"Workboxes" don’t work for our family, but tweaking the idea and making "Fileboxes" does!
Using a file box system has resulted in a more prepared and relaxed school day for us. I’m not constantly showing and telling my kids what to do next, because they can see what to do. By planning their file box the night before, I have more time for “mommy” chores because my kids are occupied with their file boxes! It also keeps me accountable. : ) One of my favorite benefits to file boxes is that I can bring them in the car and on the road ~ so assignments are getting done, no matter where we are.
Shopping List
1 Clear File box so the grid can be seen (with hinged lid and sturdy carrying handle)
13 Hanging files (to hang inside the file box)
12 File tabs (identify each file subject)
12 Paint chip colors from Disney at Home Depot (have Mickey heads on them)
1 Black Sharpie (for numbering from 1-12 on the Mickey heads; laminate for added strength and durability)
36 Velcro dots per file box system (for both the hanging files and the accomplishment grid)
1 Piece of card stock per file box (laminate for added strength and durability)
1 Timer on a string (found one at Cook N Stuff to wear around their neck)
13 Hanging files (to hang inside the file box)
12 File tabs (identify each file subject)
12 Paint chip colors from Disney at Home Depot (have Mickey heads on them)
1 Black Sharpie (for numbering from 1-12 on the Mickey heads; laminate for added strength and durability)
36 Velcro dots per file box system (for both the hanging files and the accomplishment grid)
1 Piece of card stock per file box (laminate for added strength and durability)
1 Timer on a string (found one at Cook N Stuff to wear around their neck)
Assembling the File Box
Print or draw a 12 square grid on the cardstock. (I laminated my grid.)
Peel 12 Velcro dots and stick them on each center of the grid.
Number from 1 to 12 on each Mickey head. (I then laminated them, and trimmed them to fit the grid.)
Peel and stick the other side of the Velcro dot to the back of the numbered Mickey heads.
Print subject tabs, fold for strength or use card stock, cut, then slide into clear subject tabs.
Insert four subject tabs per section (see example) ~ order can be changed at any time
Now, just insert whatever you’d like your child/student to do that day per section ~ including snacks and play time!
Peel 12 Velcro dots and stick them on each center of the grid.
Number from 1 to 12 on each Mickey head. (I then laminated them, and trimmed them to fit the grid.)
Peel and stick the other side of the Velcro dot to the back of the numbered Mickey heads.
Print subject tabs, fold for strength or use card stock, cut, then slide into clear subject tabs.
Insert four subject tabs per section (see example) ~ order can be changed at any time
Now, just insert whatever you’d like your child/student to do that day per section ~ including snacks and play time!
Making it Work
After breakfast and chores (I use the “Accountable Kids” cards with my own peg system), we have Bible time, then begin our file boxes. Most of the “do together” activities are in the beginning, so I can have some time to do my own chores during their “no need for mommy” subjects. Each child begins with file #1. When #1 is complete, the #1 Mickey head is removed from the front of the file and placed on the grid. Now begins the filling up of the grid; when all twelve grids are full, their school day is complete!
In addition to school “work”, I also include a variety of unexpected assignments, such as: have a snack, play with your bunnies, chew some gum, play a quick “timed” game on the computer, water a plant, teach brother to ride his bike, show sister how to make a braid, learn to tie shoelaces, etc. This makes them excited to keep moving. They also know that as soon as their grid is filled, they are done and major free time begins! What’s really fun is to make their folder look like it’s full, but when they read the first assignment, it reads: Day off! We’re going to . . . !
After I put in the necessary assignments, I have fun making up stuff to put in a couple of the others. It makes me happy to treat them, and they love to see what’s in the next file. I manage my time better, and in the process, they learn to manage theirs better.
Here are two of our file boxes; on the left, you can see a full file box, and on the right is a finished file box.
When each child’s assignment is complete, they return it to the file box. At a later time, unless they have questions, I will check their finished work. (I like to have each child’s work returned to their file because I like all work to stay together. If I have them give it to me at my desk, and they forget to write their name,
I still know whose work it is. Also, I can go over their work with them later that day, with them next to me so they can see first-hand how well they did.)
I still know whose work it is. Also, I can go over their work with them later that day, with them next to me so they can see first-hand how well they did.)
I forgot to mention earlier that I supply an empty file at the front of their file box to hold basic supplies in a zippered canvas bag that they may need (pencils, ruler, scratch paper, etc.), and and empty file at the back of the file box where they return their finished work. Our files have space in the lid to store a few items, but not everything fits.
One nice thing about this system is that if an emergency occurs, My kids know what they should be doing, and everything is all together. If needed, you can always put a full week’s worth of assignments in the box ~ maybe even adapt it into a road trip, vacation, project box of any kind when not in use as a school box!
Enjoy, and don’t forget to google other’s ideas on the internet. There are so many great ideas out there! If you don't find one that fits your family, make one up ~ I did!
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