Setting Up a Homeschooling Space

Recently, the concept of homeschooling has gained significant popularity, with more parents choosing to educate their children at home. Whether it’s due to flexibility, personalized learning, or current “global circumstances,” creating an effective homeschooling space is important for success.

However, designing your family’s “perfect” learning environment can be challenging. First of all – what’s perfect for one family may not work at all for another. Every family is different, and every child is different. So don’t feel like you need to follow someone else’s blueprint on how you need to set up your homeschool learning area.

Secondly – homeschooling is home first, school second. You shouldn’t feel like you need to completely disrupt your home to be able to teach your kids. Don’t try to emulate the “amazing learning spaces” that you see people post on social media. Do what works for your family. Fakebook is not your friend!

Be Flexible

We originally had plans to convert our basement into our schoolroom when we started. That didn’t happen. As it turns out, it’s a good thing we didn’t. Now that’s mom’s office because she works from home. Things change! .

When I started to write this in hopes of helping some new homeschooling families, I poked around on the internet to see what other people had to say on the subject. Some of the suggestions were good, while others were pretty ridiculous. And some seemed to write as though they had all of the answers, and if you didn’t do it their way, you were doing it wrong.

Choose the Right Location

For our family, most of our homeschool time is spent in the living room. The bedrooms aren’t big enough for all of us to be in there at once. Sometimes we’re in the kitchen for science experiments or cooking. But the couches are much more comfortable when sitting for long periods. And we have a large television when there’s a video to watch.

Their schoolbooks are kept in different places, so they’re not cluttering up the living room when we’re not doing school. It’s right next to the kitchen, so they can easily get a drink or a snack without much disruption. The bathroom is close, because that’s a thing too – constantly!

One writer suggested “Look for an area in your home that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. Ideally, it should be a dedicated space solely used for learning activities.” That place doesn’t exist in our home. Well lit? We can do that!

Get Comfortable

You’re going to spend a lot of time homeschooling, and you should be comfortable. I am pretty laid back with where & how they’re sitting (or laying), as long as I see that they’re paying attention to what they’re supposed to be doing.

Sitting at a desk or chair for long periods isn’t good for anyone, no matter their age. Many offices and schools are transitioning over to standup desks now, because sitting in a chair all day isn’t good for you.

Organize Supplies

Organization is definitely not my strong suit! Although I do most of the day-to-day teaching, Marisa is the one who keeps us organized. Her recent post “Homeschooling Tips For Moms…” was a hit, so I’ll ask her to write more about how to be organized later.

Keep essential homeschooling supplies within reach to minimize disruptions during lessons. Stock up on textbooks, notebooks, writing utensils, art supplies, and any other materials pertinent to your curriculum. Consider implementing storage solutions such as shelves, bins, or cabinets to maintain a clutter-free environment.

Personalize the Space

If you do have a room available just for homeschooling, then encourage creativity! Get your kids involved in personalizing the homeschooling space. Display artwork, inspirational quotes, educational posters, or maps to stimulate curiosity and engagement.

Involve your child in decorating the space according to their preferences. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their learning environment. Remember – “People buy in to what they’re a part of building.” It’s true for adults in the workplace, and it’s true for children at home & in the homeschool.

Incorporate Technology

Technology can really enrich the homeschooling experience by providing access to an enormous amount of educational resources. You can set up a computer or tablet with reliable internet connectivity for research, online courses, educational apps, and virtual field trips. It doesn’t have to be an expensive, fancy computer!

I’ll write more later on how you can do this pretty inexpensively. Ensure appropriate parental controls are in place to regulate screen time and content. There are a lot of bad actors out there, so don’t just turn them loose without supervision! Here’s a good article about internet safety for homeschoolers.

Establish a Routine

Establishing a consistent daily routine can help create structure and discipline within your homeschooling environment. Set designated times for lessons, breaks, and extracurricular activities to promote productivity and time management skills. Flexibility is key, so be open to adjustments as needed to accommodate your child’s learning pace and preferences.

Create Learning Zones

If you’re able, some families find it helpful to designate specific areas within the homeschooling space for different types of activities. Have a quiet corner for reading or independent study, a desk or table for writing assignments or completing worksheets, and a larger area for hands-on experiments or artistic endeavors. Creating separate learning zones can help with focus and productivity.

Embrace Nature

Integrate elements of nature into your homeschooling space to promote relaxation and creativity. Position desks near windows to allow natural light to flood the room and provide views of outdoor greenery. Consider adding indoor plants or incorporating nature-themed decor to bring the outdoors inside and create a calming atmosphere.

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Encourage Movement

Encourage physical activity and movement breaks throughout the homeschooling day to prevent fatigue and maintain focus. Incorporate stretching exercises, short walks, or dance breaks to energize the body and stimulate the mind. Balancing sedentary learning activities with movement can enhance overall well-being and cognitive function.

Create a Positive Learning Environment

Above all, try to create a positive and nurturing learning environment within your homeschooling space. Celebrate their achievements, embrace the challenges as learning opportunities, and build a growth mindset. Encourage open communication, curiosity, and a love for learning to inspire lifelong learning habits in your child.

Setting up a homeschooling space at home requires careful planning, creativity, and flexibility. By implementing these tips, you can create an environment that supports your child’s academic growth, creativity, and overall well-being. Remember that every family’s homeschooling journey is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment and tailor your homeschooling space to suit your specific needs and preferences.

What tips & tricks have you found helpful in your homeschool that others might benefit from? Leave us some ideas in the comments below!

For further inspiration and guidance on homeschooling, check out these related articles:

1. 10 Essential Homeschooling Tips for Beginners
2. Creating a Homeschool Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
3. Incorporating Art into Your Homeschooling Routine
4. The Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Homeschooled Children

Happy homeschooling!