How to Organize ABeka Curriculum for Elementary Grades

Have you ever wondered how to manage all the paper the ABeka full-grade elementary curriculum creates AND stay current with grading?  I have used the ABeka full-grade elementary video home school program with 5 of my children and until this past year have always struggled to tame that paper monster, while staying current with grading!  As a home school mom of many, the need to be available to all the different ages, can sometimes cause delay in handling the paper end of all the book learning after it takes place.

For our family, we have chosen to use the full-grade video curriculum for K-2 due to the solid foundation in the core subjects that ABeka offers.  The phonics program provides a concrete method of teaching children to read well and the arithmetic really nails the basics of math, at an accelerated level.  The Bible lessons are filled with memorization work and the remaining subjects are equally challenging, engaging and provide a thorough framework of lessons.  The video curriculum has worked well for our family, as it provides CONSISTENCY, the teachers are forward moving with an enthusiasm for each subject and the accompanied workbooks and readers are vividly illustrated, keeping the younger children engaged.

My personal challenge has been to keep all those workbooks from becoming ever so tattered by the end of our year, managing the mass amount of paper from them and keeping up with the corrections on each child's work.  This year has been a winner!  Here's why...





BEFORE the curriculum arrived, I purchased a plastic file box with snap-on lid, hanging file pockets, manila file folders and Avery file folder labels.  I printed labels from 1 to 170 (one label for each lesson) and then attached them to each file folder on the tab.  I placed 3 file folders per hanging pocket.  {***Note:  If you are setting up this system for only one child, you can probably put 4-5 file folders per hanging pocket.}  There are so many options out there for free printable file folder templates, like these, these cute owl ones or these simple line border ones.

Printed labels on manila files in numerical order; 3 files per hanging file.

Once the files were all labeled, divided into each hanging pocket in numerical order, the video manual along with the teacher's keys and test books were placed inside the front of the file box.  Next, I created a monthly calendar, assigning the lessons to each day of school.  I tried to map out our year based on when I knew we would take breaks during the year, as well as any known field trips, activities and out-of-the home commitments.  I created these monthly calendars on

Schedule I created for Graham and Kailynn's lessons, taking into account days off, co-op classes and other events, to help keep us on track for the year.  I printed one month per page from September through June and slipped each page into a sheet protector, then placed in the front of the lesson file box.

When the books arrived at the beginning of the school year I sorted them by subject {I combined the teaching of two children since they are so close in age and abilities}, set of two workbooks and readers per subject.  This process took my entire dining table, so you know that's a lot of books!  One by one, I tore out every workbook page {EXCEPT for Bible Friends; Health, Safety and Manners; My America and My World; Community Helpers and Discovering God's World}.  Then taking them by lesson number, I filed the copies into the corresponding file folder.  When two days {front and back} were on one page, I filed the worksheet in the earlier lesson number folder.  Once the worksheet was completed by the child, I graded and then placed in the next lesson number folder.

The sorted workbooks, file box and the page tearing process.  All Teacher's Keys were placed to the side (you see them in the back left of this picture) until all pages were filed.

Manila files filled with worksheet pages and ready to go.

Lesson Calendars, Video Manual, and Teacher's Keys located in front of the hanging files.

Completed file lesson box

I tried to grade daily, hole punch and file BUT realistically it was more like every two - three days.  Even so, this was VERY manageable and their portfolios are current.  {More on how to compile a portfolio in another post.}  The contents pages of each workbook {or the overview page found in the front} is placed in behind the index divider with samples behind that for each subject.

The two children using ABeka video curriculum's portfolio notebooks.  I make a  cover page each year for the front of each child's portfolios that represent who they are or an interest, type out pertinent information for that year and include a scripture verse then slip in the front sleeve of their 3" three-ring notebook.

Inside their portfolio is their daily schedule, index dividers with each subject labeled on the divider, then their work filed behind the appropriate subject.  In the inside pockets, I place booklets they do, art work, etc. as well as their co-op class folders of work completed.

I have another lidded clear plastic tote which I keep all their readers and the workbooks which I did not separate.  When those are needed, they are easily accessible for them to pull out, use and return.

Front view of their clear tote containing the year's readers and workbooks not torn apart.  {See above for that list.}

Inside look at their curriculum book tote.

So, that's it in a nut shell.  Please don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have questions or if I can help in any way.  This is all about making the curriculum of choice work for you and NOT the other way around.  The effort put into preparing, pays off with an easier school year.

Blessings ~

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