As homeschooling parents, we want to create the perfect learning environment for our children. While some of us may have a designated homeschool room, many of us face homeschooling in a small home or a homeschool filled with many children. Are there still some useful strategies to transform the corners and cubbies of our home into a vibrant and effective homeschool area? Look no further, because in this guest blog post, Brandi Jordan guides us through the process of setting up a functional and inspiring learning area. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to revamp your current setup, you won’t want to miss these practical tips and creative ideas.
But we’d love to hear from you, too! Do you have a favorite homeschool organization hack? Leave it in the comments below!
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10 Ways to Organize Your Homeschool Space
by Brandi Jordan
Homeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also poses challenges when it comes to organizing the learning environment for your kids. However, with the right approach to organization, it’s possible to create a homeschool space that fosters creativity, productivity, and learning. The most important thing to remember is that organizing your homeschool space is about more than having cute containers or looking like it just came out of a lifestyle magazine. It is fundamentally about creating a space that works for your children and your family.
Here are some creative and practical ways of organizing your homeschool area.
Establish a Designated Space
A dedicated workspace is essential for effective homeschooling. It doesn’t have to be a separate room, but it should be a consistent space where your child can access the materials they need and focus on learning. Consider using dividers or screens to create a sense of separation from other parts of the home.
Even though you have a separate space, it doesn’t mean that you can’t homeschool at the park, in the backyard, or even under the dining room table. It just means that there is a “home base” for all of the homeschool supplies and books.
Minimize Distractions
Homes can be full of distractions, from TV shows to video games to pets. Create a space that minimizes these distractions by removing anything that isn’t essential to the learning process. This includes non-educational toys, electronics, and other distractions that may detract from your child’s ability to concentrate.
If your child is sensitive to noise, try getting them over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones. They work wonders at minimizing distractions!
Use Storage Containers
Storage containers are an excellent way to organize your homeschool space and store supplies such as pencils, erasers, paper, and other materials. Consider using clear containers to make it easy to see what’s inside and label them clearly so your child can easily find what they need.
If you are homeschooling preschool, try using picture labels instead of just text labels. It will make it easier for your child to help keep your homeschool area tidier.
Create a Work Area for Each Child
If you have more than one child, consider creating individual work areas for each of them. This allows them to personalize their space and gives them a sense of ownership over their learning.
If you are homeschooling at the dining room table like many homeschoolers do, get some privacy shields that they can put around their work area. If the inside of the shield is plain, kids can doodle and decorate them as desired.
Use a Whiteboard or Chalkboard
Whiteboards and chalkboards may seem like a strange way to organize your homeschool space, but they are great for brainstorming, illustrating concepts, and solving problems. They can also be used to create to-do lists, schedules, and other organizational tools that keep your child on track.
Create a Reading Corner
Encourage reading by creating a cozy corner with comfortable seating and a bookshelf filled with a variety of books. This is a great way to encourage your child’s love of reading and help them develop their literacy skills. It’s also an excellent way to organize your homeschool space and keep all of your books in one area!
Use a Calendar
Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and events is essential for successful homeschooling. Use a large wall calendar to help your child stay organized and aware of upcoming activities.
Display Artwork and Other Creations
Celebrate your child’s creativity by displaying artwork, projects, and other creations in a prominent place. This helps reinforce their sense of accomplishment and fosters pride in their work.
While bulletin boards are typically used in public schools, they can be a great addition to a homeschool too! What better way to showcase your child’s accomplishments and artwork than on a “Look What I Did” bulletin board?
Create a Movement Area
Physical activity is an essential part of any curriculum. Consider creating a designated space for movement, such as a small gym or area for yoga mats. Having that designated space can encourage your child to stay active.
If your child does most of their physical activity outside, have a basket or plastic storage tub filled with jump ropes, balls, rackets, bats, and sidewalk chalk by the door.
Make Use of Technology
Technology can be a valuable tool in homeschooling, whether it’s used for research, online classes, or educational games. Ensure your homeschool space has easy access to computers, tablets, and other devices that can aid in the learning process.
Organizing your homeschool space can make a big difference in the success of your homeschooling experience. By establishing a designated space, minimizing distractions, using storage containers, creating work areas, using visual aids like whiteboards and calendars, and incorporating technology and physical activity, you can create a space that inspires creativity, productivity, and learning.
Meet Brandi Jordan, the queen of multitasking! She can be found sipping coffee and binge-watching the latest reality TV show while doing yoga and creating amazing teaching resources for her education and family-related websites. Although rarely simultaneously. 😉 When she’s not busy working up a sweat or glued to her computer, Brandi loves spending time with her family and getting lost in a good book – preferably with a cup of coffee in hand. She’s also a former classroom teacher turned homeschooling mom turned almost empty-nester. Find her at MamaTeaches.com, HomeschoolingPreschool.com, and ThatKidsCraftSite.com.
You may also enjoy:
- Start the Homeschool Year Strong: 9 Strategies for Successful Homeschooling
- My Favorite, Must-Have, Outside-the-Box Homeschool Supplies
- 8 Simple Jobs For Homeschool Moms You Can Do Today
- Made for This: find your Homeschool Community at Made2Homeschool
- Five Ways to Love Your Home School in a Small Space
