New resources

I’m a planner, or I try to be at least, and in saying so, I like to have lists and check lists for just about everything. With 3 children, I need to plan, or I’ll never get to everything. I think that’s probably why I love the workboxes so much.

I, once again, downloaded some lovely organisational lists and Tot School Assesment’s from Carissa’s 1+1+1=1 Tot School site.

Noo is almost finished with his Teach You Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and we will then start on his curriculum readers. I’m hoping we will get through one a week at least. I also downloaded some new readers from Hubbard’s Cupboard for Noo’s free reading time. I’m going to bind these into a nice book for him. I want to nurture Noo’s love for reading.

PhotobucketI’ve been very busy the last few days creating new types of learning tools for Noo. I came across the “Word Wich” and modified it a tiny bit into a downloadable file available here. I downloaded the template from abcteach.

Because Teach You Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons hasn’t touched on the use of capital letters yet, I’ve decided to create a game using lower case and capital letters. I downloaded a set of each from Kizclub. I’ve cut the lower case letters out and he needs to put the letters on the correct capital letter. This will help him learn the names of the capital letters a fun way. I’ll make a most of this activity as soon as we use it.

PhotobucketI’m in the process of finalising our craft box, so I put a list together and I’m happy to announce that I have 90 % of the supplies that we need. I’ll be going shopping for the balance of the craft supplies we need tomorrow.

Click on the image to download our Craft Box Check List.

The craft box list was typed out on paper from Graphic Garden

And somewhere between this, I’m arranging our wedding, which is going to be in just 15 days time. I’m finally going to marry the man of my dreams.

Our “Workboxes” and Storage

Thanks again to Carisa for posting about her workboxes. I’ve decided to use some of her idea’s to visually structure our days for Noo.

Our version of the workbox. I’ve decided to use sorter trays due to our lack of space and I feel this is going to work very well for us.
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One of the tray labels.
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Noo’s daily “time table” the numbers and pictures are suck on with velcro and will change as we add new subjects and activities for the day. The Help cards are for when Noo has independent work. He often asks me for help before he has tried it himself, this way he can only “cash in” 4 help requests per independent task. I’m hoping that this will teach him to try and solve the “problem” before asking for my assistance.
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I downloaded the labels from Carisa’s and Ami’s blogs.

I also re-organised our bookshelf and drawers. Note the one “Koko proofed” shelf. That shelf is full of reading books I don’t want Koko ruining.
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The labels on our drawers.
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Below is an explanation, from Ami’s Walking by the Way blog, which explains the basic reason and thought behind Workboxes.

Why Workboxes?

1. Independence ~ Your student learns to work independently. Not everything is done alone (about 1/3 of Elijah’s day is with me- and I love that!), but moving and working toward self-directed learning is something I really want to instill in my children.

2. Motivation-~Your student will be excited about some of the fun he sees waiting for him.

3. Routine~ The schedule strip creates a solid routine for your student to follow. However, it’s not too rigorous. If your day gets interrupted, you can stop and come back to the boxes as needed.

4. Creativity~ You can clearly see what your student will be doing each day and if you need to add some spice and variety to your school day.

5. Resourcefulness~ You will finally use some of those cool things you found at convention that just sit on the shelf because you don’t have time to get to them.

6. Accountability~ Twelve empty boxes in my face remind me that I need to do my job as teacher and get school ready for the next day. Twelve full boxes remind your student that he needs to do his job and work hard throughout the day.

7. Accomplishment~ Your student will take pride in a job well done when he completes the final box! You will also feel accomplished in your homeschooling.

8. Individual Education~ Isn’t this one of the reasons you are homeschooling? I love giving my kids a personal education! As you fill the boxes, you aren’t just trying to fill them up with school. You are filling them with one, unique, important student in mind.

9. Easy Transitions~ How many times have I lost my student trying to transition from one activity to the next? I’ve gone stark-raving-mad before trying to keep him on task as I gather math supplies for the lesson, sharpen a pencil, or who knows what. The boxes put an end to crazy transitions. You flow from one thing to the next because everything you need is right there in the box.

10. Time Saving~ This goes hand in hand with some of the other things I already listed, but you will be able to save time. Get more done in less time! Who can argue with that?