I have used this system for over 25 years and I can tell it was a happy day when I found it. We travel quite a bit, so I have found smaller bins for travel days. I also keep a "school bin" in the van with basic school needs, a camera, plaster, binoculars and a wild life and flora book and maps in it. So no matter we go it can be a learning experience.(also in the bin, paper and chalk for rubbings, zip-loc bags,a ruler, water and snacks)
We use the workbox system and LOVE it! I actually got the idea from someone online to use a metal laundry cart from Target. It holds 10 plastic shoebox bins... they fit a lot in them! Just another way to organize.
Love this idea! So glad I found you! My baby is only 5 months old but we are planning on homeschooling with 2 - 4 kids and I have already started working on my home school room.
Thanks so much for sharing! Getting ready to start our 3rd year of homeschooling and I can't believe I'm just now stumbling on to this method of organization. I really look forward to implementing this system this year!
Yay. Searched for homeschool rooms on google images to find some inspiration. I found pictures of your homeschool room and for the first time I read about the workbox system. Now I have found you on here. So glad!
I know this is an older video but I had to comment to say that I love the idea of tucking a snack into the workboxes! One of my kids would get a kick out of finding jokes mixed in her work as well.
This is brilliant! I will be homeschooling my son this fall for preschool and I was looking at this same item and I was like wow how organized but what could i do other than cram a bunch of supplies in to it. So I found your video and lets just say I for sure with be buying one. I also love how you incorporate your religion within your lesson plan daily. Much respect bc we are a Muslim family and find it difficult to find really good religious base homeschooling videos. SO THANK YOU, we are Subscribing FOR SURE!
Love this! I actually found this video from your blog when I was googling what a 4th grader needed to know. I have home schooled for about 15 years but the last 2 years I have also worked and we got away from being so organized. This would help so much. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Erica, for sharing your organizational tools! This has been encouraging and very helpful as this is our first year homeschooling and I find myself wanting to learn how to make it easier on everyone to know what they are doing when and not always having to rely on me. Cultivating independence sounds awesome! I have two kids and so juggling different grade levels was a bit stressful at first. This video has made me feel like I can come up for air!
I just knew that I could find information on workbox systems for my littles from you. I am convinced that this will be on my homeschool budget for next year so that we can keep better organized. Thanks for the information!
Im thanking my lucky stars that I found you on here! lol ! I am in my 2nd year of homeschooling my three kids (5th grade, 4th grade 2nd grade). To be honest we are still figuring it all out but I will say this year has been ALOT smoother then last year. I plan to use a ton of your idea. thanks so much !!!
Sam's has the drawers for $25. We bought two for our girls, and they work great. No issues with them falling through, and they are against a wall, so they are plenty sturdy for us. :)
I prefer the MUS teaching style for explaining the different math skills. I think it works well for kids who are hands on, but really everyone because seeing, touching, and doing all help things stick and make more sense. It also really drills one skill before moving onto the next so for example moving from multiplication to division is SUPER easy because they already memorized all of their multiplication facts. So dividing is like no big deal. They also review all skills learned as well.
We purchased the colorful roller drawer at our local Sam's club. Thanks for the advice. We're still getting the hang of it. It's also a cute and colorful addition to our l/r. :)
So glad you are enjoying my site! Feel free to email me if you have any questions, but yes it does get easier each year I've found :o) Just need to get into the groove :o)
Thanks, Erica! I am going to try a work box approach using Carson-Dellosa library pocket charts. They have 12 large pockets with a mini pocket on the front for a label.
I am in the process of doing videos for our literature unit lapbooks, but you can also find them on my blog, just click on the "Literature Units" link at the top of my slideshow.
No we use only the white drawers right now. The other ones were used last year, and I just added them into the video for review purposes. I get a lot of questions on them. I actually prefer the 10 drawer carts like I said because there is more space to add items!
Thank you for your help! I just started workboxes myself! Have you heard of anyone doing a workbox for chores with a chore learning binder? I'd like to try this. It will help me to teach the kids how to help around the house. I also noticed that you did not have a specific box for science journaling and instead doubled up on lap books. But I know that lap books can have a lot of science!
***** I used to put chores in our workboxes, but it got confusing, and the cards were getting overlooked since they were smaller. I do have a kids chore chart that we use, you can see it here: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/01/chore-chart-cards.html
What are in the white binders in the shelf behind you? There's a lot of them! Also, thank you for putting out such great content for us newbies. It has just been so so helpful.
I love your setup! Great ideas too! I've literally only been homeschooling for a week, this video is very helpful. Thank you. I was wondering where did you get the small plastic box for the Math U See manipulatives?
Hi Erica, I love your classroom. I have 15yr and 11 yr. grade 10 and 6. and most of their classes esp year 10 are online. and sometimes they do their work and email it to the teacher. How can I keep up with their work efficiently so there wont be any work left behind? Can you help please? Oh we are in Australia by the way. Thanks!!
What phonics/spelling do you use for her? Does she use All About Spelling? If so, what level? Also, what level of MUS is she on? Ty. Sorry for so many questions.
Hello, i had a question about your daily learning notebook. I did not see a link for them on your post (i could have missed it) what do you put in it? I have 3 children i would like to try it with. the other one is too old and the other is 2 little. but i think it would be perfect for the middle 3. i just don't know what all i would put in it. let me know if there is a link or what you think would work best in it.
I have a ton of workbox ideas on my blog here: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/?s=workboxes The original creator of the idea used shoe boxes, you can see her site here: www.workboxsystem.com/
I just purchased moveable divider bead boxes from Michael's, you can get them at Walmart as well. The little dividers more around so you can make the slots the right size for the blocks. I am using Spelling U See this year, so far I like it, but I can't say if it's "working" as far as improving spelling skills yet. We'll see at test time ;o)
I'm using both Math U See and Spelling You See for my kindergartener and he loves both! He is doing well with the program and he has receptive language delays. He looks forward to spelling and math every day though he loves all of his subjects. The math is so awesome. I bought a multilevel container with little compartments for my math manipulatives from Micheal's for less than $10.
hi what are you up to at the minnit are you doing homeschooling I am homeschooling as well and I do it when I get home from my propper school I go to 2 diferent schoolse eccolefeald school and homeschooing that is were my mama helps my sister and when my mama is not in the school room and I am I will help her if she need eney help of some one and we are on the same subject at the same time like today I have to do my kath and english and handrighting and pe today and then I will text you when I wach youre vidows againe ok see you soon
Great video , If anyone else has beenlooking for how to homeschool it's worth trying - Banfan Homeschooling Genie (do a google search)? Ive heard some pretty good things about it from my buddy - just check it out - perfect!
I have used this system for over 25 years and I can tell it was a happy day when I found it. We travel quite a bit, so I have found smaller bins for travel days. I also keep a "school bin" in the van with basic school needs, a camera, plaster, binoculars and a wild life and flora book and maps in it. So no matter we go it can be a learning experience.(also in the bin, paper and chalk for rubbings, zip-loc bags,a ruler, water and snacks)
We use the workbox system and LOVE it! I actually got the idea from someone online to use a metal laundry cart from Target. It holds 10 plastic shoebox bins... they fit a lot in them! Just another way to organize.
Love this idea! So glad I found you! My baby is only 5 months old but we are planning on homeschooling with 2 - 4 kids and I have already started working on my home school room.
As a teacher Ive seen classrooms in schools that are not this organised. So many tips and ideas one can use for a school classroom :)
Thanks so much for sharing! Getting ready to start our 3rd year of homeschooling and I can't believe I'm just now stumbling on to this method of organization. I really look forward to implementing this system this year!
Yay. Searched for homeschool rooms on google images to find some inspiration. I found pictures of your homeschool room and for the first time I read about the workbox system. Now I have found you on here. So glad!
I know this is an older video but I had to comment to say that I love the idea of tucking a snack into the workboxes! One of my kids would get a kick out of finding jokes mixed in her work as well.
This is brilliant! I will be homeschooling my son this fall for preschool and I was looking at this same item and I was like wow how organized but what could i do other than cram a bunch of supplies in to it. So I found your video and lets just say I for sure with be buying one. I also love how you incorporate your religion within your lesson plan daily. Much respect bc we are a Muslim family and find it difficult to find really good religious base homeschooling videos. SO THANK YOU, we are Subscribing FOR SURE!
Love this! I actually found this video from your blog when I was googling what a 4th grader needed to know. I have home schooled for about 15 years but the last 2 years I have also worked and we got away from being so organized. This would help so much. Thanks!
We've contemplated work boxes after a few moves. I enjoyed watching your video and how this system works for your family.
Thank you so much, Erica, for sharing your organizational tools! This has been encouraging and very helpful as this is our first year homeschooling and I find myself wanting to learn how to make it easier on everyone to know what they are doing when and not always having to rely on me. Cultivating independence sounds awesome! I have two kids and so juggling different grade levels was a bit stressful at first. This video has made me feel like I can come up for air!
I just knew that I could find information on workbox systems for my littles from you. I am convinced that this will be on my homeschool budget for next year so that we can keep better organized. Thanks for the information!
Im thanking my lucky stars that I found you on here! lol ! I am in my 2nd year of homeschooling my three kids (5th grade, 4th grade 2nd grade). To be honest we are still figuring it all out but I will say this year has been ALOT smoother then last year. I plan to use a ton of your idea. thanks so much !!!
I love this idea. I bought the IKEA trofast system for my boys toys and it will transition nicely to homeschooling. Thank you for this video.
Sam's has the drawers for $25. We bought two for our girls, and they work great. No issues with them falling through, and they are against a wall, so they are plenty sturdy for us. :)
I prefer the MUS teaching style for explaining the different math skills. I think it works well for kids who are hands on, but really everyone because seeing, touching, and doing all help things stick and make more sense. It also really drills one skill before moving onto the next so for example moving from multiplication to division is SUPER easy because they already memorized all of their multiplication facts. So dividing is like no big deal. They also review all skills learned as well.
We purchased the colorful roller drawer at our local Sam's club. Thanks for the advice. We're still getting the hang of it. It's also a cute and colorful addition to our l/r. :)
So glad you are enjoying my site! Feel free to email me if you have any questions, but yes it does get easier each year I've found :o) Just need to get into the groove :o)
Thanks, Erica! I am going to try a work box approach using Carson-Dellosa library pocket charts. They have 12 large pockets with a mini pocket on the front for a label.
for the 10 drawer, you can also tighten the screws and some times it makes them a bit stronger
FYI: I saw workboxes at Big Lots for $29.99. :) the ones I saw were girly colors (pinks and purples). Thank you for this information!
Can’t wait to use your morning calendar with my little one!
I am in the process of doing videos for our literature unit lapbooks, but you can also find them on my blog, just click on the "Literature Units" link at the top of my slideshow.
Nevermind!! HA! You answered the question! Guess I should have just waited! ;) Thanks for posting!
No we use only the white drawers right now. The other ones were used last year, and I just added them into the video for review purposes. I get a lot of questions on them. I actually prefer the 10 drawer carts like I said because there is more space to add items!
Yes, everyone but the Teeny Tot does the Elementary level one.
I love this! I'm going to use it from now on!
Just found your channel......love it!!!!
Thank you for your help! I just started workboxes myself! Have you heard of anyone doing a workbox for chores with a chore learning binder? I'd like to try this. It will help me to teach the kids how to help around the house.
I also noticed that you did not have a specific box for science journaling and instead doubled up on lap books. But I know that lap books can have a lot of science!
***** I used to put chores in our workboxes, but it got confusing, and the cards were getting overlooked since they were smaller. I do have a kids chore chart that we use, you can see it here: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/01/chore-chart-cards.html
Thank you! Great ideas!
What are in the white binders in the shelf behind you? There's a lot of them! Also, thank you for putting out such great content for us newbies. It has just been so so helpful.
They're just regular 1" binders that had my Letter of the Week A-Z activities in them :)
I love your setup! Great ideas too! I've literally only been homeschooling for a week, this video is very helpful. Thank you. I was wondering where did you get the small plastic box for the Math U See manipulatives?
Hi Erica! This was really informative! I have limited space in my homeschool room. Trying to figure out a way to scale this idea down.. :)
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
So do your kids do all the work in both their cart and in their white drawers? I see that the white drawers also have books and whatnot.
Great video! My son would love those car labels. Do you have a printable for them?
Hi Erica, I love your classroom. I have 15yr and 11 yr. grade 10 and 6. and most of their classes esp year 10 are online. and sometimes they do their work and email it to the teacher. How can I keep up with their work efficiently so there wont be any work left behind? Can you help please? Oh we are in Australia by the way. Thanks!!
She just turned 7 last week.
How old is Tinkerbell? My daughter is 7. Only have one, for now and one on the way.
NO haha! All of my children have blog nicknames so I don't use their real names online. :o)
I have the same top! Got it at walmart for $7
Do you mind if I ask what you use for Language Arts? I'm looking for input for next year for my 2nd and 4th graders.
What phonics/spelling do you use for her? Does she use All About Spelling? If so, what level? Also, what level of MUS is she on? Ty. Sorry for so many questions.
Does your child is named strawberry shortcake??
Can you make a video about their lapbook?
ty :) Does she do they elementary learning notebook. We printed it off and started on it yesterday. ty!
Hello, i had a question about your daily learning notebook. I did not see a link for them on your post (i could have missed it) what do you put in it? I have 3 children i would like to try it with. the other one is too old and the other is 2 little. but i think it would be perfect for the middle 3. i just don't know what all i would put in it. let me know if there is a link or what you think would work best in it.
Thanks for ideas
I've been subscribed to your channel for over 8 years. I just noticed... RUclips had unsubscribed me.
Oh no! I'm glad you noticed!
can you do a video on you daily learning notebook please
Do the kids to every box each day? Or do you assign them certain ones?
What learning style would you say Math U See works best for?
where did you get that fancy storage box for math u see manipulatives??
Is there a blog or book about workboxes
I have a ton of workbox ideas on my blog here: www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/?s=workboxes
The original creator of the idea used shoe boxes, you can see her site here: www.workboxsystem.com/
When do you take time to fill the cart/ drawers?
Do you have a video on workboxes for preschool? I’m adding workboxes for my preschooler to learn how to be independent
See comment above :)
Why is the link to your blog not working
homeschool tips .
Where did you get the container for the Math U See Blocks? Also, have you after used Spelling U See? Thoughts?
I just purchased moveable divider bead boxes from Michael's, you can get them at Walmart as well. The little dividers more around so you can make the slots the right size for the blocks.
I am using Spelling U See this year, so far I like it, but I can't say if it's "working" as far as improving spelling skills yet. We'll see at test time ;o)
Thanks!
I'm using both Math U See and Spelling You See for my kindergartener and he loves both! He is doing well with the program and he has receptive language delays. He looks forward to spelling and math every day though he loves all of his subjects. The math is so awesome. I bought a multilevel container with little compartments for my math manipulatives from Micheal's for less than $10.
Could you flim a whats in the work box video from your oldest boxes
what about the tiard book
What do you do with all of the worksheet pages they have done in the past???
Maria Wilson www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2013/02/homeschool-storage-solutions-long-term.html
Could you please flim another video like this
Do they each have their own box?
+Emeirne Wilson Yes, we're using the Ikea drawers under our desks. And each of them have their own drawer unit.
+Erica Arndt oh cool just asking cause it was a little confusing.
What curriculum do you use?
You can see all of our curriculum here:
www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/tag/our-curriculum
I just noticed you answered the question about spelling. sorry
I bought this clear organizer on Amazon for $30
I got mine at Michales for $35
Hahaha alright :)
hi what are you up to at the minnit are you doing homeschooling I am homeschooling as well and I do it when I get home from my propper school I go to 2 diferent schoolse eccolefeald school and homeschooing that is were my mama helps my sister and when my mama is not in the school room and I am I will help her if she need eney help of some one and we are on the same subject at the same time like today I have to do my kath and english and handrighting and pe today and then I will text you when I wach youre vidows againe ok see you soon
You can put Subtitle in spanish, please? in alls vídeos 👍
Hi, I'm sorry I've tried , but I have to then transcribe the entire video and unfortunately right now I don't have the time to do that. Sorry!
Erica Arndt I understand you
Great video , If anyone else has beenlooking for how to homeschool it's worth trying - Banfan Homeschooling Genie (do a google search)? Ive heard some pretty good things about it from my buddy - just check it out - perfect!
seems like a glorified prison