Homeschool Workbox, Lapbook Organizing and Planning
We organize our homeschool days using the workbox system (usable with any curriculum). Since we started using this system we get twice as much done and my boys really look forward to school! I love it.
Scheduling what will go into your workboxes for the entire week is a huge time saver. It is more fulfilling than a spotless house and seeing the bottom of the laundry basket!
Click for larger image
The boxes include either:
- printed pages for that days lesson
- the actual book with pages marked with sticky notes
- A card referring to something to do (snack, lunch, computer time)
You print out the planner I use in Excel or PDF (with large boxes for writing in) below.
My plan is very flexible. We pray for direction every morning. I am ready to allow the Holy Spirit to take me in a completely different direction.
Here is our workbox area. I explain what each container holds below.
Organizing School Supplies
- Mom’s Crate Half the box is full of workbooks, the other half has file folders by subject (math, history, science, etc). I used this box years before workboxs became popular. I print most worksheets from TeacherFile Box
- 5 Day Workbox Crate -This crate holds everything to fill the workboxes for 5 days! It contains file folders are marked by day of the week (I’m hoping to work up to planning 20 days ahead). Once I fill out the planner, I slip the apporiate worksheets, workbooks, reading books, etc in the proper folder. Exception: If we use a workbook or reader daily it goes straight into the child’s workbox with a sticky note moved each day to assigned page.
Lapbook Supplies – Lapbooking and file folder games “print-outs” go in this expandable folder. This moves easily back and forth from my office to school room area. Inside the workbox the boys get a Lapbook tab indicating see mom.
- Teaching Supplies - Workbox tags, pencils, markers, scissors, tape, flash cards, sticky pads, Leapfrog games, etc are in this 12 drawer scrapbook organizer ( I tried to use for workboxes but did not work out). I converted it to teaching materials when we set up our workboxes. The drawers are labeled. It’s wonderful not having to stop to look for these items. On top are trays to hold completed school work.
- Pencil/Marker Caddy – I keep this pencil, scissor, marker caddy accessible on our school table at all time with several art books in a “Discovery Center” to encourage drawing and exploring (it works too, the boys are always busy creating).
- Art Supply Bin- Any art supplies that don’t fit in the drawers above go in large bin hanging on a nearby IKEA shelf (the phonics bin hold workboxes and flash cards, etc.)
- Workboxes - And the finally the material goes into the boys 12 drawer workboxes. There are no photos of me flopping down in front of the crates and workboxes filling drawers, but thats how I do it. I hope it helps you.
Download Free Workbox Printables (PDF)
- Workbox Blank Boxes
- Workbox Numbers
- Workbox Subject Tags 1
- Workbox Subject Tags 2
- Workbox Extra Weekend Tags
Click here to read all the Workbox Posts and the Workbox Directory (links to 50+ workbox users).
To view more details see Our Daily Routine
Share how you plan your homeschool day in the comments. Inquiring minds want to know!
Excellent organizational post! I’ve been revamping our workbox organization too and think I might implement several things highlighted here.
RT @heartofwisdom: New Workbox Post: 5 day plan! http://bit.ly/8hT3b5
RT: @heartofwisdom: New Homeschool Workbox Post: 5 day plan! http://bit.ly/8hT3b5 @SBMozer @luellabrste9 @farmmom4him @debbliz @hsmommaof4
I am so inspired! I have been reading about workboxes and still unsure how it will work for us, as it seems like we do everything together! But, as I have no organization whatsoever, and have been feeling very overwhelmed…I think this is Abba’s way of saying…”Here’s your answer!” I am even interested in some of the materials you are using as that is becoming an issue for me as well! Thank you for your time that encourages so many of us, I am sure!!!Blessings to you and your family!
This system looks interesting, but almost all of the curriculum I do with my 4th grader is dependent on me. I have to go over the math lesson, I dictate spelling words, I read a history book, etc. I wonder if this system would save time with my teaching style.
[...] their full potential. You will really enjoy this article from Robin at Heart of Wisdom on how she plans and organizes each week with workboxes. Don’t forget to check out her links at the bottom, she has included some [...]
Thanks for these wonderful ideas. Organization seems to be one of my biggest challenges.
I love your blog!
RT @heartofwisdom: Homeschool Workbox Organizing and Planning http://ow.ly/Uy5N
RT @heartofwisdom: Homeschool Workbox Organizing and Planning http://ow.ly/Uy5N
RT @heartofwisdom: Homeschool Workbox Organizing and Planning http://ow.ly/Uy5N
RT @heartofwisdom: Homeschool Workbox Organizing and Planning http://ow.ly/Uy5N
Thank you for the article on the Workboxes. Since my children are older and know where to find the books we are going to do the hanging file/box system, I found at one of the blogs you listed. My students range from 9-16 so just a bit of instruction in each file hopefully will be enough to spur them on.
Ber
Dear Robin,
you’re such a dear to post so much. It’s making it so much easier for me to get started with workboxes.
Love
Meer
Hi
I really like your planning. Check mine out at http://discovertheirgifts.blogspot.com/
Thanks
Monica
Workboxes have completely changed the way we homeschool. My independant child LOVES being more in charge of her school day. I LOVE that I don’t have to constantly answer the question, “Are we done yet?”; “How much more do we have?” It helps me, because I can focus on just one subject at a time, instead of trying to figure out everything all at once; and it helps her, because she can see what she’s done and what she needs to do! I love it! We both love it! The 12×12 drawers work best for us (I really dislike bending books and I have no room for a shoe rack).
Robin,
I was just curious if you prefer these plastic workboxes to the Trofoast boxes (I’ve seen where you’ve used both)? I’m in the process of setting up our workboxes and trying to decide between these 2 (which to purchase)…i like that they both contain 12 drawers, and wanted to ask which one you prefer. It seems like these plastic ones take up less space… Thanks! Kat
Robin,
Can you please tell me if these are the boxes you used? I’m trying to get mine ordered and set up and i just wanted to ask you before i make this big purchase…Are these the ones you use?
http://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-20938003-3-Drawer-Organizer-See-Through/dp/B002BA5F70/ref=pd_sim_hg_4
[...] Heart of Wisdom’s workbox system using plastic drawers on wheeled carts [...]
[...] Creations ~ Workfolders and Big Bins 1+1+1=1 ~ Tot Trays and Workboxes Heart of Wisdom ~ Sets of 3-Drawer Organizers The Homeschool Project ~ Stacking Office [...]
[...] are! And they coordinate with our bright red pockets, which of course is important. She also has a workbox weekly planner, though her’s is not the one we use. Robin also has a beautiful workbox directory to give you [...]