While researching and preparing to homeschool, you’ve probably come across some pretty amazing classroom ideas, I know I have. Bedrooms, basements, garages, or dens creatively transformed into cute little schoolrooms complete with desks, bookshelves, storage bins, a craft area, and cozy reading nook.
How much fun those parents must have had designing these rooms!
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But, do homeschooling families need a designated classroom?
No, not really.
Where you decide to educate and how much space you will need depends largely on your preferred homeschool method, your budget, and your home’s available space.
HOMESCHOOL SUPPLIES
Many families (including mine!) successfully homeschool in cramped spaces. The size, location, and style of your homeschool space will not determine the success of your school year.
While it is not necessary to devote an entire room to schooling, you will need to find some storage space. A closet, bookshelf, or cabinet will function well as a home for your curriculum, craft supplies, and other school materials.
As you contemplate your family’s learning space, here are some things to consider.
- Do you want your family’s designated school time to have a formal or informal tone?
- Does your educational method require computers or other devices – do they need a desk/table and a good internet connection?
- Do you have younger children- babies or toddlers who need supervision or who may interrupt or distract the others?
- Are you or your child easily distracted, do you need a calm, quiet atmosphere?
- Are there other adults in the home who will be present or working from home during educational time?
We don’t have an extra room, so I set up shop in the living room. I bought a 6 foot folding table for projects, a bookshelf, and some bins to house our curriculum and other supplies. On a typical day, we sit on the couch to read and watch joint lessons, then the kids sprawl out wherever they want to complete their individual work. It’s not ideal or pretty, but it works for us.
If your method is more traditional you may find a room with educational posters, desks and a white board best suits your style. If your family prefers group lessons, a comfy couch or carpet to gather on may work best.
Keep in mind the needs of each child. Older students who do independent learning, or those who are easily distracted may prefer to work in a separate space, away from noise and household activity.
Reasons to have a designated classroom:
- Less Interruptions – Serves as a reminder to others in the home that class is in session.
- Atmosphere – A separate space away from distractions such as the laundry, dishes, meal plans, and toys will help all of you focus on educational tasks. Educational posters, a whiteboard, and computer station are useful products which create a “schooling” vibe.
- Hide the mess. Arts and crafts projects can sometimes take days to complete.
Wherever and however you decide to homeschool, there are some items I find extremely useful.
Items I would consider necessities are a bookshelf, storage bins, a desk or table with chairs and, if using video or online resources, a TV, DVD player, headphones, and/or a computer.
