Workboxes and RC

Ok, so I don't write much. I know it's been awhile. But I wanted to post my system for the Robinson curriculum and workboxes. So here it is. We have just begun using the RC curriculum. http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/ I love it! I do not subscribe to everything the curriculum entails. He gets into details about what the kids should eat and how much tv, computer ect.. they should have. Although I agree less is more on those fronts, I have not eliminated those things entirely. What we have done is use the idea of independent learning. He has a book list, the actual books, a grammar, spelling and vocabualry program on his cds. All the books are public domain, so you don't actually have to purchase the cds from him. But I think the grammar, spelling and vocabualry exercises that are included on the cds are well worth the price. I printed out all the vocabulary exercises and flash cards, which I must say is a lot. However, I wanted to have it done and easy to grab when needed. I grab a worksheet( that is in the yellow box on top) and put it in their vocab box. I printed out the grammar lessons and bound a grammar book for each child. I printed out the checking book for grammar, so the kids can check their own work when done. This is how it goes: Each child has their own set of boxes. Each box is designated as a subject. Our subjects are writing, reading (RC), reading (mom pick), vocabualry, grammar, math (which doesn't fit into a box. I set it on the space in the cabinent.), and music practice. I also have some extra boxes if I want to add subjects later. But for right now we are sticking ONLY to the basics. I used shoe boxes and shoe holders to create the system. It is in the kids hallway and I got the dark color so that it matches our furniture. It doesn't stand out too bad. The three white boxes in the middle hold their supplies, pens, clay, glue, rulers, ect.. One of the white boxes has cards in it I made with directions of what to do. I can put these in their boxes if they need cues of what to do. The kids begin a subject in the morning. All the boxes start off with the lids off. As they finish each subject they put the lid on the box. That is all. I can look very quickly and see if they are done with their work. If the lids are on, they are done. If the lids are off, I know where they are. For math, they put the math book on top of the notebook if they are done. If they are not done, then the notebook goes on top of the math book. Easy peasy!!! With Robinson you stick with the basics- reading, writing and arthimetic. I can always add subjects for fun if I want, but the majority of the time we do these. Now of course vocabulary, spelling and grammar are all under writing in our homeschool. I use IEW for writing. I put lined paper and IEW paragraphs into a floppy notebook like this so it easily fits into the box.

Spelling and vocabulary go hand in hand. The program comes with exercises for vocabulary. The vocabulary goes with the books they are reading. I use the same words for spelling lists. We use the matching sheet that comes with RC for a weekly vocab test on Friday and then I give them a spelling test on Sat using the same words.

We use Saxon for math, which is recommended with the program. The grammar book has exercises that follow the books they are reading also. I love it! I wish I had done this a LONG time ago. Don't let the sugar and tv thing scare you away from this curriculum. There is a lot of value in it. I can now get my housework done and the kids know what to do each day. They start themselves, check themselves, and finish themselves. I periodically check them to make sure they are doing what they should and that they are on track. I have become more of a guide and disiplinarian and the books, curriculum and themselves have become the teacher. I think it creates better study habits for them. They know they will be tested by mom through narration of the books, their writing and vocab and spelling tests. So, they are motivated to get it done. Plus they have to get all subjects finished before they can play for the day. So, they are really motivated to work hard so they have free time in the afternoon. I also wanted to add as far as reading is concerned...We follow the RC list of books for one hour each day. The second hour of reading is a mom pick book. Now this is where I can add in subjects-like science and history or art appreciation. See? Mom pick box allows me to add what I want them to learn. I would like to add geography, but I can't seem to find the time. Maybe once we get this system going I can pick a day to add this in. We'll see...Some days I may want to do art with them. So I may be able to switch up a box. We'll see... There are only so many hours in a day. My kids, starting this at 10 and 11 years old, need to get their basics DOWN PAT. I think this curriculum will allow them to do just that. No more playing around with various subjects. They will have plenty of time for fun in the future. Right now is critical for me to get these basic in their brains! They are growing up so fast. I do wish I had started this earlier, but we will begin from here. One last note: I am not going to be printing and binding all these books. I have done some, but I just purchased each child a Kindle and we are going to load the Kindles with the books. It is better for their eyes than the computer and it will save me time and money in the future on ink and paper. Ink can add up. Also, with the Kindles we can all have a copy of a book and read together in the evenings. Bible study and family reading time will work well this way. They can follow along with what I'm reading, because everyone will have a copy of the book. If you decide to follow this curriculum have fun with it and make it your own. It is pretty versatile.