A couple years ago, I started using binders to organize weekly lessons and the related handouts for that week. Before binders, I kept their assignment handouts in plastic banker boxes - in hanging file folders - and just pulled out what they needed that day. Obviously that was before multiple kids were being homeschooled!
The binders usually last two years per child. They are used daily ... sometimes I can re-use binders from my husband, but I have come to prefer the D-ring binders that are 1.5 - 2 inches wide. I also make sure they are the 'view' binders with a front and back pocket on the outside of the binder.
Each child decorates his/her own cover page with crayons, colored pencils or markers. This has become an annual tradition and it's special art that I've kept each year. The back page is for sticker recognition. If they've done something particulary well or if there is something that needs a little more work, I choose an appropriate sticker and write a positive affirmation or encouragement. (I do keep sticker distribution equal because the kids keep track ... the point is not to play favorites, but to provide encouragement).
This year, I created cover pages with a black & white photo of each child on the front (examples using their blog names are shown above). Of course, the artwork will come later - after I've changed the names back!
How I use the binders:
1. The first section includes: weekly syllabus, binder contents page, prayer list, virtues list (as it pertains to their age), Reading Record, Ht. and Wt. charts, and Extracurricular Activities Info.
2. The second section is pocket dividers for the following subjects: Math (this is where I keep all the reference pages ... formulas, definitions, etc.) & Science, Poetry & Art, Editing and Spelling, Latin (drill sheets and tests), Phonics, Religion, Music, History, and Geography.
3. The kids have separate binders/notebooks/workbooks for these subjects: Math, Piano Study, Latin, Student Intensive Continuation Course - Level A (Writing and Composition from the Institute for Excellence in Writing), Health, Poetry/Bible/Ten Commandments/Saint/Fables Books (for narration and illustration), and Handwriting.
4. At week's end, each child's corrected assignments & papers are stored in a labeled hanging file folder; old lesson plan are recycled (my hubbie prints on both sides of every sheet of paper!); and the binder is replenished with a new syllabus and handouts for the coming week.
I am LOVING the binder idea, and I'm planning to start something similar for Espen and Baz this year. Thanks for the details, those are very helpful! I would love to hear about how you plan for your year, as I'm still so new to that. I had a fun night or two of brainstorming, and I started with just praying for hem (thanks be to God for reminding me to do that!) and then assessing where I felt their skills and gifts were, before I skipped over to where I would like to see them develop further in virtue and intellect. I think I may post about that this week, and just see what other feedback is out there. I have really appreciated your thoughtful comments on my recent posts, Suzie! Though we don't see each other IRL (in real life) as often, it is fun to 'get to know you' via your blog and comments! Thanks, friend! God bless your day!
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