More on Workboxes

I'm back with more links to bloggers who have implemented Sue Patrick's Workbox System.

There's a site with a comprehensive review of the workbox system explaining everything from how it works to how others have modified it.

Jess @ Color Me Orange shares a way she has modified this system for her eight children. (Could you imagine having 12 boxes for each child?)

Jess sorts things into folders, which she places in bins. When her students have finished a folder, they take the number off the folder and place it on the velcro spot on the bin.

This is also a great idea for small spaces. Some families do not have much room, so condensing the system would be a great idea. I would recommend finding clear envelopes as one of the key components of Sue Patrick's system is that the students can also see what is ahead, not just how much work they have left.

For those who have young preschoolers who need a little more flexibility, I recommend this Tot Tray idea. This Montessori inspired method will allow your toddler to choose what he or she is interested in testing out. I use this for my 20 month old and he loves it. This site gives you plenty of ideas, and her blog also has photos plastered with "Tot School" inspiration.

Ginger has a great modification as well. She uses those plastic (clear) drawers instead of clear shoe boxes. Another great idea for small spaces.

Over at Homeschool Creations, Jolanthe has set up a great system for her four children.

"While I love the Workbox System and understand why Sue Patrick set it up the way she did {and why it works that way}, we seriously do not have room for 48 boxes, 4 shelving systems and to implement it the way she recommends," Jolanthe comments. You must check out her colorful system. I just love the photographs!

In another post, she details the system. I think it's one of the best reviews of the Workbox System I've read, so check it out.

If you are using the workbox system and have posted an entry in your blog about it, please leave a link! :)

Sure Patrick's Workbox System

There's a new homeschooling craze out there, and, in case you haven't heard about it, I'm sharing it with you now!

It's called the Workbox System, created by homeschooling mom Sue Patrick.

Sue's system divides school work into twelve numbered different bins (about shoe box size) for the student to work through (in order).

Leslie from Joyful Mother of 6 explains, "As the child works through a box, the box is then removed from the shelf so that they can see their work diminishing. They can see exactly what is expected of them each day and how much they have left to do before their school day is over. They can also see fun things in boxes which helps to motivate them to finish the more difficult boxes." Click on blog link to see photos of the system these women have set up for their families.

Aureila from Sowing Precious Seeds has also hopped on the bandwagon.

I believe "Walking by the Way" is also doing the workbox system. Her blog has plenty of photos of activities her children are doing! Looks like a blast!

Little Men in My Library gave it a try. I think she accurately describes why it is such a neat and nifty system!

Love To Know managed to sit Sue Patrick down for an interview which you can read here.

Free Homeschooling Resources for all grades and ages.

I know many people cannot afford to purchase curriculum. We have been so fortunate to have funds and curriculum donated to us by family and friends, but we've also added to that by other methods.

My friend Jodi Lynn asked me if the rumors were true. Is homeschooling more expensive than government schools? The truth is, it can be but it doesn't have to be! There is a lot of free homeschooling material available online. Stores like Half-Priced Books, Dollar Tree, and Goodwill hold so much for homeschoolers as well. (Read my post on MandyMom.com titled "A Fruitful Dollar Tree")

Some curriculum tools, like math manipulatives, are expensive. If you're doing the Montessori method, those items can add up quickly. However, if you approach it with a creative eye, you'll find you can easily substitute other items or make them yourself for much less.

Workbooks can be expensive as well, but Dollar Tree has workbooks up to 1st or 2nd grade for only a buck. We have a few pricey workbooks that need to last us through every child. We either copy the pages, slip them in protective sheets (which you can then write on with wipe off markers), or use another paper to write the answer. In my Dollar Tree post on MandyMom.com, you'll see that we don't write in our Math workbooks. The kids use their math manipulatives (squares, bears, beans, or macaroni) to work out the problems, then write down the answer on another paper.

When you purchase curriculum, you're really investing in something, and you want it to last. You can find creative ways to stretch it out for all of your children.

Here are a few sites I've really enjoyed checking out over the last few weeks.

Free World U is free curriculum site. The only catch is that you need to register (but that's free, of course). They offer digital flash cards on a variety of subjects. Subjects are divided out by school and grade (all the way up to highschool).

For example, Preschool subjects not only include the regulars of Colors, Shapes, Letters, and Numbers, but also Social Issues, Environment, and Weather.

Twelfth grade includes Principles of American Democracy, Principles of Economics, Physics, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus!

This site will make a wonderful addition to your homeschool. Check it out!


1+1+1=1 has a theme on her site called Tot School. You can draw a lot of inspiration from these posts, and even join in.

One of my buddies was telling me about Hippo Campus. Here's an excerpt from the site information page: "HippoCampus is a project of the Monterey Institute for Technology and Education (MITE). The goal of HippoCampus is to provide high-quality, multimedia content on general education subjects to high school and college students free of charge."

Did you know the government has a free resource page? Check it out here: http://free.ed.gov/

I think I've mentioned this site before, and if so, here it is again. The Discovery Channel is very informative, but did you know you can also gather much from their website? They also have a resource page to help teachers enhance the curriculum.

While Teach-nology isn't totally free, they do have a lot of freebies to offer. Check out these free worksheets and free lesson plans (many of these link to other sites).

The Teacher's Cafe has loads of free resources too.

Those links should keep you busy for a while!

Great homeschooling tools for cheap!

Are you unschooling, deschooling, delight driven, or Montessori in your home education methods? I haven't been writing about our homeschooling adventures here, but you can see lots of photos and explanations over at my blog, http://mandymom.com

Take today's post for example:

A Fruitful Dollar Tree Dollar Tree is awesome. I'm sure most you know that, and those of you who don't probably don't have to live on a tight budget. For home educating families like ourselves, Dollar Tree holds a plethora of goodies, especially if you think outside the curriculum box. I had a few things in mind, so we headed over to our neighborhood store to grab a "few" items. [Read more]

Even our eighteen-month-old is involved in our methods!

Don't OVER plan - RELAX!!

Most of you that know me or have read the bio Mandy put here, know I haven't been homeschooling long.. but honestly I have changed my curriculum enough times to have been homeschooling for 20 years..I have jumped around trying things out with everything from all work done on the computer (with Time 4 Learning) to unschooling.. everything from a tight 8 hour schedule to no schedule at all. And this is what I have found - no curriculum is perfect.. and most often you will have to make a mixture - or "gumbo" (as said here in Louisiana) - of curriculums to fit your family.

Personally, I think a semblance of a schedule is necessary - not one that's planned to the minute, but at least an outline of your flexible plans... here's a look at our current daily schedule:

School Schedule

1. Bible Reading/Discussion

2. Read Aloud

3. Math

4. Unit Study Reading and Activities

5. Copy work

6. Start work on science project

7. Check email/webkins

Notice that I have not got 20 subjects - spelling, vocabulary, social studies, etc.  That is because our unit studies generally cover most of those subjects.. the large amount of reading we do covers a lot of the vocabulary, critical thinking, syntax/grammar, etc.  I believe in a foundation of the 3 R's, and the rest is lagniappe.  I also include email and my daughter's webkins account, because being computer literate is just as important in this day and age - there aren't too many jobs that don't have at least a small amount of work on the computer.  We also love shows like "How It's Made" and National Geographic documentaries.  We don't do a lot of "busy" work either - I really don't find it necessary to waste time doing endless worksheets.. and 200 math problems in a day.. I would rather have her do other fun/educational projects and activities that don't bore her, but encourage her to learn and want to find out more.. I like Charlotte Mason's school of thought of keeping lessons short and sweet to keep the child's attention.  

I generally try to start school about 8am - but I am somewhat flexible about that.  If we were up a bit later, then our next day starts a little later.. I had once tried to set up time periods for our different "tasks" (some might call them "subjects") but I found that I set my self up for failure, and we would both (my daughter and I) be frustrated.  I think when you try to compartmentalize everything, those unexpected things that inevitably come up each day keep setting you farther and farther behind.  And it sets off a continuous cycle of failure, leading to frustration, and even possibly setting you up to ultimately quit on what God has lead you to do. We also take days off in the week periodically and don't do any school work that day..   The way I look at it - we do school all year long, and don't necessarily take "vacations" when school is out for public school - so we can afford to take days off when we feel like it.  

I guess the key to all facets of homeschooling is to RELAX.. allow God to guide you in the questions of "how much?" and "how long?"...you are not trying to keep up with what the public schools claim to cover.. you are fulfilling your duties as parent and teacher according to the Word and His will.  He designed their minds to naturally desire to learn.. and while I don't take totally to the unschooling notion that it needs no guidance at all - I believe we could relax a little on our expectations that were molded by our own experiences with public school.  You would be suprised what happens when you relax and let nature take it's course, you will see your child begin to WANT to learn and take up researching subjects on their own, and it won't be such a hair-pulling session everytime you sit down to do some "school work".  

For those of us who attended college, you can probably back me up when I say - the only things I really carried over into my college years from public school was my reading and math skills.. the rest was taught to me as if it was the first time I ever heard it.. so when we begin each day I remind myself of these things when I want to feel pressured to follow lesson plans to the "T" or pressure my daughter and myself to finish a book in a certain period of time..

 It breaks my heart when I hear homeschool moms ask how they can fit fun stuff in with all the school work they have to do.  I say - try slowly, taking away busy work here and there - and see the difference that "fun stuff" makes in your child's ability to retain what they  learn, and their attitude in general.  Lapbook/Notebook one subject at a time as you are comfortable.. Pull subjects into your unit studies one at a time - starting with reading, adding in social studies by covering a historial topic, adding math by using manipulatives related to the story being read or subject covered.  Just step out there and try it, there is nothing that says if it doesn't work for you that you can't go back to the way you were doing it.  You will never know until you try.  

Well I hope this rambling of mine makes sense and perhaps helps someone out there getting frustrated and wondering how they will go on homeschooling.  May you have less hair-pulling, white-knuckling, and frustration - and may you have a lot more joy ;-)

Until next time, Much love and God bless.

Conjunction junction, what's your function?

Hearing that summons up memories of "back in the day" - when the main opportunity to see cartoons was on Saturday morning.. not 24 hours a day like it is now..that was the ONLY time you found us inside when we didn't have to be.. You might watch the Smurfs.. or late morning might have Johnny Quest... but occassionally a "video" from "School House Rock" would be thrown in. They were cute cartoons with a song, a toe tapping tune, and, unbeknownst to me, a lot of good educational tidbits..

Well it seems "School House Rock" is making a comeback. I had been hearing about them putting out a DVD.. and vaguely remember liking them.. so I thought it might be worth getting for the kids. I like them to see you can have fun with education. So I was lucky enough to find it at my local library (a gold mine of resources for us homeschoolers on a budget)...Which by the way - I totally recommend you go make friends with your local librarian - they can get you all sorts of books thru interlibrary loans and save you lots of money..

So anyway, we checked it out and started watching it... I couldn't believe how jam packed it was with info.. things about history, multiplication tables, parts of speech, biology.. etc.. and my kids LOVED it..my 8 yr old dd that is learning her multiplication tables right now kept turning around and smiling at me when the math "videos" would come on.. and my twin boys (nearly 3) were even singing the songs.. they may not understand what they are singing right now, but it will make sense later, and they will have a learning aid to help them - the songs.. I think it would be the perfect DVD to keep in the van, rather than a just a bunch of cartoons (althought we do have those too).. or to pull out when you are studing history, or multiplication tables, etc.. I must admit though - we will probably be purchasing a copy. I highly recommend it to add to your homeschool library.

So that's my input for this week.. by the way - Mandy has so graciously allowed me to come and write on her new blog, and I am so blessed to be able to do so.. we are a new homeschooling family (started as of May this year when I withdrew my dd out of Elementary school), and are those homeschoolers on a budget, so you will find in my entries a lot of inexpensive or free ideas.. you can see more about us (and mostly my artwork) on my blog http://mommasgoodies.blogspot.com/ , and here at The Precious Mind on Wednesdays.



Until next time - much love and God bless!

Posts to Ponder

Here's a collection of posts from around the bloggy world I know you all will enjoy!

Public or private schools not bringing out the best in your child? Are you worried about what your child is learning beyond the basics of education? Are you fearful of the impressions being made upon little minds? Do you have a desire to homeschool but think you might not be able to afford it? Lori @ Camp Creek Blog answers the tough questions in her post "Should I homeschool?"

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Sprittibee discusses the ever-changing course of their homeschool journey. She talks about hardships, frustrations, and the joy she is finding in the Charlotte Mason teaching style. It's a great post for any schooler using whatever method!

"For the past two years, the homeschool road has been getting darker. With the sun set and curves ahead, I've been praying about what is around the next bend. It isn't that I haven't enjoyed homeschooling... it is just that the children have been in the process of growing up - becoming more mature - and our needs have been changing. Eventually we were bound to come to a curve in the path. Just as a child graduates from baby food and picture books (well, maybe they can still enjoy picture books - I do) they grow out of certain curriculum and teaching methods. I have known for a long time that mine have been needing more than unit studies... less of a strict and stressful (parent-led teaching) schedule... and a lot more nature and literature. I knew that as they grew, what may have worked for them at 2 and 4 might not be the best mode of 'transportation' to continue stimulating them intellectually at 10 and 12. And with the gradual changes came a fear of the unknown for the navigator - because it meant I was going to have to steer off the beaten path."

The Intentional Teacher: babies on up

I'm often asked, "When did you officially start homeschooling?" The truth is, we've been intentionally homeschooling from the beginning. Everyone homeschools in some manner, whether they know it or not. You are always teaching your children something- why not be an intentional teacher?

How can you be an intentional teacher? I've listed six ways to start teaching your preschoolers and beginners..... without plopping them behind a desk!

1. Read to them... a lot. Read rhymes, read novels, read the bible, read stories loaded with pictures.

2. Tell them stories. Make up stories. Go through a photo album- pointing out pictures and explaining what is happening in the photos.

3. Allow them to explore. Let them bang on things, cut paper, doodle, finger paint, dig in the dirt, take things apart...... all under your supervision for safety, but with minimal direction.

4. Ask them questions. Children are great at asking questions. They want to learn about everything. Try turning the tables and asking them questions. Ask them how they feel about certain things, what they think you should do next, how they think something should be done, how they think someone else feels, etc. Their answers may not make much sense to you. They may not even be on topic, but listen and continue to ask questions.

5. Yes, listen. LISTEN to what your children are saying. Pay attention to what they are doing. You'll find out what they are interested in, and you can help them explore those things (by printing out information on the internet, going to the library, visiting a museum, etc). It helps to keep a record of what they're talking about, what they're doing, and what they're interested in.

6. Allow them to help. Sometimes our need for prim and proper perfection keeps us from allowing our children to help out with things. Yes, it might mean more mess. It might take more time, but your children will benefit (and so will you). They can help you cook, clean, pick up sticks, take out the trash, rearrange furniture, decorate the Christmas tree, feed the dog... etc. Teaching them how to help around the house is more than a course in home ec.

I know listening is one of the hardest things for me to do because my children, especially my second child, are very talkative. Nolyn talks all the time, except when he is sleeping. He never really had a babbling stage. He began talking in full sentences very early and hasn't stopped sense. I tend to tune him out much of the time because he repeats things over and over (whether he's talking to me or not, and whether I've answered him or not). That's something that I'm working on- really tuning in and not tuning out.

Remember, it's never too early to start reading. Read to your newborn. Read to your toddler. Don't expect your children to sit still and peer at every page. Just because they don't seem to be paying attention, doesn't mean they aren't.

For example, my daughter, Merikalyn, likes to sit right next to me when I'm reading. Nolyn, on the other hand, will usually play and mumble to himself several feet away, but when I ask the two of them questions about the book, he usually answers correctly. He may not look like he's listening, but he is.

I see many parents who think their children need to read and write by the age of four or five. Studies have shown that children who go through heavy early education and those who don't end up on the same level by fifth grade. We need to go at our children's pace. Let's not set them up for frustration and burn out.

It's important to look at your intentions. Are you trying to produce a child that you can brag about or is your desire to nurture that love of learning within your child, encouraging her to research, explore, and try things out. Be honest with yourself.

Mandy is a homeschooling graduate who spent the majority of her schooling years in public schools before deciding to switch to homeschool halfway through highschool. You can read more about her and her family at MandyMom.com

Poster can be ordered from Art.com

Free (that's right, FREE) Lesson Plans

Curriculum can cost thousands of dollars. As someone who uses Sonlight curriculum, let me tell you, a good quality curriculum is well worth the money, but I also understand that not everyone can afford such a luxury. Sonlight was our early Christmas gift to the kids- and they certainly didn't feel like they were cheated because it's full of wonderful books and creative games. If you really want to purchase a curriculum set, be creative in ways you can set aside money for it. Look for curriculum that is reuseable, so you can use it with your other children, or sell it when you're finished. When purchasing curriculum, remember- cheaper is not always better!

Still, if you can't afford it (especially with the economy the way it is), don't give up on homeschooling. You don't have to have curriculum to homeschool. If you prefer to have written lesson plans, here's a list of wonderful links with quality lesson plans. You can use these resources to create your own curriculum, or, if you're unschooling/deschooling, you can print a few things for your children to dive into when they're ready.



Tip: Try right clicking and open these links in a new window or tab. I have put my favorites in bold.

Environmental Lesson Plans
American Heritage Education Foundation
Word & Number Puzzles from Discovery


Thinkfinity (K-Adult Education)
Scott Foresman Grammer & Writing Handbook (grades 1-6)
Core Knowledge
The Curriculum Archive
A to Z Teacher Stuff
Lesson Plan Central
Lesson Plans & Teaching Strategies
Microsoft Lesson Plans
Discovery Education
The Teacher's Corner
TRIP for Teachers

Links to Great Homeschooling Resources

If you have a homeschooling site or blog and would like to trade links, please grab my icon (left side), post it on your site with a link to me, and then leave me a comment. You will then be added!

This page will be updated weekly.


Homeschool Laws

Homeschooling Support and Forums

The Homeschool Lounge

Homeschooling 'Zines, Articles, and Awards:

Heart of the Matter
Homeschooling Today
Homeschool Blog Awards
The Six-Lesson School Teacher (article about school system)
No thanks. We don't believe in socialization (article)

Free Resources:

TEACH-nology (lots of free curriculum/lesson plans)
Teach a Child to Read
The Garden of Praise
ABCteach
Smithsonian American Art Museum

I Know That (interactive/games)

Christian Preschool Printables

Kidspace at the Internet Public Library

Geography4Kids

Enchanted Learning (some things require paid memberships)
National Geographic for Kids

PBS Teachers' Learning Plans

Scholastic Inc

Interesting & Useful

StateMaster (State statistics and more, useful for comparisons)

Blogs

Home Educate in the Sunshine State
Luke's Sonlight Blog
An Untraditional Home
Christian Unschooling
Freely Educate


Homeschool ID Cards:

Some places offer discounts to teachers, but you'll need a teacher ID. You can make your own, or use these links to create one for you. I make IDs for friends, so.. if you're my friend, ask me! Remember, when making a ID, you'll need a decent photograph, just you, alone, with a solid background. Buy laminating sheets to protect your card.

Homeschool Buyers Co-op (looks like the card below)



Curriculum:

I use Sonlight for several reasons. First of all, we're not super structured, and I have no desire to be structured. I don't want to bring a strict school environment into my home. I want learning to be fun. Sonlight helps me teach my children the things they need to know, even providing me with a lesson plan, while being flexible and fun.

Secondly, I love to read. My children love to be read to. My daughter can't wait to read on her own. Sonlight is full of great books which teach children all sorts of things, without them even realizing them. I'm not talking about textbooks, I'm talking about real books, like The Boxcar Children. Some are old classics, and some are sure to be new favorites. There's a great variety.

If you are unschooling, but feel you want a bit of structure, or you are deschooling (coming out of a schooling environment), Sonlight would be a great assistance to you! Go to their website and get a free catalog delivered to your home!

It may seem pricy, but it's worth it, even if you can only buy a little bit of a time, or choose to purchase only one subject. (And, if you are going to be selective in your subjects, I recommend that you purchase the Core for the grade level you desire, which includes Readers, Read-Alouds, History.. and more! (The History part includes some really cool books!)

The best thing about Sonlight is it's reusable. Every year, I purchase the curriculum for my oldest child (daughter). My other children use it when they are ready! (For example, my son will use her Kindergarden curriculum next school year.) Plus, because Sonlight includes books to read-aloud, the whole family can listen in and participate- even Dad.

You can choose a four day plan or a five day plan. We have chosen to do the four day plan, which allows for even more flexiblity.