Transform Your Homeschool with the Workbox System: A Lifesaver for Busy or Working Moms

Let’s be real: being a homeschool mom who also works (whether from home or outside of it) can be overwhelming! We have so many spinning plates, and I love any tips or ideas that help me (and my kids) stay on task and organized. I stumbled upon “the workbox system” by Sue Patrick as I was scouring homeschool blogs during the ancient civilizations of the internet 15 years ago. I was very pregnant and was brainstorming how to keep my 1st grade homeschooler on task and busy during the times I would be exhausted or occupied with our new baby. 

What is the Homeschool Workbox System?

The Workbox System is simply an organization tool, a hands-on way to organize your child’s schoolwork into bite-sized, manageable tasks. Each subject or activity is placed in its own dedicated box or folder, which your child completes one at a time. It’s really a simple concept, but very effective, especially for working moms, or even moms that are homeschooling multiple kids and need help moving their child towards more independence in their schoolwork.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits of the system, how it works, and some tips for getting started. 

Why the Workbox System Works for Working Moms

Whether you’re in back-to-back Zoom meetings or commuting to the office a couple of days per week, having a clear, structured plan for your kids’ homeschool day is essential. Here’s why the Workbox System is perfect for working (or just busy!) moms:

1. It Promotes Independence

The Workbox System empowers kids to take ownership of their learning. Each box is clearly labeled with what they need to do, so there’s no constant “Mom, what’s next?” or “Where’s my math book?” Even younger kids quickly grasp the concept of moving from one box to the next.

On days when I’m working from home, this means I can focus on my tasks while my kids work independently. When I’m out of the house, I know they have a clear path to follow. And since I’ve prepped everything ahead of time, there is a plan for the day without any confusion.

2. Keeps Things Organized

If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes searching for a missing worksheet, waiting for the printer to turn on, or hunting down a mechanical pencil that actually has lead in it, you’ll appreciate the beauty of having everything neatly organized in one place. Each box contains all the materials needed for that subject or activity—worksheets, manipulatives, flashcards, books, etc.

Because everything they need for a particular activity is in the box, there is no more scrambling to piece things together at the last minute.

3. Flexibility to Fit Any Schedule

One of my favorite aspects of the Workbox System is its adaptability. Whether I’m home all day or away for meetings, the system runs smoothly. On lighter workdays, I can sit alongside my kids and check in as they move through their boxes. On busier days, I’ll make sure to go over with them what is in their boxes before I leave for work, or if they are comfortable with the system, I can check in with them in the afternoon when I return and we can go over what they have done, as well as do any items that they needd me for. 

It also accommodates different learning paces. You can prepare the boxes to be task-oriented, or time-orientated. For example, you might have 1 chapter of science reading followed by answering the questions in a science notebook, OR you might have a card with instructions that says, “read your science book for 20 minutes, then write in your science notebook for 10 minutes on what you learned and what stood out to you.”

How to Set Up Your Workbox System

Getting started with the Workbox System is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hit the ground running:

1. Choose Your Setup

Sue Patrick’s original system uses plastic drawers or boxes arranged on a shelf, but you can adapt it to whatever works best for your space. Some moms use hanging file folders, baskets, or even plastic bins from the dollar store. The key is to have a dedicated space for each subject or task.

For us, a 10-drawer cart on wheels has been a lifesaver. (There are now so many aesthetic options if it’s going in your living room or cute homeschool room) It’s compact, easy to move, and keeps everything within reach.

2. Label the Boxes

Each box can be clearly labeled with a number or subject (e.g., “Box 1: Math,” “Box 2: Reading”). You can use stickers, dry-erase labels, or even printable cards with Velcro for easy swapping.

The idea is to be able to visually see that the box is “done” or “complete” for the day. So maybe if you are using dry erase, then the child wipes off that task when they complete it. Or many people use velcro numbers and remove the numbers on the boxes when that task is complete.

If labeling isn’t your thing, don’t worry—you can still make the Workbox System work without it. Instead of using numbers or subject labels, focus on creating a consistent order or flow that your kids can easily follow. For instance, you might arrange the boxes from top to bottom or left to right, with your child simply working through them in that sequence. (I don’t currently have my son’s workboxes labeled, he just works from top to bottom of the drawers)

To help them track their progress, consider using a simple checklist or visual schedule on the side. They can check off each task as they go or move a marker (like a clothespin or sticky note) down the list. It’s a great way for them to see how far they’ve come, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment as they work through their day.

3. Fill the Boxes

Every evening, I fill each box with the next day’s assignments and materials. I aim for a mix of independent work and hands-on activities to keep things engaging.

For example:

• Box 1: Math worksheet, pencil, and a small snack (because math can be hungry work, am I right?).
• Box 2: Reading book and comprehension questions.
• Box 3: Science experiment materials with simple instructions.
• Box 4: Creative activity, like drawing or building with LEGOs.

I also try to include one “fun” box with a game, puzzle, or craft as a little motivation boost.

Tips for Homeschool Success with Workboxes

• Start Small: If the thought of organizing 10 boxes feels overwhelming, start with 3-4 and build from there. The goal is to create a rhythm that works for your family, not perfection.
• Incorporate Breaks: Encourage your kids to take a break after every few boxes. This helps prevent burnout and keeps their minds fresh.
• Stay Flexible: Life happens, and some days you won’t get through every box. That’s okay! The system is there to serve you, not the other way around.

Workbox Fill Ideas by Age Group

There are really so many options of what you can fill the boxes up with, and it is such a fun, organized way to structure your homeschool day. Here are some ideas, but definitely get creative and add your own child’s favorite things!

Kindergarten – 3rd Grade Ideas

• Math worksheet with manipulatives (counters, cubes)
• Simple addition or subtraction flashcards
• Phonics or letter recognition activity
• Sight word bingo or matching game
• Handwriting practice sheet (letters, words, or sentences)
• Small puzzle (10-20 pieces)
• Coloring page or simple art project (stickers, stamps)
• Read-aloud book with questions or picture comprehension
• Playdough with letter or number mats
• Practice cutting with safety scissors (simple shapes)
• Science observation: “Draw what you see outside today”
• Simple science experiment with instructions (e.g., sink/float)
• Nature scavenger hunt (list in box, find items outside)
• Break: “Play outside for 30 minutes” card
• Break: “Snack time!” card (include a pre-packaged snack)
• Break: “Dance party! Choose a song and dance for 10 minutes”
• Counting coins and sorting into categories
• Memory or matching card game
• Simple board game (e.g., Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders)
• Build with LEGOs or blocks (include challenge card: “Build a bridge”)
• Fine motor activity: Bead stringing or threading laces through cards
• Bible storybook with a coloring or journaling prompt
• Life skills task: “Fold a small basket of laundry”
• Listening activity: “Listen to this audiobook and draw a picture of what you heard”
• Fill-in-the-blank sentence writing (“The dog is ___.”)
• Simple addition/subtraction game (like a roll-the-dice challenge)
• Animal fact card with a drawing prompt (“Draw the animal and its habitat”)
• Break: “Watch a short educational video”
• Break: “Stretching time: Do 5 stretches or yoga poses”

4th – 6th Grade Ideas

• Math worksheet (multiplication/division practice)
• Long division or fractions flashcards
• Word search or crossword puzzle (themed to science, history, or vocab)
• Grammar worksheet or editing practice
• Short reading passage with comprehension questions
• Independent reading book with response journal (“Write about your favorite part”)
• Science experiment instructions with a journal to record results
• Creative writing prompt (“Write a story about a time machine”)
• History timeline activity (cut and paste or fill in blanks)
• Geography worksheet (map labeling or countries quiz)
• Break: “Play outside for 30 minutes” card
• Break: “Snack time!” card (include a granola bar or fruit)
• Break: “Listen to 2 songs you love and write about how they make you feel”
• Strategy board game (e.g., Chess, Ticket to Ride)
• Build a structure challenge with LEGOs or STEM kit (e.g., “Build a skyscraper”)
• Science research project: “Look up 3 facts about planets and write them down”
• Bible passage reading with reflection questions
• Typing practice website or app instructions
• Vocabulary matching game or flashcards
• Art project: “Draw your dream house” or “Create a comic strip”
• Poetry writing: “Write a haiku about nature”
• Break: “Write a letter to a family member or friend”
• Play a multiplication or fractions card game
• Life skills task: “Plan a simple meal (write it out and list ingredients)”
• Research activity: “Find out 3 interesting facts about an inventor”
• Listening activity: “Listen to a podcast episode and jot down 3 key points”
• Create a timeline of your day (time management practice)
• Break: “Watch an educational YouTube video”
• Break: “Journal: Write about something that made you laugh this week”

Workboxes are a great option for working & busy moms

Sue Patrick’s Workbox System has been a blessing in our homeschool, especially as a working mom. It keeps our days structured and productive, no matter where I’m working from. More importantly, it has helped my kids grow in confidence and independence, which is a win-win for all of us.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to balance work and homeschool, give the Workbox System a try. It might just be the tool that brings order—and peace—to your days.

And remember, mama, you’re doing an incredible job. You’ve got this! 💛