Memory (small 3-ring binder with sections for Science Vocab, Bible Truths and Poetry) 3 - Devotional Reading (index card with M/W and T/TH directions) 4 - CLE Math (no directions needed - done daily) 5 - Music or Poetry (course contract with M/W and T/TH directions) 6 - Rotating Subjects - Art History, Science Biographies, Logic, Nature Study (directions to choose from one of the options each day: Art in Ancient Egypt, Fallacy Detective, The World of Chemistry, Eyewitness Life) 7 - Science (course contract with M/W and T/TH directions) 8 - SURPRISE ME! - a variety of fun and goofy things, different each day 9 - Language Arts - (index card with M/W and T/TH directions) 10 - Diana Waring's Ancient Civilizations and the Bible (course contract with check-off boxes) 11 - Literature (course contract with check-off boxes) 12 - SURPRISE ME! - something different each day: dance dvd, cooking project, game, noteworthy news item, craft kit, some type of treat, phy-ed ball skills, etc My dd is 12 and has worked pretty independently for a year or so. She is excited about the SURPRISE ME! boxes and her "office." Very grown up, don't you think? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 2 - Memory (small 3-ring binder with sections for Science Vocab, Bible Truths and Poetry) I love this box idea. I've been wondering how to incorporate Memory. I was thinking of buying "Living Memory", and making a little binder would be a good way to collect memorizations, or maybe even a little binder of index cards, or a little index card file box. I like all your ideas, and I hope to see pictures when you're all done setting up. I do think it's all very grown up. My kids think so too, when they check in for school, and do their boxes, and fill up their number schedule...Can you tell, I'm obsessed too? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in SEVA Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Kjeld...in CA Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Thanks to all of you for posting your ideas. A friend just mentioned Workboxes to me and I'm trying to figure out how they would work in our home. These ideas are fabulous! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 (edited) Yes, even Kitty loves them! :D I have a page in some of the drawers with a schedule, requirements, and/or directions to follow. I am psyched! Here's a pic of my "Rotating Studies" box - choose one per day. Edited July 10, 2009 by Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 Tami, Your set up is beautiful!! I love those wide bins. They seem the perfect size for most books. :D I can see why you're psyched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 Yes, thanks for the pics. I want to get the Trofast frames and bins as well. Your pics helped me explain to DH what I want to set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.Balaban Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 I would love to set-up workboxes when my kids are older. But I have no room for things like that in my current apartment. What other set-ups are available for a workbox-type system?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adventumacademy Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 I have seen tons of variations on Sue Patrick's original set up for workboxes. I have seen people use magazine boxes, binders, folders etc. If you google you will find tons of blogs with pics of how they have tweaked the system to work for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 How do you deal with subjects that they need your help on or that you need to teach with multiple children? The whole point of the workboxes is to create independence as I understand it but there are several lessons that we do together - geography, science, LA, etc. How do you organize it so that you are available and can work with more then one student at a time? I think my kids would love the idea of a workbox but I would still need some predictability on when we are all working together. Workboxes in the AM and other subjects in the PM? How do you factor this in? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deee Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 The original workbox idea has some boxes marked with a "Work with Mum" tag, so you could make and attach some of these, or you could make some "group work" or "all together" tags. The other option is to have a set of "together" boxes in a seperate stack and then refer to these on the schedule strip. If any of this seems unclear, I highly recommend reading Sue Patrick's workboxes ebook. Its well worth buying. She designed her system for her son, who has Autism. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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