I had stated previously that I did school with Rowan first. These boxes entertained Rose when she wanted attention. I have a box of play dough things, one of rubber stamps and ink, a cork board with a hammer and shapes, magic sand, a box a matchbox cars, and a caddy of crayons, scissors, glue, etc. I also have a basket of old magazines that has occupied children in making collages for hours. They also like these things. Another big hit with them is when I trace their bodies on the big rolls of white paper and let them decorate themselves.
Here are the kids list's of things they do on their own. I used to write out the exact directions for each category but it took forever. Now, they just know to do a line of handwriting, a chapter of Bible, the History assignments that are on the board, their math page for the day, the next poem in their poetry book, etc. This list is great to have because there are days I'm running behind, but they don't need to be because they can get started on their stuff. The art tab has 10 page protectors in it to hold their art projects. At the end of 12 weeks, or on some subjects, the end of the school year, I empty the divisions into their grade folder in the filing cabinet.
It's always fun to work towards something. One goal that we work toward is having an open class-room night at the end of our semester. Last year we had the grandparents over and gave them a taste of what we do in school. We started with the pledge of allegiance and a song. The kids recited poetry, Bible, history, and geography. Rowan pointed out his continents and oceans on the map. They dissected sentences. We had a spelling bee with grandparents included. The kids displayed their art work, etc. It was tons of fun and such a good reward for all their hard work! 
Thanks for this, Annie!
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