I started hearing and reading a lot about Workboxes, and I was really curious as to what they were. So after much research... although I never did by the book... I have found what works for us. It's not as neat as the some others but I really like it and so do the boys.
We didn't have room to set up the actual Workbox station that Sue Patrick created but this is what I came up with. Hanging shelves with banker boxes. I can fit just about everything in each of the boxes, and what I can't I just write a note and put it in {ie: Practice Violin}
While Sue's idea probably creates less mess.... I found it to be just a bit much to have to place the tags back and forth. {if you read the book or search the internet you'll understand} While I get her reasons for doing this, it wasn't for me. I explain what is in each box and read directions if it's something he might be confused on then I help with boxes 1 & 2. In #1 we start with math, that was James' choice and he likes it so we start off doing something he enjoys. Then while I'm around in the kitchen he does his reading from the McGuffy reader. Box #2 is his sentence writing, and this is where I let him go at it.
This frees me up to help Tommy or give him some direction, and to play with Tim for a bit. Or get some other household things done. I'm always around to help or answer questions but for the most part he is on his own. I think for him it's a sense of accomplishment to see that he has 7 boxes and he's already on #6.
Now most of the stuff in his boxes are worksheets or file games or logic papers... we do the "fun stuff" first. That's how I get Tim and Tommy involved. We do our unit study, {or history, or science} in the morning, that way I have the attention of all the boys. This is when I'll read a book, and we'll do a project of some sort. Then I can have James expound on it later, and Tim feels like he is "doing school" and it's getting Tommy ready for more. By the time we are done with that, the little ones attention span is usually up anyway.
On days that are a bit more wiggly.... I can always throw a paper in the box that says, Go Jump on Tramp for 15 minutes....
This has really helped me because it forces me to prepare in advance and James can just see what is next and know what is coming... and know when he is done.
Like I said, it's probably nothing like the book other than what it is called, but it's what works for us.
