Sunday, June 28, 2009

Worboxes.

When I first read about workboxes I dismissed them with very little research as I didn't think we could implement the system as we are low on space. It wasn't until a friend Michelle, blogged about workboxes that I took another look. Rather than using 10 or more boxes or draws per child, she was using plastic sleeves. Michelle was sure that the workbox system would be particularly suited to our family as the lady who came up with the idea designed it with her autistic child in mind.

After talking with Michelle and seeing her system close up, I decided to invest in some plastic sleeves and warm up the laminator! It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I'm confident that Michelle won't mind that I have an almost carbon copy of her system!

We have been using our workboxes for a week and we all love them. It is similar to my previous visual system, but so much better, especially for me! I no longer have to scramble around for materials in the morning as everything is set up and ready to go. All I have to do is ask the children to take their boxes off the piano and get started.




The boys simply start with folder number one. When they have finished they remove the velcro number in the bottom right of the folder and place it on their laminated strip if paper which holds numbers 1-10.





They then place the completed folder in a plastic basket.




Both the ordered routine and the visual aspect of this system is a perfect fit for Koala.


The system has also enabled me to put a little more creativity and fun into our days. In the past we would complete the basics and that would be it. Now we are using our Rosetta Stone French programme more often, we are lapbooking and using our educational CDs and including things like cooking and playing with the dog in our workboxes. I have also decided to take some time on the week end to plan what each days boxes will contain. This greatly frees up my evenings.


I'm sure we'll be using this system for a long time to come.

4 comments:

Lynn said...

Your system sounds and looks great Trica. Were using our own version of the workbox system as well. It has been such a success we all love it.

Anne (aussieannie) said...

I love your system and how you make it work so beautifully for the boys!

Michelle Downunder said...

Looks good to me. We are glad we did it also.
Keep us posted with any resources you found good for your 'boxes'.

Anonymous said...

Wow, those look neat. I am going to use workboxes this year too.