Whether it is traditional homeschooling or e-learning (online learning), trying to set up a dedicated learning spot, especially in a small space, can be challenging. Where your child is studying can impact their ability to learn and focus on their studies.
Here are some tips and tricks to creating an effective organized homeschooling space in your home.
Choosing a Location
Where you choose to set up your homeschooling space depends on the needs of your child. A kitchen table is a perfect place for your kids to study, where you can keep an eye on them. The kitchen is also a great space to set up for science experiments, such as DIY kits!
However, if your child is more independent and would like their own space, you can get creative in where you choose to set up. You can convert a closet space, a hallway nook, or even the space under the stairs into a desk and storage area.
You can add a curtain to this space if it does not have a door for added privacy and décor.
Storage Organization
Bookshelves, cubbies, and cabinets are essential classroom tools and will become your best friends when it comes to homeschooling. One great tip is to use vertical storage to minimize the amount of ground space that you take up.
If you are studying in the kitchen, you can convert one of the kitchen cabinets into your classroom bookshelf and supply storage, and your school space will be camouflaged with the rest of your cooking space.
Portable storage organizers are handy if your child likes to switch between spaces. Over-the-door shoe organizers can be used to store school supplies, such as markers, glue sticks, and crayons.
Importance of Decluttering
One way to make your small space feel bigger is to have fewer items. It is extremely important that you're routinely decluttering your shelves in order to keep everything organized and manageable.
Get rid of books that your child have outgrown and sort through your child’s work, keeping the best ones for memory and future reference.
Sometimes, it will require you to be cold, but it is necessary in order to maximize your small space. Everything should have its place, and enforce a habit in your child of cleaning up and putting everything away in its place after its use.
Utilizing Hallways and Wall Space
When it comes to homeschooling, your entire home becomes a school, essentially. Use your wall space to your advantage.
You can hang up world maps and alphabet charts.
You can find posters that go with your home décor so that they do not feel so out of place.
Whiteboards are great for teaching lessons, and putting one up on the wall can free up some space on the floor. Putting lessons and references on the wall will help your child continuously learn as they walk past them throughout the day.
Creating a digital space
Nowadays, lessons and learning largely occur online, and it is important to make sure that your homeschooling space is compatible with digital learning. This includes ensuring there are outlets nearby for charging electronics as well as necessary electronic access such as a computer or tablet.
Great Pretenders offers advice on encouraging productive screen time when your kids are using their electronics. It is easy to get sidetracked from learning to fun, but there are ways to combine both!
One of the key benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility that it offers. As your kids grow up and their needs change, your homeschooling space will also change to reflect that. However, no space is too small or too big to offer quality education – it all comes down to the way you organize it.
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