Charlotte Mason and Workboxes!

The Charlotte Mason method and Sue Patrick’s Workbox System are a good mix. Here is how we have made the workbox system tie in with the Charlotte Mason Method.

Using Living Books

Charlotte Mason wanted children to use living books and deal with books directly. Using workboxes has meant that I now have a good system for organising the reading schedule in a clear and concise way..

Short Lessons

Charlotte Mason encourages short lessons. As you prepare your workboxes you decide on the duration. I have found short lessons to be very effective in getting homeschooling done. The emphasis is on concentration on the topic and getting the work done well. A focused lesson of 10 to 20 minutes per subject for 5-9 year olds and slightly longer for the older ones is adequate.

"A Natural Reward.––What is the natural consequence of work well and quickly done? Is it not the enjoyment of ampler leisure? The boy is expected to do two right sums in twenty minutes: he does them in ten minutes; the remaining ten minutes are his own, fairly earned, in which he should be free for a scamper in the garden, or any delight he chooses. His writing task is to produce six perfect m's: he writes six lines with only one good m in each line, the time for the writing lesson is over and he has none for himself; or, he is able to point out six good m's in his first line, and he has the rest of the time to draw steamboats and railway trains. This possibility of letting the children occupy themselves variously in the few minutes they may gain at the end of each lesson, is compensation which the home schoolroom offers for the zest which the sympathy of numbers, and emulation, are supposed to give to schoolwork."Charlotte Mason

Offer Variety in Lessons

I order the lessons to encourage concentration and give variety. Giving children a variety of lessons helps them stay interested and focused.

The teacher should have some knowledge of the principles of education; should know what subjects are best fitted for the child considering his age, and how to make these subjects attractive; should know, too, how to vary the lessons, so that each power of the child's mind should rest after effort, and some other power be called into play.”Charlotte Mason

Setting Up Good Habits

We have lost sight of the fact that habit is to life what rails are to transport cars. It follows that lines of habit must be laid down towards given ends and after careful survey, or the joltings and delays of life become insupportable.

Using workboxes establishes a good educational habit that teaches independence.

The benefits of using workboxes include:

• Happy Children—children see their work disappear and can see what they have accomplished.


• Happy Mother—the day runs a lot more smoothly and children get more work done.


• Adaptable—this system works with most curriculums, learning styles and educational methods.


• Simple—the book is a quick read and then you can begin planning.


• Plan Ahead—helps you stay organised as you prepare lessons for the next school day.


• Common Sense—boxes are filled with activities that make sense to the child. They can see what they have to do they don’t have to interpret a checklist and then find the resource.


• It’s all there-no more rushing around looking for resources. It’s already collected.


• Clear Goals—each student knows what they are to do and when they are finished.


• Realistic Expectations—it encourages mother to set work that they know a child can achieve.


• Fosters Independence—children understand what activities they are expected to do alone and what they can get help with.  You can also set up boxes for days when you need others to supervise.


• Do More—This system shows you how to use all those  educational resources you have but haven’t worked out how to put them into your day.

Sue Patrick’s Workbox System can be purchased through Currclick.

Blogging About Workboxes and Lesson Baskets