Workboxes

I am doing a short presentation for our homeschool group on workboxes and how our family uses them and thought it would be fun to put my thoughts together and post it here.

I first heard of workboxes about  a year and half ago and it seemed like a fun way to present lessons to the children as well as a great way to organize our materials and learning time.  The creator of the Workbox System is Sue Patrick and she created the system when her son was diagnosed with Autism as a way to structure his day and  promote independence.  Sue began workboxes with her own children when they were 18 months old and has since taught her system to many homeschool families with children of all ages and learning needs.  Her book is called Sue Patrick's Workbox System A User's Guide. Google her website by typing in workbox system (I could not properly link to it--sorry).

Here are a few reasons Sue cites in her book for using workboxes:

• to provide structure
• to provide a clear and visual presentation of the child's work
• to present your expectations
• to provide fun and interesting materials
• to promote independence

Sue says that the workboxes promote natural breaks, simplify lessons and give opportunities for review and I could not agree more.  Sue is very adamant that her system by followed step by step because it is tested and it works.  That being said I think all families have to find what works for mom and children.

Our system with our morning folders in box one. 

We have been using our boxes for a year and I have adapted the system to meet our needs and wants.  But just so you know, because I forgot to say what the system is, it is a put together shoe rack from target with 12 clear shoeboxes on its shelves. This is the system that we use but I have seen many other ways of using the idea with magazine boxes, file folders or even large envelopes. Now, onward.  I like the system because it organizes our materials, uses our many resources, shows the children what to expect for lessons that day and provides a clear ending point.  I use the boxes for calendar activities, morning folders, life skills, lessons, puzzles and file folder games. Sue suggests that fun activities be intermingled with more academic activities to provide motivation to complete the more difficult lessons.  I started our mornings with a morning folder in box number one.  The morning folder usually contained the days' calendar to be traced and filled in and any "funsheets" as we call worksheets, that could be completed independently.  Then subsequent boxes included books that needed to be read, hands on activities, projects or games.  Many people include a snack time as a box activity but I rarely did that and no I did not fill up 12 boxes per child.  E usually had 6 or 7 boxes and A had 5 or 6 boxes.  So currently I have one shoe rack for 2 children.  For my other 2 children I have a different system of trays or baskets on designated shelves, but that is another post.

Preparing for this post, I re-read Sue's book (get it, it is worth it) and it refreshed me for some new planning ideas to further implement her system.  I would like to add in more review using posters and try removing the boxes from the rack as they are completed.  Last year we did not remove the boxes and I wonder if removing them would promote a since of accomplishment and mastery in the children.

On the topic of using the boxes as review, I created a lot of file folder games using Evan Moore Take It To Your Seat Centers and file folders games.  I used the following sites to make the games :

Evan-Moore books and folders I made from the books.

• Making Learning Fun
• File Folder Fun
• Bible Story Printables

Also Homeschool Share has a workbox section with many materials to print or glean ideas.

Some of the file folder games we enjoy.

Now, when I first heard about file folder games,  I thought "whatever" but now I cannot say enough about there fun and practicality of use for teaching things from counting to math operations to contractions.  I usually spent one or two days a month making up the folders to correlate with the months topics.  Oh, and when gluing use spray adhesive applied to the object to be glued, I learned the hard way.  Spray adhesive seems expensive ($10) at first but I am still on the same can I bought last fall.

Here a few helpful blogs that started it all for me:

• Blog She Wrote
• 1+1+1=1

And here is a Comprehensive Review Of The Workbox System.

Happy planning and enjoy the journey!

A Nature Scavenger Hunt

Here is a fun way to get outside and enjoy some of God's creation and let the children explore.  Go on a nature scavenger hunt.

Give each child a bag or bucket and ask them to look for some of the following things:

A leaf that is dry
A green leaf
A red leaf
A brown leaf
A pine needle
A pine cone
A weed
An acorn
A twig
A twig with moss on it
A smooth twig or a bumpy one
A feather
A round rock
A rough rock
Bark
Berries
A bud
A seed
A flower

Practice counting while your at it and ask them to find certain numbers of things or their age of thngs.  Then go home and create a nature display, we currently have 2, one in our mudroom for the children's things and one in our great room for my things. Or try drawing your findings, making a collage or even a sculpture like we did.  I wielded the hot glue gun and the children picked their pieces and told me where to place the glue.

A's creation

Fun simple and it can even be done in your own yard, down your street or at the park.

E's scarecrow creation

Favorite Foods

Today is the Completing Him Challenge #6 and it is about making one's husband a priority by making him his favorite foods.  I remember giving a client the advice to fix her husbands favorite dessert and share it with him after the children had gone to bed, hoping to show him that she really does care about him and desire to engage with him.  I remember our next session she came in grinning from ear to ear because her husband had loved the German Chocolate Cake, she was so proud that she had made him feel happy.

Jay's favorite dinner meal is Chicken and Dumplings.  I won't get to this, this week because it is so warm and the chicken is not thawed but we do eat it frequently when the weather is cold and he is always very appreciative..  I have tried from scratch dumplings and we CANNOT STAND THEM, so it is the one of 2 times that I turn to the trusty box of Bisquick.  Bisquick makes very yummy dumplings, you won't be disappointed.

Jay's favorite desserts are many, so I will share his first response.  Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake!  Well, this is a hard order to fill since the nearest Cheesecake Factory is 2 hours away but we will be stopping there next month on our trip to Napa.  He also likes anything custard, like Creme Brulee.

Now his favorite drink, I can serve him any old time and it is a big glass of milk.  EASY--one milk coming right up!

Join in--make your hubby;s favorite dinner, I'd love to hear about it.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Our Nana is turning 70 years old today and we are so proud of her.  Nana, we hope you enjoy this milestone of a day filled with friends and family.  Even though we are far away our hearts are quietly with you wishing you all of our love and kisses.

We just want to say:

And we even made you a cake:

 

We love you!

Priorities

Today is post number 5 in the Completing Him Summer Challenge and it is about priorities.  Courtney suggests lising 5 priorities that I currently do and asking Jay to prioritize them according to what is important to him.  So I showed Jay my list this morning and he thought all of the things on my list were good but he had something else for me.  He was not able to prioritize my list but rather stated that his priority for me was to mentor and be mentored.  He feels that I should make a weekly date to get together with a friend for fellowship (and yes he acknowledged that he would have to watch the children).  Now this is not the answer I expected.  Here is my priority  list: working out, morning quiet time, Me time for reading and projects, the house and all that its running and maintenance entails, homeschool prep, children and of course Jay.  Now, this is being completely honest, the way I listed my priorities is also the way I tend to accomplish them--not good in some situations.  So the answer I was expecting from dear husband was something along the lines of "look I'm at the bottom" and here is how you can move me up a few bars.  In further discussion with Jay he said that he could not think of one thing I was currently doing that I should not be doing, so kudos for me.

So what do I do with his priority but pray because meeting one on one with a friend each week feels like a heavy burden, so I will be praying on how to accomplish this.  I know Jay's main motivation in this priority is that I would be refreshed by sweet fellowship and time away from home.  So what can I say, not many husbands say "ya, ya" to all the usual priorities and say "you need friend time."

I did ask Jay what he thought the priorities should be between he and I, so we looked at what we currently do together and what we use to do together and decided that we are tired and don't want to have to think once the children are in bed, so I don't know but we are having a getaway in August, just us.  Clearly, more discussion is needed in this area.

This was a great activity because it spurred us both to thinking about our lives and relationships.  I am definitly able to state my priorities and live them out, where as Jay, true to his personality can't clearly state his priorites but is very good at taking care of issues at hand.

It was also a great exercise because I think I need to re-prioritize a few items and define a few priorities more clearly.  For example, I think children should be higher on the list, even above homeschooling and I would like to spend more time enjoying them, playing with them and discipling/trainning them in all aspects of life.

What are your priorities?

Sunday Afternoon--Victorian Square Fountain

These pictures are from a few Sundays ago at the fountain infront of the movie theater at Victorian Square. We packed a picnic dinner and enjoyed an evening of warm weather and cool fountain spray.

How I Admire Thee, Let Me Count The Ways!

Today is Challenge #5 in the Completing Him Series at Women Living Well. Today I hope to make Jay smile by listing the things I admire most about him, thereby showing, that after almost 11 years I really still do like him. Liking him has always been our joke because when we talk about what initially drew us to one another he always says "you liked me." In the throws of raising young children we forget to show that "like" for one another, so honey let me count the ways:

You can fix anything, and I mean anything. If something breaks I know you will and can fix it, like our deck umbrella, thanks for not giving up.

You have stuck with consistently working out for the last 3 and1/2 years since finding P90x.

You frequently stop what you are doing to attend to my need for something to be fixed, like the vacuum or computer.

You are loyal.

You are reading books to the children and have taught them to pay attention to details.

Your the primary "bathman."

I've never clipped a child's toenail or cleaned a child's ear.

You like to cook.

You will walk, hike, bike or play with your family.

You bring home the "bacon." You do it faithfully and have never let us down.

You are a believer and walker in Jesus Christ.

You are responsible and make things happen.

You watch the children when I need to be alone.

You admire and find value in the Love and Respect Series.

You are married to me and all my moods, sighing and unpleasantness--thanks.

I am sure when I walk away I will think of many more things, so this is just a start--Are you smiling?

Praying For Your Husband

Today's Making Him Challenge is to ask your husband how you can pray for him on a daily basis--this is a daunting task if I do say so myself--everyday? I think we would both be worn out after one week of me asking that question. However, I do think it is important to ask and it lets your man know that you care about him and will be supporting him in prayer. Plus, prayer changes hearts. As we pray for someone our heart, thoughts and actions change toward them in a positive direction. I always ask the Lord to endear my heart toward the little and big people in this home because in the day to day life sometimes our sweet ones are not so dear. Come on, you know what I'm talking about. You know they are not so dear to your heart when they are stressed and don't know it, they make a water mess all over the kitchen floor for the little one to slip on and knock his head, when they are covered in Nutella or when they ask you the same thing for the who knows what number time. I pray that my heart would be softened and moved to serve with a heart guided by the Lord's spirit.



So I haven't yet asked Jay how I can pray for him today but I will. Back in January I came across this very useful tool in praying for Jay. It is a 31 day challenge to pray for your guy. I have prayed the verses several times in the past 6 months and it has helped me cover many overlooked areas in his life and mine. Give it a try. Don't be legalistic about it but use it as a jumping off point for prayers. I printed the list out and it is in my basket but I have carried it on walks and packed it for trips.

Now I am off to investigate a few more treasures on that same sight.

Happy Day!

Our wedding story

I am taking part in the Completing Him Summer Challenge. Today's challenge is to tell about our wedding day as I remember the importance of the vows we took.

Jay and I were married on August 6th, 1999, it was a Friday afternoon. On the morning of our wedding I was awakened by booming thunder and pouring rain--unbelievable. We typically get thunder showers in the afternoons but not early in the morning, it was 6A.M. We had planned an outdoor wedding at a private residence surrounded by towering pines and a peekaboo view of Lake Tahoe but it was not to be. We had to turn on the beautiful fireplace and move the ceremony indoors--it was more cozy and intimate than I could have imagined, a true blessing from the Lord. And oh goodness, the smell from all the flowers was amazing. Had we of had the wedding outdoors, amongst the pines and lake views, we would have missed the beautiful fragrance of the flowers. Jay still buys me Stargazer Lillies because the fragrance reminds us of the day we committed our lives to one another and I always think of him during summer thunder storms.

Our Wedding had 90 guests and we personally knew everyone in attendance. Jay sang, or shall I say attempted to sing, " I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman but he could hardly choke it out through his tearful emotion. I forgot my self and as I hugged him,I kissed him through my vail which got quite a laugh from our friends and family. As I stood at the front I was sure to look around and savor the flowers and moments of this special day, as they were so quickly passing by. It was a beautiful ceremony and we could not have been happier.

At our reception we had an open mic for everyone to share bits or advice or memories of us and we treasure that in our hearts. My dad made the favors, chocolate chip cookies, with his "secret ingredient," my mom made the ivy topiary center pieces and we cut our cake with the same knife my parents used to cut their wedding cake. After a time of worship we were off to our honey moon in Grand Cayman.




It has been almost 11 years since we said I Do--4 children later, 1 lost baby, family discord, a year of fighting and not understanding, dishes in the sink, struggles to communicate, financial hardship, an unknown future I'd still pick you. I'd still pick you until death do us part because I love you, God purposed it in my heart, I said I would, 4 children later, trips to Grand Cayman, tea with honey, games, Food Network, the Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, working out, hiking, walks, bike rides, thunderstorms, your protection and your loyal heart. Thanks sweetie, it will always be worth it "until death do us part."

Sunday Afternoon--Crystal Falls

We had a wonderful Sunday Afternoon hiking at crystal Falls. The Crystal Falls trailhead is located in the back of the Bay View campground just past Emerald Bay. I am not sure of the hike mileage but it is short enough for our 3 year old Kensley to hike both directions with very little complaining of "I'm tired." Beware that the trail is not a smooth meandering path but rather rockie with lots of up and down stepping.





E on top of the world.




K in a mini crawl threw/cave.


It is hard to see them but E and A did a little rock climbing, they are at the top of the photo.


E and A thinking of testing the waters so more--they both had fallen in already.



B cozy in the backpack.





B loves grapes.


J and B with Crystal Lake in the background.


The children in front of views of Crystal Lake and Tahoe in the back. Don't they look like hikers, backpacks, dirt and all.




E and A do a bit more rock climbing.


And to top it all off, Papa and Nana were along for the ride.

Completing Him Summer Challenge #1

I am going to participate in the Completing Him Summer Challenge hosted by the blog Women Living Well. It is a challenge anyone can participate in whether you have a blog or not. I would love to see all of your thoughts, photos or stories on Facebook as well. So join in and invest in your marriage this summer.

This is my first post and it is our "how it all began" story.

Jay and I met in the Summer of 1998 at Calvary Chapel of Truckee. One June evening a friend and I went to the movies and on the way home I asked her about Jay. I had seen him at church many times and he seemed to be the only eligible bachelor around. He seemed stable, good job, he had a house, was handsome and loved the Lord. The following Sunday I was introduced to him 2 times by 2 different people. After that Jay started coming to the young adult bible study I was having at my house. We could talk about anything and he often brought a cake or blonde brownies to share with the group. The summer went by and we did group activities and went mountain biking a few times. On one of the rides no one else came so it was just he and I. We got lost and got stuck in a horrible rain storm. When we got back to my apartment we were soak and full of mud. I lent him some dry clothes and we had dinner. The next week I am was sitting in church and in walks Jay wearing my clothes again--STRANGE. He still says he wore them because they weren't dirty yet. A few week later over Chi tea He asked so "what do you say when people ask what is going on with us?" I said I don't know what do you say?" I think " I like you a lot" was the response.



One of our first dates was to Safeway to buy boneless skinless chicken breasts. He saw they were on sale and picked me up to go buy me some in exchange for the full bottle of ketchup in my cupboard. I know such romance.

Another date was to Dairy Queen 2 minutes before they closed.

After 2 weeks I knew we were going to get married so 3 months later, in December we got engaged--now that is a story, but maybe next week.



It is strange to look at old pictures--Jay had what I friendly call "helmet" hair and I just had a lot more of it than I do after babies

From My Reader--projects for dads and children to enjoy

I have been wanting a set of tree blocks for the children since last fall and today I found this fun blog that tells you how to do it yourself plus more. Check it out.

Tree Blocks

Tree Tea Set


Tree Snake

Sunday Afternoon

We went bike riding on the Legacy Trail yesterday afternoon. As we rode along the path and played in the park it was amazing to see the amount of people who have been itching to get out into the great outdoors, ourselves included.


The Truckee River


Garbarino Gang--B is in the picture, he is in the pink bike helmet right behind E. Yes, we know B is a boy and in a pink helmet, the good news is he has grown out of the pink protector and a friend has offered me a new helmet that is not pink. (Thanks Miss. Peggy)



B is 20 months old.



K is 3 1/2 years old.



A is 6 years old.



J and K--so good looking.



E is 7 1/2 years old.



J taking this picture while riding a bike with a tot strapped to the back.



Bike riding is one of A's favorite things to do and this trip was his request.



B in his tot seat.



E happy to be on the bike path and always riding as fast as she can.

Charlotte Mason & What To Eat

I have recently started using our blog as a place to archive not just our homeschooling and family activities but also crafts, decorating ideas and now, things I want to go back and read. Charlotte Mason was an English lady living in the late 1800's who changed the face of home education for many families and her writings continue to impact and form our home education. So, when I found a blog summarizing her infamously difficult to read writings I was excited. I hope to return to Dewey's Treehouse throughout the summer for a good read in preparation for next year's lessons.

Another summer read for me will be this wonderful compilation of nutrition posts by Steve Edwards from The Straight Dope. Steve Edwards has done a lot of consulting with Beach Body on their nutrition products and is very informed on good eating and great exercising.

Enjoy!

From My Notebook--Early May

We just recently re-titled our blog but I thought of another new name this morning--What Do You Do All Day? So here is a look at some thoughts and activities that have been engaging me.

AROUND THE HOUSE: I had heard of the Fly Lady many years ago and had briefly perused her website but it didn't really all come together for me until I checked out her book--Kitchen Sink Reflections at the Library. The book really explained it all; in a nutshell the Fly Lady has created a home cleaning system to keep your home in order on a regular basis so the dreaded Spring cleaning is never needed again. Our house is typically clean and tidy but it was the deeper cleaning and regularly needed things that were getting under my skin. I did not ever want to allow 2 or more years to go by before I dusted the nooks and crannies or wiped down the cabinet fronts. Nor did I want to keep feeling that large hurdle I had to jump every time I decided the bathrooms needed to be cleaned or the sheets needed to be changed. So I have now decluttered our house (even after that process I still fill that "to much stuff" feeling) and have completed 1 and 1/2 rotations of cleaning in zones. It is a bit of work to get going but so worth knowing every area of the home is being tended to. If you desire a cleaner, tidier home then read the book but take her system and make it your own.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I think reading it what helps me stay relaxed and balanced, it can be a momentary step from reality, a way to process feelings or even educate myself. I currently am reading Cold Climate Gardening by Lewis Hill. This book was recommended by our local nursery several years ago and I have finally gotten to reading it, thanks to our library. Mr. Hill offers some great suggestions for soil preparation and extending our growing season. I am interested to test some of his ideas in our garden, I only wish I had read his book last fall. Did you know it is better to manure/fertilize the garden in the fall so through the winter the goodness can soak in and be at hand when the plants need it in the spring?

IN THE LEARNING LOFT: We are finishing up our school year with a look at South America. This morning I read the story of Jim Elliot to the children. We will also be looking at Brazil and Peru. I am pleased with how the year has gone--E has finished her spelling lessons, "A" is almost done with his copy book and can do simple addition with ease. "A" is learning to read, at his own request, and E has started her first real chapter book-- Encyclopedia Brown Takes The Cake. I am starting to ponder next years lessons and units.

THOUGHTS I AM PONDERING: I have been thinking a lot about our family and its education, focusing on homeschooling versus home discipling. I have been thinking about what I really want our children to remember about being home--reading good books, baking & cooking, nature walks, games, good conversation and our Lord Jesus. I have been thinking about how to adjust our routine so that hearts and relationships are number one, not my lesson plans. I am not sure what to do with all these thoughts but I know the Lord is giving birth to them and will bring his thoughts into completion.

IN THE YARD: The daffodils are in full bloom and I am expectantly waiting to see tulips. I have gotten to a little bit of yard clean up and it is all waiting for a decent burn day. The little ladies and I have started seeds and have purchased more to put in the ground. I long to start a new flower bed that I can look upon from our kitchen sink window, so some seeds and plant splitting will be in order.

QUIET TIME PONDERINGS: I have been reading through the bible since July of 2008 stopping here or there when needed and I am currently focusing on the 23rd Psalm. So many times we think of this Psalm as the "death" or "funeral" Psalm but don't overlook it, it offers so much encouragement to us, the living. The Lord is our shepherd and he provides us rest. God provides not just time away for rest but he provides rest in the midst of our day to day tasks of lessons, meals, diapers, cleaning and trials. There is so much I could share about this psalm but the verses that speak to me the most are 1 & 2 because it speaks of the rest that the Lord wants to give us if only we will let him lead. Remember, HIS burden is easy and HIS yoke is light, not the one we chose to strap on or carry but HIS. I also like verse 6 " Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," Did you know this verse is actually saying goodness and mercy will PURSUE/CHASE us all the days of our lives? God is chasing us with his goodness and mercy. Why don't we just let him catch us? His life not mine.

IN THE KITCHEN: I just roasted up a bunch of nuts and seeds to make trail mix for snacks. I have been trying a lot of new recipes but this week will be a use what needs to be used meal plan--chicken fajitas, chicken breast with cilantro lime vinegarette and orzo with red beans.

I WISH: I wish we had a new camera, it is really hard to blog and capture memories without one, maybe this week.

PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK: co-op, South America, zone work in the children's rooms, Cold Climate Gardening, making up some K/pre-K activities, a visit from grandma so possibly a date with the daddy.

Sorry, this is all words and no photos but ya know, no camera.

Happy Spring!

From My Reader--Mommy craft

It amazes me how creative some people can be, I wish I had the same time, energy & supplies. I hope to experiment with some of these ideas this summer and possibly endeavor to use our unreliable sewing machine. At any rate it is fun to know these cute projects are out there waiting and the next time I need to embellish something or create a gift I have ideas. Enjoy!

A cute headband that I cannot wait to make for the little ladies and am I to old for one?

An oh so cute fabric flower topiary. I think I might try this on a lampshade.

I have seen so many different types of garlands and banners in blogland but this one seemed very unique using the ever popular burlap. I don't know that I will ever accomplish this one but it is a neat idea.

Spring Pennant