Homeschool Organization

[@vanessarongstad8576]

Me I will convince you to take apart your video manual or rather Liz. I follow Liz at Simply home school and this upcoming year will be my first year doing it. I’ve already prepped all the curriculum for 3 kids grade5 and 2 grade 6. We haven’t started the year with my video manual Oates torn out yet but I can already tell it’s the best thing I’ve done. Tore out all the pages from the video manuals put them in sheet protectors and put them in a 1 1/2 inch binder. I took the pages from the appendix in the video manual and put them in a separate 1 inch binder with each sheet and a sheet protector. It seems like it would be daunting, but it wasn’t too bad. It went really fast with the video manuals. It’s so much easier to find the pace. You need in the video manual when it’s in a binder.

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

I love love love thus crate system! I implemented in our homeschool last year and it has been such a blessing. And yes I did rip apart a teacher's manual. it was the OPGTR :| I didn't really want to but, we'll let me go back a little. First of all I went and had it spiral bound, because it was big and hard to stay open. Well that wasn't enough for my boys they were so intimated by this big huge thick book and would throw their little heads back every time I pulled it out; so if course we just stopped using it for a while and did HOP. After a while of that I really wanted HOP to be for review. So I started Looping the two. But still the book too big! So I bit the bullet and took it a part and placed each page in a sheet pertector and a really big binder! Yes I know it's bigger, but I just pull out what we need for that day and I can or the boys can use dry erase markers as they read yay! And no more big, intimidating, heavy book! Thanks for sharing! I know you will love the crate system, it's supper awesome and worth every penny and time it's take to make! God Bless! Ps I saw Wal-mart and Target putting out school supplies last week before the 4th of July!

[@MeganPhillips]

OPGTR is a huge book! I can see where that would be overwhelming! I put little sticky notes in mine as an incentive so he could see the notes getting closer and closer. :) I had mine spiral bound as well... it would have driven me nuts otherwise! My Walmart was clearing the shelves when I was there last week so school supplies are next! :)

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

YES! I forgot to mention I did the sticky notes too! But it's nice to know it covers everything and they will be truly well skilled in reading. Do you use any particular readers alongside OPGTR. That seem to have been the biggest struggle for us, because every reader begins has sight words and long vowels right at the beginning. I use bob books and now I'm reading, and the Sing spell read and write readers. But still they don't match up as much as I'd like. So I keep jumping from one set of readers to another. One thing I have been doing is have them read the same bob book 4 days in a row to help with fluency.

[@MeganPhillips]

I'm struggling with that too! We started with BOB books, but they move so slow and OPGTR moves so fast. He also does Explode the Code, which has finally caught up so they are about the same level. (He is on book 7 in ETC and lesson 160 in OPGTR just to give you an idea.) I think we're just going to finish out OPGTR and then more into reading out loud. I have a reading journal I'm planning to use, but not a set curriculum. I think... :)

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

+Megan Phillips Good to know! my 7 1/2 doesn't like workbooks so I never looked into ETC. I wasn't ever tought phonics myself and reading isn't my strong subject; so it very hard for me to tell what level he's at. but he is also a very shy outside kind of boy and doesn't like to sit, write, color, or draw. my bet is he can read much better than I think. he just doesn't want me to know. He's on lesson 102, but as we read things I try my best to tell him the phonics rules of new words. I was thinking the same thing about just finish OPGTR and then do reading aloud. Mostly I have no idea what I'm doing just trying anything I can to help them learn and love to read. Well good luck to both of us on finding what works. I'm sure within the next couple of years I will be thinking why was I even concerned what books he should be reading. Thanks for the tips!

[@kristiclover]

I'm so happy you like my crate system. :) This system is by far my favorite system! :) It took me several years to perfect it. It has helped so many people get their homeschool craziness under control. :) Usually I don't do the teacher's manuals, but sounds like you made it work. :) That's great. After years of using this system, I now get excited for by tear apart days.

[@Mtripp27]

We used this at the end of last year. It worked out really well for us. It also helps foster independents. I am spending my summer planning out the entire next year on an online planner. (Very easy to move if needed.) I plan on just printing out the to do list each week and putting it in the folder. I am also prepping all the work ahead of time and putting them in the folders. It is a lot of work, but I am hoping it helps the year go smoothly when I am in the thick of homeschooling. :)

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

Yes, I agree with the printing out the to do list the each week as I do that also. I have in the past written it out by hand and it's takes up time. so I too do it on the computer!

[@kristiclover]

So glad you liked it. :) It's my favorite system. It's so fun to see that someone did a video on my crate. A lot of people have taken pictures of their crates and put them on Facebook and Instagram using the #CloverCrate hashtag. It's so cool to see the power of social media. :)

[@nataliehaines1311]

I just set up the same type of system for my three kids. And yes, each kid has a color that is theirs for life, haha! This will be my first time using the file system so I hope it works well!

[@cindylacy4361]

Omg I love this idea! I'm probably going to steal it when I start kindergarten with my son next year

[@Amadison1012]

Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to see your review on the crate system. We are starting the workbox system this year. I wish I would've heard of the crate system before investing in the work boxes to save space and time.

[@MeganPhillips]

I could never get my head around the work box system. I know I'm WAY to lazy to change out boxes every night! I'm great at being super organized at the beginning of the year, so I figured this is the best way to utilize my enthusiasm. Hopefully I'm right! :)

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

+Megan Phillips Amen to that! I tried the workbox system before knowing about the crate system and it was just to much to keep up with!

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

I did this type of planning this school year, and I will NOT be doing it again. It was way to rigid, and I ended up having to dismantle it completely at the end. I’ve been homeschooling 10 years. What I’m finding works best for us is to have a subject folder for each subject per child, for all the materials, and then a detailed out line of the order I want to complete tasks for each subject. Then I can sit on Sunday, look at what’s on the calendar for the week, and using the outlines plan the week.

[@MeganPhillips]

Still Waters Farm I'm actually not planning to use it next year either. We've switched curriculum almost entirely, and our new stuff isn't conducive to being planned out like this. I'm still doing my Year at a Glance as a rough outline, but I'm not splitting it out by week. Funny how things change! 😊

[@zealbell7817]

So are you saying you have a subject folder for each subject and the lesson worksheets for the week are in each folder?????? Do you have work planned out for 1 week in each subject or do you have the work planned out for months....

[@chelsreellife786]

Thanks for posting! I am considering the crate system, so this video helps in the decision making process! :-)

[@homeschoolassistant2868]

Great filing system for homeschool.

[@jessicaschrall4153]

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that you covered your son's name at the beginning, but not in the Daily planning book. Love the Ideas!!

[@TopChoiceTravel]

I just love the weekly lesson filing! Thanks for your Spirit of Excellence that is so import to me. Can you email me the pdf for the week labs? Again thanks for this video🌹✨🌟

[@jessicablack2097]

A tip to use your leftover reg colored folders is to make lap books :)

[@drxl34]

This is interesting to me because I plan pretty much organizing the opposite of what you are doing. I don't want to make a "school year" or organize by weeks. I will have the curriculum for what "grade" my son is in and once he is finished he will be on the next grade. Whether that takes 6 months or 18 months. Obviously I will have some goals but I will be using the ACE system so it's easy to judge how quickly a PACE will take him. What happens if/when your kids work through the material too quickly or too slowly?

[@MeganPhillips]

I guess I feel like I know them enough to determine how fast I think they'll go. I pushed my son a lot as a Kinder and 1st grader, almost too much. Now with adding my daughter and having a 2 year old and a newborn, I'm pulling back a little bit. I need some flexibility in my day, but some structure in my year. :) If there was a massive change, I would have to adjust my folders, but so far it's been OK. I do chat with my oldest a lot about what he wants his pacing to be. He decided on his own this year that he doesn't want any breaks for spelling because he wasn't to move on to Level 3 as soon as he can because he feels like his spelling ability is behind his reading ability. Ok, kid, whatever you want! :)

[@dorisampofowah4298]

Great ideas thanks for sharing and is very helpful!!

[@PepperandPine]

I like your year at a glance. Do you have it available for us to see close up or to download? Your organization rocks!! I gleaned so much :) -Hana

[@MeganPhillips]

I was just thinking about posting my year at a glance! I'll let you know when I get it on my website!

[@MeganPhillips]

Ok, I figured I better post it before I head down to work on lessons for tomorrow! :) Here's a link so you can see it in PDF format. I created the original version in Excel. I'm glad my video was helpful! homeschool101.wordpress.com/printables/

[@PepperandPine]

Excellent! Just took a closer look at it. I think this is going to help me as I plan this year. Thanks for adding it to your website.

[@jljsherrod02]

+Megan Phillips Thank you so much for posting those pages! I'm going to try and work on a basic year plan for all 3 kiddos, and then a slightly more detailed 6 months at a time plan for my oldest son.

[@PepperandPine]

I'm doing the same thing but finding it challenging as I have never had to plan the entire year from the start. Still working through it!

[@craftybeeshomestead1050]

I love that check list!

[@MommyKat2004]

Love the video thank you. Oh Oh Oh "....they picked their favorite colors and they can never change them...". When my girls were young. It was soooo easy. Pink and purple everything..... Now as preteens, they change their favorite colors all the time.. NOOOOOO I can't organize with changed colors lol.

[@MeganPhillips]

Mommie Kat Haha! My 6 year old changes her favorite color in a weekly basis. 😜 I just told her that her school stuff stays purple! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@stampekfamily8327]

Hi Megan, What bible homeschool curriculum are you using? I LOVE how you have it all planned out with God's Creation, Egypt and the Exodus, Adam and Eve, The Fall, etc. Did you organize the entire curriculum yourself? Or get it from someplace? I'd love to have that for my soon to be homeschooled daughter. But I need BIble studies like that! Don't know where to look... as there is soooo much! But yours looks simple and to the point! lol. Please let me know! Thanks!

[@MeganPhillips]

Hi! The Bible curriculum that you see in this video is Grapevine Studies. We've done the entire Old Testament with them and my kids really enjoy them. We've also enjoyed the Picture Smart Bible. This year we are using a book called The Ology. It's not actual curriculum, but we read a section each day and discuss. It's laid back, but it's an amazing book!

[@stampekfamily8327]

@@MeganPhillips oh wow! Thank you soooo very much! I've been trying to search and search for some good edifying teachings for kids! This is sooo helpful! I'm so grateful for you! I will certainly look into all that you mentioned! Thanks agian! And God Bless you and all of your little ones!

[@evelynsaravia1212]

Hello ! I love your system, this will be my first year on homeschooling!!!!, tying to cope as much i can , i love the weekly check list for your son, did you created? or where i can get it,?: would love for my daughter to have something similar !!! thank you for your help,

[@MeganPhillips]

Hi! You can find the Weekly Checklist on my blog. It's editable to fit your needs. homeschool101.wordpress.com/printables/

[@TheAgapeHouse]

We use the crate system as well and we love it! I posted a video myself about this as well so great minds think alike lol. When will y'all have your first day of school? We just started back on Tuesday :).

[@MeganPhillips]

We started on Monday! Great minds must really think alike!

[@TheAgapeHouse]

That's hilarious! Once again great minds lol. I'll be subscribing so I can see if we are even more alike lol.

[@MeganPhillips]

The Agape House Too funny! Thanks for subscribing, I hope you'll find something helpful!

[@TheAgapeHouse]

Thank you! :) I'm sure I will.

[@WhileTheyWereNapping]

this crate system is awesome! can you link it in the description? thank you 😀💕

[@KeeperofHome]

Great idea!

[@KidsFunScience]

Thanks

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Nice job honey :)

[@amerasmith]

What do you do when a lesson ends on the back of a previous weeks work? For example; if lesson 6 was on the backside of lesson 5, would you make a photo copy of the page? Thanks!

[@MeganPhillips]

Great question! I think you can do it either way... make a photo copy and have it in the right folder, or put a note on it to file it into the next week instead of wherever you put completed work.

[@mmhillard81]

I have a question I may have missed you explain it....when I imagine ripping out pages, I worry because I don't have worksheets that are single sheet. Mondays worksheet may have last Friday's on the backside and I'd have to dig it out of the completed basket. How do you handle those thing? Or making sure kids turn sheets correctly (p.53 and 54) together instead of mixing up (p.53 and 58). How do you keep that stuff straight?

[@MeganPhillips]

When I lay out my yearly schedule, I usually have my books with me so I can make sure that a front and back of a page end up on the same day, just to avoid exactly what you mentioned about having to save it or find it again. When we get ready for our week, I divide up each kids work into 4 folders so they grab their Day 1 folder and do all of the work in it. That helps me make sure they are getting the right pages on the right days. Hopefully (in my newborn mama brain) that makes sense... let me know if you have other questions! :)

[@SamCole]

Where did you get your crate? I am thinking of doing this crate system this year? Does it fits standard size hanging folders? Thanks

[@MeganPhillips]

Walmart! They have a bunch of cool colors right now for less than $4! I ordered my hanging file folders and colored folders from Amazon.

[@sohappytogether88]

2:30 is was I was looking for!!!!! Thanks. The whole video great too

[@MeganPhillips]

I'm so glad it was helpful for you!

[@truthlover4585]

Do you still use this crate method (along with the weekly planner sheets) with The Good and Beautiful curriculum this year?

[@MeganPhillips]

Hi Tanisha! I don't use the crate system anymore. I LOVED it when I only had one school age kid and we were using a much more structured curriculum. Now that I have more than one school age kiddo, I've learned that life doesn't always go the way I planned! :) :) :) TGTB is much more time based and it would be difficult for me to determine how much my kids would get done each week. I'm A LOT less structured than I used to be! :) I do still use the Weekly Checklist sheets though. I updated them to be more of a check-off sheet than a full blown, fill-out-every-square-sheet.

[@truthlover4585]

Thanks for replying! I can understand the change and the reason. You’re posts( old or not) have given me direction and understanding. Thank You and blessings on your family 🙏

[@MeganPhillips]

@@truthlover4585 You are so welcome! I still recommend the Crate System to certain people depending on their season. :) I'm glad the videos have been helpful for you!

[@REALTOR-ALMA]

what do you do with all the done worksheets at the end of the year? throw them out or save them? and do you grade them?

[@MeganPhillips]

Hey! I missed your comment! I was just thinking about doing a video about that! I save a select few things, just to show progress. I'm not required by my state to show anything so I don't have to keep specific items. I don't grade anything, but that's because I sit with my only schooling kiddo and work on something until he's done... when I have multiple kiddos in school and working more independently I'm sure I'll have to do more checking. If I do a video about what I keep, I'll let you know!

[@jimmiewebb7785]

Can you share your spread sheet for week at a glance

[@MeganPhillips]

It's all over on my blog... homeschool101.wordpress.com/printables/

[@kellsiecobian5128]

Have the printables in pdf? I don't have excel.

[@kimlavoie4258]

Where did you get your year at a glance? I'd love to have the template if possible.

[@MeganPhillips]

Hi Kim! You can find the free editable download on my website! Thanks so much for watching! homeschool101.wordpress.com/printables/

[@carrieraymer33]

Do you still use the crate system with the Good and the Beautiful curriculum ?

[@MeganPhillips]

Hi Carrie! I don't use the crate system anymore. Ever since we switched to TGTB, I've dropped my hyper planning and am much more laid back. 😁 I've learned (through having 4 kids and building a house) that things don't usually go the way I planned anyway!

[@somerhouston7980]

I have to ask...what brand are the file folders? I can't for the life of me find any colored ones with a fixed position tab!

[@MeganPhillips]

Mine are Smead brand. They were way more than I really wanted to spend, but I only have to do it once for it to be right, so I just did it. :) www.amazon.com/Smead-Interior-Folder-Letter-10267/dp/B000FDPEQM/ref=sr_1_7?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1495925680&sr=1-7&keywords=colored%2Bfile%2Bfolders&th=1

[@trishschmidt8530]

Where can I get the green crate like you have there? I want that exact green.

[@MeganPhillips]

Trish Schmidt Oh man, I think I got it at Walmart, but I've had it for several years. You want mine? 😜

[@trishschmidt8530]

Yes I do! I'm serious. I've looked for that color and I haven't found it anywhere. I can be picky sometimes. They have newer crates, but the holes in them look hideous to me because they are weird with different sizes instead of uniform size and it looks bizarre to me.

[@MeganPhillips]

+Trish Schmidt Honestly, I'm not a fan of the green, it came from my former classroom. And I totally get being picky! If I can find a suitable replacement this weekend, we could probably work something out. It might cost you a bit to ship it to you, but if you really are serious, let me know! :)

[@trishschmidt8530]

Yes! Thank you! I have very light blue walls so it will color coordinate really well. Thank you! I would have not expected that! Thank you! :-)

[@MeganPhillips]

+Trish Schmidt Email me at meganphillips1123 at gmail dot com and we'll get the details worked out!

[@amiesanger5249]

Where did you get the color folders?

[@MeganPhillips]

Amazon. :) amzn.to/2MhT0gn You used to be able to see all of the color choices at once, but I'm not seeing that option now. You could just search the color you're looking for.

[@cloverclover7638]

Where did you get your green crate and color file folders?

[@MeganPhillips]

Clover Clover I'm pretty sure I got the file crate at Walmart. The hanging folders and colored folders were ordered from Amazon.

[@sarapickersgill8130]

Hi wherd can i get a crate system from

[@MeganPhillips]

I got my crate from Walmart. The colored file folders were from Amazon. I'll see if I can grab a link... amzn.to/2QMAkFX

[@thetruth3809]

Yea. He's gonna live with mommy forever.

[@rosiesrebornworld5572]

I home educate my three children.Follow our journey on facebook. facebook.com/LearningTogetherHomeEd/