I am often asked, “What are workboxes?” In a nutshell, “Workboxes are a structured system of presenting lessons to children that allows them the independence of self-directed learning with the bonus of clear visual stimuli that encourage self-motivation and allows the teaching parent to step more into a secondary role during the actual learning time.” (Source)
I started using Sue Patrick’s Workbox System 5 years ago with Noo, and we’ll continue to use it with Koko, Fifi and Pixie as it suits us to a tee and works well for us. Our workbox system has evolved over the years, from sorter trays to the drawers we still use for Koko today. The girls still use tot and preschool trays.
The workbox system was developed by Sue Patrick.
“
Specialized and Structured Teaching
Sue Patrick’s Workbox System
An effective teaching system to reduce your organizational time and increase your child’s self-control, independence and learning.
Specialized for: Autism, ADD ADHD, and
Large Home School Families
This system will complement your existing curriculum!
Sue Patrick’s Workbox System has two very important components.
The first component teaches you how to optimize the benefits of homeschooling. One of the reasons we home school is to provide the best teaching and learning environment for our children. She will show you how to present your child’s work with purpose and fun, and allow you to be more systematic with appropriate materials.
She will explain how to make your current curriculum and work “make sense” to your child. Often a child’s ability to succeed simply depends on having the material presented in smaller pieces that are especially tailored to him. Also, presenting his material throughout the day with variety and enhanced teaching “angles” will make sure he truly learns. While this is great for all children, she can address teaching low functioning children as well as gifted and distractible ones.
The second component is the physical structure of Sue Patrick’s Workbox System which will allow you to teach your child more effectively, and at the same time help you to better organize your school day. Children using this system stay more focused and are more successful in learning and completing their school work independently. With as little as one day’s work in restructuring your classroom, you will provide better organization for you and your child. It will then be easier to set up a school day of curriculum, variety and fun, while steering your child toward independence and greater focus.” Source
There are, literally, hundreds of ways you can implement the Workbox System in your homeschool. Visit my Workbox Pinterest Board below to see some of the different ways Workboxes can be used.
Resources:
All workbox posts on Monsters Ed
All Tot Tray posts on Monsters Ed
Sue Patrick’s Workbox System
Workboxes on 1+1+1=1. This is where I got our inspiration back in the day for Noo.
Preschool Work Trays
Tot Tray Ideas for Tot School from 1+1+1=1