Sue Patrick believes her system should be presented just as she has designed it without any deviations. This post will make her shutter. Don’t get me wrong! I am not intending to be rude but I am also very well aware that what works for my family will not work for everyone else. That is why I can confess that I am not a workbox-purist and I personally do not think you have to be either.
For Little Learners ~
Ariary’s workbox is actually a dishwashing tub that I found at Walmart for $2.97. I rotate the items in the box every few days and keep this box handy when she is in her highchaor or exersaucer so I can hand her something new when she grows bored.
When she gets older, I will use this as a sensory bin.
For Preschoolers ~
Ruble is getting promoted this year from three workboxes to five and he will use boxes just like my Elementary children. Of course, I went ahead and bought ten boxes so as he grows I will already have the matching boxes.
For Elementary ~
I personally love my system with the boxes from the Dollar Tree. I have seen others who use the clear, plastic showboxes which Sue Patrick prefers but I have also seen workboxes made from baskets, magazine organizers, cereal boxes, freezer ice bins and more. Confessions of a Homeschooler uses a 12 drawer organizing tower which looks fabulous but was too pricey for my budget.
For Older Students (Middle School/High School) ~
Since I do not have children this age, I can really only guess but I think as time goes by, I will transition into file folders in a hanging file with each child having their own file box. Kind of like what you can see at Crooked Creek Farm Girl.
Smaller Homes ~
We live in a small home but I am well aware that some people have even smaller homes than we do or perhaps fit more children into a similar amount of space. You might not be able to dedicate an entire bookcase to each child. In those instances, perhaps file crates like they use at The Homeschool Classroom would be more appropriate or the manila envelope system at Crooked Creek Farm Girl might be a good option.
You might even choose to use a flat, wall hanging file system like what is seen at Oriental Trading.
Want to see how some others use workboxes in their families? Visit these great blogs:
Homeschool Creations ~ Workfolders and Big Bins
1+1+1=1 ~ Tot Trays and Workboxes
Heart of Wisdom ~ Sets of 3-Drawer Organizers
The Homeschool Project ~ Stacking Office Trays
Or, go see this tremendously HUGE list of bloggers who also use workboxes at Subflower Schoolhouse.
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