Workbox System ~ Part II

If you have yet to read my initial post on how we’re implementing the Workbox System, I would encourage you to read that now and then come back.

I’ve received some great questions so far, so I’ve decided to dedicate a post to answering those at the end of this series. If you have any questions you would like answered, shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment.

Today, I want to give you a closer look into Lil’ Dub’s basket (my Kindergartner). I shared previously that after our combined schooling, I focus my attention on him. His first several folders that we work on together are his reading, math, God’s World newsletter and usually one other item pertaining to either reading or math.

After we finish the folders that include me, these are the type of items I place in his folders for him to work on independently.

1) File Folder Activities

I spent a couple of weeks this summer preparing lots and lots of file folder activities. Honestly, before this summer, I had never heard of such a thing. Sue Patrick mentioned them in her talk during The Heart of the Matter On-line Homeschool Conference. I googled “File Folder Activities” and a whole new world opened up before me.

There are so many places to find these activities on-line, some free and others for purchase. I found that some of the free sites were a little . . . cheesy. I just wasn’t impressed with the graphics. One site that caught my eye, that you join for free, was File Folder Fun. They have a growing selection for each grade. I purchased my activities at My File Folder Games. I have been very impressed with their folders and I can’t say enough good things about their customer service.

There are also many bloggers that share file fold activities they designed themselves ~ Spell Out Loud is one of them.

2) Listening Time

When I do my library run, I try to pick up a small selection of picture books with audio CDs.

3) Activity Bags

I purchased the two-volume set of Activities in a Bag and made up about 20 of the activities. I rotate them throughout the week ~ the activities cover all sorts of skills: numbers, letters, shapes, sorting, cutting, design, matching, etc.

4) Snack Time

He has his own snack bag that I put together the night before with a water bottle and two different snacks to choose from.

5) Computer Games

6) Coloring Pictures

I usually try to find coloring pictures that are related to something we’re learning about.

7) Book Basket Time

All the books I pick up from the library go into this basket. Some reinforce what we’re learning about in history, science, geography or art and others are just for fun. Book Basket Time gives allows him to look at the pictures and enjoy the books.

A Specific Book

During Book Basket Time, he doesn’t always look at the books I would like him to look at (imagine that!), so some days I take a specific book and place it into one of his folders.

9) Dry Erase Markers & a Small Board

He uses these to practice writing his numbers, letters and to have some fun doodle-time.

10) Puzzles

I put the pieces into a bag and place the bag and board into one of his folders.