Workbox Tweeks

We are still loving using our workbox system. I'm not such a stickler for doing the drawers in order anymore, but just that each one gets done. Now that they have the hang of things, we are getting much more done in less time. It's been a great addition.

Cody and I have spent the week talking about The Scarlet Letter. We have been using Inspiration software to do our character sketches which has been great fun. Well, fun for me anyway.

I'm enjoying teaching the classics with a technological twist. I like using technology to beef up our studies, while not diluting the message.

Planbook

OK, so I have a Mac but no software seems to do what I want it to do as far as completing a weekly schedule. Then, I found Planbook. This is a great program written for teachers. However, it is very intuitive and the drag and drop features are awesome. I made a file for each of my children and then could export, import common lessons.

Now, I keep a master notebook of our lesson plans for the year. I lay out everything for every course. But, I wanted an easy way to summarize the information and keep the Workbox flow. I gave each subject a time based upon the corresponding number on their box. This makes the schedule print out according to the drawer they are kept in.

I love this program, though I had a few glitches. Overall, it's seems to be a great program.

The link is: Planbook

Our Normal

We have always home educated and for us it is our normal. We love our time together learning and playing. Every day is an adventure and I feel blessed to see my children learn new concepts and discover new ideas. I love to see them propped upside down, right side up, or feet up reading a book.

This blog is our journey into the maturing of home education. As we enter the middle and high school years, I hope to share our discoveries, joys and struggles, along with great ideas of course. Thanks for coming along.

Wow-What A Difference

Well, we just started using our Workbox system today. I was a little hesitant as my dc's are a little older. But, I just have to say, "Workboxes, where have you been all my life?" The system is easy and visual!! Yes, visually I can see what everyone is working on and how they are progressing. With each child getting only three "help" cards, there has not been the popcorn attitude we usually deal with. With that, I mean every time they don't get something immediately, they jump over to my desk and ask, go back, next child comes over with questions, etc. for the entire day.

We had a late start because we went over all the "how-to" directions this morning. However, once we started they have been working great!! I believe this system is going to allow us to complete so much more than before and close some of the gaps I think we have. For instance, one ds seems to only be working on Math and Science when I observe his work. Miraculously, he can complete Literature which is his most difficult subject without me ever catching him working on that subject. Crazy how that happens, IYKWIM. This way, I can see that he is truly spending time in each and every subject.

So far, this is a dream. Well, maybe not a dream but better than normal. If you haven't given the Workbox system a try, you might want to. However, some of you probably have dc's that truly do everything listed whether you are watching them or not. LOL.

For the rest of us, Workboxes are the Bomb!!

Workboxes for the Mature Homeschoolers!

Well, after looking for a science notebook for 4 days, I know this is really going to help us in 2010. What am I talking about? Sue Patrick's Workbox System which is about the most talked about thing in home education right now. However, I was led to think this was for only those with really young children or those with special needs. After reading the e-book, I think it might be just what we need to tidy up our home education.

My reasons are:
*ability to work independently for substantial periods
*reduction of talking and distractions during school time
*my abiltiy to "see" what is accomplished each day
*the chance to use some of the great extras I have bought over the years but never been able to incorporate

So, here is where we started.


As you can see, each child has a desk and everything is just put in a drawer. Notebooks are kept in plastic totes that make bookcases. Problem - we are constantly looking for something and the notebooks fall out on the floor. Also, pages are not put up and we end up with lots of floating papers.

I began by buying a 7 drawer rolling cart for each child and a three drawer container to place on top. I also put a "reading basket" on each child's tower. It's not exactly like Sue's suggestion but I didn't have the room for the other design. Then I got together all my supplies.


That took some time but I found some circle designs I liked and got them together on the boxes. Next, I loaded each with material for the day. I also included a reading card and lunch card on their strips so they have a total of 12 items. An early picture of the workbox.



Then, a picture of things coming together.


Now the room is coming together and ready for some serious learning.

I even had a use for the tote bookcases we had left over!!

So, I can't wait until tomorrow to get it going with the workboxes and teach them how to use them.

Plus, each child gets three "Help" cards they can use throughout the day.

New Year - Same Goals as We Enter The High School Years?

So, we start a new decade. Our home education journey began in 1994 when C-Knight was born. We continued on this track with the the other three who followed shortly after. Altogether, we have three knights and one princess that are 5 1/2 years apart total. With the oldest in high school now, we really need to get on the ball. With that said, tomorrow I will see how far we are behind and where we need to end.

So, we are committed to the long haul. Our desire was initially to allow our children to learn in an environment that would allow them to bloom in their own way to be all Christ was purposing them to be for Him. Now, I feel we have accomplished some of this but not everything. In some ways I am encouraged, in others I really struggle.

Have my children learned to love learning? Probably not as much as I would like but we are not finished yet. We are committed to following this path to the end. Why? Because it is what we are meant to be and do. It's just our normal.

Beginning on Monday, we are going to intentionally set aside two hours each day for read alouds and independent reading. Whether my eager pupils realize it or not, their Mom is committed to their reading level. I am so inspired by stories like Ben Carson, coming through horrible circumstances by the power of a Mom and reading. I hope to duplicate that desire as reading is the true love of learning!