I am looking at using the workbox system using hanging file folders. I am unable to purchase the book but have gotten much information about the workbox system on the web. I do have a question about the "Work with mom" label. How exactly would I use that and is there also a "Help" label? I try to get certain subjects done with them every day but sometimes can't get to it, then what do they do? Also, does anyone think this system puts to much dependence on the mom? I want to prepare them to be independent as they get older and ready for college.
You know I had to look up what the Shoebox sysytem was all about, I have never heard of that before. I came across this website , it might help with some of your questions. http://www.amothersjournal.com/2009/03/08/workbox-system/ I have a similar system but I use plastic tubs ( like the kind you wash dishes in when camping) and place all the work for the day in it ( along with a pencil box). I really like the idea of this system you mentioned! I might use some of the ideas I've seen on that website. I think that the "work with mom" things can be done either first thing in the morning or whenever it fits in with your time. I think ( from what I read) that the first couple of assignments are independent work anyway. My dd's do independent work in the AM and after lunch is when its together assignments that they need my help on ( History, Science) and the very end of the day is free time ( piano, reading or finish up reports, etc). If you are not able to help them out one day on stuff then make a file or box that has extra independent work in it for them to do or make a list of stuff they can do by themselves : read, crossword puzzles, music lesson, art projects etc. I don't think there is anymore added organization time needed to put this together either ( not anymore then if you need to put assignments together for the week anyway). Also...I don't understand what you meant by: do you think this system puts to much dependence on the mom? Could you clarify for me maybe? I might be able to understand that better if you did, Thanks.
I am using a workbox system with file folders this year. Works great for us, since we don't have a whole lot of room. I found it at a blog and then tweaked it to fit us. I bought the sterlight file box, clear with colored tops on it, then bought hangging file folders, one for each activity they do. I make an assignment sheet each week with the page numbers that need to be done that week, in each file they have the assignment sheet, worksheets for the week and their textbook (if it is not to big) the file folders are numbered so they do one, two, three and so on. My girls work indenpently and if they need help they ask for it. I do have to read and work one on one with my 3rd grader more than 7th.
I'm using a modified workbox system in hanging files this year, too. I don't do the "work with mom" cards. I just use the numbers (I made my own, I didn't do anything by the book) and help if they need it, and my boys at K and 2nd need at least some supervision and help on everything they do I think the workboxes are moving us toward more independance instead of more relying on Mom.
I modified mine with hanging files as well, then I giive ds a list of things to find in the hanging files for his work. For me it works great as he is 12 and independant learning in a lot of subjects, we have a few that we are working together. With the boxes if you have room for such, you would be checking them on a regular basis so it would be easy to keep up with what needs to be done, and they do them every day.. unless you have a "homework" box or a "Do tomorrow cause we ran out of time" box. (Grin)
