Workbox Schedule–updated

We have used a few different schedules since we started our workbox journey 2 years ago and this is my favourite – it works for us! 
 
Our first schedule was exactly the way it is described by Sue in the book.  But I found that with lots of pages for the day the kids would turn too many or not see the last cards.  Duckie works best when she can see all she has to do, all on one page.
I found a few sites out there where the schedule was set up for a week. What’s in the Box, Ginger Snap Shots,  Homeschool Creations,
I liked What’s in the Box’s bound schedule but office supplies are so expensive here and I thought  I could come up with something cheaper and homemade!  I downloaded her pages but only ended up using the calendar numbers.  Below is  Bunny’s schedule.  Each card turns over when used so it doesn't get lost and I don’t end up with hundreds of cards to sort through (which was driving me nuts ). 

cards have velcro on front (see camel card) and on back.  Each child choose a sticker set that they wanted as a “reward” on the back of each card.  No lost cards.  I prefer the velcro coins cut in half but ran out and was given free strips of velcro so used that instead.

Any spare cards go at the back of the folder, as do number cards for the calendar pages.
Here is how I made it – bought a folder ,

removed the binder bits,  print up and laminate your pages I used a heavy laminate

hole punch the pages to match the holes in the cover.  I used red dots to mark 4 holes so I would punch in the right spots. 

Put hinged rings through the holes (for those in Australia I bought mine at Office Works) and you are done


I also did a single page book for Monkey (photos below) where she matches the numbers on her schedule to the number on the box so her numbers do not turn over, they stay on the box so at the end of school she has an empty page.  I just collect the number off the box and put it back in her folder for the next day.  I also focused on the days of the week rather than the dates for her.


Other Web links  that you might like:
Planning a week with workboxes at Heart of Wisdom
I wish I had the room for a set up like this at Sweet Phenomena

Science Week 1

We have completed week 1 of Sonlight Science 1 and the girls love it, and so does Mum.  It is sooooo easy.  We read the book and then we do the activity sheet.  We watch the DVD and then we do the experiment how simple is that!

 

This week the Discover and Do lesson was on Magnets so we did a workbox activity with it.  So simple – a box of different things and a magnet.  I made up an activity sheet to go into our Science Notebook.  They choose 5 items and stuck the picture of the item onto their sheet and then made a guess as to whether the magnet would stick or not and then tested their guess and crossed out the sad face if they got it right or the happy face if their guess was wrong.  So simple and easy to do.

You can download the Activity Sheet here at Homeschool Launch

 

Monkey did spend a while exploring with the magnets after doing her sheet.  The other girls were happy to do the experiment and move on.  This would also make a great waiting station activity.

 

The set up of the box was specific for a reason – the focus of the box was learning about magnets so I had pre-cut all the answers and the child just had to find the right one and stick it on.  I used little glass containers (from Ikea) to hold the answer pieces.  I have found that the less complicated and simple looking the set up the more the kids are attracted to go and do the activity.  I love the way Montessori sets up the environment as I feel kids are attracted to the simplicity and organization of an environment.

New venture–In our spare time :)

A friend and I are trying to make a little extra money to help out the budget and decided to capitalize on our hobby - sewing, we both love sewing and so the weekly sewing group was formed.

Here are our first efforts ready for sale. You can see them through our blog Creating in our spare time or on facebook.

We are happy to take custom orders. We have lots more to add. We have 5 girls between us and 4 boys so will be adding some modest, nice older girls clothes as we know how hard that is to find.

I would also like to add some Montessori items, am currently sourcing some inserts if you are interested in anything please let me know.