We recently received a little note from a sweet reader, Pam, that went a little something like this:
…I love your blog and your approach to school with your children. We have thought about this for a year now, and really felt called to do this with our family this year because of various reasons. I loved your original post on it all. I have ordered our curriculum and everything. We are so excited. I plan to use a space in our home for our own classroom. I know your stance on that ;). But here is my question: What do you think are the most important elements to have in a homeschool space? What are some must-haves you would recommend, to make it work? I’m overwhelmed with where to start. Thanks so much! ….
When we started homeschooling last year, we were literally flung into it. Within a five day period, we’d ordered our curriculum, and transformed our dining room {which looked like this when we moved in} into a homeschool space for our family.
I realize that I’m a super dork. Nothing is more exciting to me than the boxes of fresh school supplies that arrive at my doorstep. Sometimes I may or may not venture to the supplies aisle of stores and take a deep, weird breath. Pencils and erasers and notebooks and paper. Ahhhhh. I’m the most passionate about helping our children find their paths in this life. This includes educating them… something I never thought I would take on.
The number one rule for it all that I stick to? Know thyself, and know thy children.
I knew myself well enough to know that we needed a space to work. If we were going to survive (and no one would die)… I personally needed a hub for all things so I could keep my sanity, and have some sort of control over the chaotic world that is educating 2.5 littles {the youngest was with us two days of our school week.}
So my point? Know what works for you. If you decide to have a space for homeschool, it won’t be perfect, and nor should it be. It will be chaotic. And It doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a magazine. It may be a corner of your kitchen or a place in your bedroom or space for what you can do for your family, now. It doesn’t matter what it looks like.
It just matters that it (educating your children) happens.
I only received half of a master’s degree in art education before I realized our first little guy was on the way. So I realize I’m disqualified on this, in more ways than one. But the most valuable info that I gleaned in that period was absolutely priceless in terms of classroom management, and it’s the same across the board:
Have a plan. Have a system. Have a policy. Keep it in tact. Be a smooth operator.
The same is true here.
Over time, with what I learned about our family and our system and the process {once we got over that initial oh-my-goodness-we-just-had-ababy-and-now-we’re-surviving kinda shock} our space evolved into this. We’re gearing up again to dive into a new school year {this time with the entire family!} and here’s a few things I would recommend to anyone thinking of creating their own homeschool space.
1. A place to inspire
Having a space to homeschool is as much for you as it is for your little students. It’s also a bit of a luxury because we realize not everyone has the square footage to dedicate solely to their space. It was freeing to drop the whole dining room thing all together and just roll with it. {I felt like a total southern rebel because (gasp!) empty dining rooms are for occasional company. DUH.} Everyone is different. So no matter where it is, make it as much for you as for them.
It’s your classroom. This is your space. And this is where you will teach and inspire your children during your allotted school time. Obviously the process doesn’t stop there, but it’s a great springboard to begin to mold your vision for your family, so why not make it worthwhile, and fun?
I know that I was motivated to step into that space, because I’m a visual person, and love the idea of inspiring others with color and ideas and words and a little flavor. We started out working with what we had, and letting it change slowly from there, as we figured out our needs.
So you don’t have to have everything in tact at once. You don’t have to know exactly what will go where. Even if it’s at your kitchen table, just make sure you feel good in that space. You feel comfortable and your children do, too. That’s the most important thing you can carry away.
2. A place for everything.
It’s the second most important thing you can do. Your days will run smoother, and your children will feel secure in structure. You will all accomplish more if there’s a place for everything and everything in its place. You won’t lose control as often.
Will it always be perfect? Nope. Do I need to give our space a good overhaul right now, and do I do so at least twenty times throughout the school year as we grow because it’s a natural hub for all things growing clutter? Absolutely. Start small and do what works for you. Simple solutions like baskets for different subjects, and spaces for your children to keep up with their things. Bookscases for books. Spaces for paper, learning activities, supplies… find a good viable solution that will work for you.
Any teacher worth their salt will tell you… All in the name of keeping your sanity. Do what works best for you.
3. A place for easy access
With all that organization comes equal consideration for access by your children. If they know where their next subject is stored, and can put books and belongings back on their own, you’re not wasting precious time a. searching for where the heck you put that freaking book and b. going to and fro, and doing it all for them while you slowly lose your everlovingmind.
One of our favorite projects is this little pencil container {below} where I keep plenty of things: markers, erasers, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, notecards, rubber bands, etc. multiple times in multiple containers right in front of them. Because hashtag aintnohodygottimeforfightingoverschoolsupplies. And it’s all within reach.
Time saver. Game changer. Wheeee!
4. A place of their own
Where they can work, every day. Yes, they each have their own basket where they keep their own workbooks, etc. But they also have this little desk with their own chairs, and their own drawers where they can place their readers, flashcards, and anything of their choice to keep tabs on. It helps them take ownership of their work, and of their space.
No, this is not a traditional classroom, and no I do not keep them chained to this space {see below} but there’s a lot to be said for those structured moments and what’s valuable for operating in the ‘real world’, as well. I think there’s a good balance in the educational process that can be healthy for the entire family.
Letting them have their own little space, helps with that.
5. A place to move
As soon as we dropped that dining room table {not literally…we just moved it to the kitchen} it was so freeing. I was amazed at how much easier school became. Again, know thy children. Emerson likes to move while she learns. And for a while, I kind of fought her on that. Not intentionally, but I always tried to get her to “sit still” and “concentrate” and realized I was totally the trad school marm with my ruler and dunce hat.
What was I fighting her for?
They all like to switch it up, from the floor, to the desk, to the bench, to the sofa. Even a few throw pillows can make it better. Last I checked, real classrooms do that, too.
No, not everyone has a sofa in their homeschool space. But your home probably has a sofa. Look at each little station in your own little way to make it work for your family as a part of an intricate system. Roll with your kids and their requests, enjoy the process, and you may be surprised at how much more work is actually accomplished, with a little give and take.
Because mixing it up, is always good.
4. A place to write
If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m big on keeping options open, and rolling with it. From my approach to curriculum with plenty to choose from, styles to embrace, and methods to use. So with spaces to write out a concept, whether it’s a tiny chalkboard you can whip out, or a small dry erase board… I find those invaluable as well.
From illustrating ideas, to making lists, and working out math problems together, I like to keep my options open. Book characters, story elements, adjectives and sentence structure… If you can find somewhere to write and get your concept across to visual learners, then go for it.
It’s one of our most valuable tools.
5. A place to display
Just like a real classroom, if you have room, include a place for positive messages. We love great quotes from literature, to Bible verses to inspire and help steer their little hearts and minds… we read them often and I think it’s important to have something that helps push your family vision.
And most importantly, showcase their work. Even if your latest and greatest is rocking the fridge, display it proudly. We have a lot of artwork rotate in and out of the spaces, and many of their personal bests, too. It helps personalize the space, and helps them take ownership of good work.
As the years pass, I’m sure those barnwood bookcases will become cluttered with their fabulous projects and awesome ideas.
It’s our greatest hope.
Oh, and can I have an addendum? Maps. Have lots and lots of maps. And globes. Because a. why not – it helps illustrate everything from the solar system to places in history and b. I had to relearn geography because where the heck is Antarctica? Not where you think. Not where you think… Also, FYI, there’s a ‘c’ in there. Hashtag scaryhomeschoolmomDHR.
We hope this helps answer some of your questions, and if any of you guys are getting geared up to make this happen just know you’re in good company, and our hearts and prayers are with you! It’s an adventure, and one we love diving into.
As always, let us know if you have anything to add! For more of our posts in this series from free printables {lesson plan forms + maps} to art lessons + our takes on the process, be sure to check it out here. Have an inspired day!
JT says
This space! Everything about it! Thank you so much for sharing what works for you guys- I adore learning about different approaches and what makes them work 🙂
Anna says
This is a much needed post that came at the perfect time. I love this side of your blog and that you put so much effort and time into your family. I needed a list like this and it’s just what the doctor ordered – I’ve been so nervous about all of it. Thank you.
Pam says
This post helps SO MUCH. Thank you so much you guys! We are so thankful to try this, but weren’t sure where to begin so thank you! I love all these great suggestions.
karen Orr says
Absolutely love this space!!!! where did you find the table, chairs, and rug????
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Karen! Thanks so much! You can read all about our sources here ;} I have direct links in that post that will make it easier than listing them here ;}
Bethany says
Hey Ashley!
Thanks for a great post! We’re about to start homeschooling our oldest, who will be in first grade. I’ve been agonizing about our homeschool space because I have two preschoolers underfoot as well. What’s your opinion on a combined playroom/homeschool space? Any advice for such a space? I love the idea of having the school space singularly dedicated to school, but I don’t think we’re there yet. It will be two more years before the next one is ready to start school. I have quite a bit of anxiety concerning how to give everyone what they need (and making sure the youngest two don’t kill each other) while also making sure that the oldest gets “educated” ;). Any tips you have on those things would be great! Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey girl! Well, this is a good question! It may be different for everyone, but here’s a few things I would try…
I would start out by having a family discussion about when school time is and what you will be doing during that time. It will probably be hard to keep the younger two from distracting the oldest, and it will probably be hard for the younger two to understand. But I think that if you can keep your expectations clear, that may help. In the beginning, it truly does feel a little bit like you’ve had a baby. But just like with a new baby, it’s all about falling into that groove and not being too hard on yourself, or your children. It will happen, slowly but surely, one day at a time.
I would divide that room into zones, if you can. Maybe a small desk for the oldest to help keep him on task? Definitely an area for school things, so they know that when those things come out, it’s time for learning. Be clear with boundaries and schedules and that will help them establish normalcy. As normal as it can be, anyway, with preschoolers ;}
Also, you can totally keep your younger two busy, and let them follow along in their own way. No, they will not pay attention for long, and that’s fine. But I used that opportunity to give our youngest {in preschool last year} worksheets, games or his own version of the assignment, and let him work on little activities along side the oldest. For example, I started doing journal entries at the beginning of each day, where we would discuss the date and a certain topic, and they recorded it in their journal. My second grader could write clearly, with help spelling a few words, My kindergartener would pick words, and copy them down. And my preschooler would trace words, and then draw his own picture at the top. Of course, my expectations were much lower, and I was patient with him when he didn’t feel up to it. I guess the key is not letting your youngest two distract the oldest. The good news is, that at first grade, it really won’t take more than a few hours, and you can probably come and go with work for your child while you tend to the younger two when they need it.
Also? Not sure how you feel about it, but educational games for the younger two are gems as well. It was always something I kept in my back pocket for when it was needed… Something that makes special time that game time on the computer, etc. Something like ABC mouse, or there are plenty of apps out there that will keep them occupied, and the good news is, that they’re learning. Mix it up with various activities and they can’t help but be interested, at least for a little while. ;} It’s truly amazing what they’ll absorb.
Again, just give it time, be patient with yourself and your kiddos, and the most important part for me, was learning to embrace the process… not the checklist. You can do this! It will be hard but it will be amazing and I can’t wait to see what wonderful blessings come to your family because of it!
I hope this helps a little! A lot of it is just falling into your groove. Let me know if you ever have any more questions! ;} I’d love for others to chime in as well.
Bethany says
Thank you so much Ashley! Your ideas and tips are great. I really appreciate you and all your encouragement!
Rachel says
Love it all. Thank you.
Back when you wrote your first post on HS I commented (later on) that our family (3kids also) was considering making the leap, and you wrote me back the most awesome encouragement. I keep it for those hard days I know are coming and I’ll need the boost and support.
Scared out of my mind, yet excited too.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us all!
Katie says
Thank you SO much for this! I love your take on homeschool. Your decision to jump in last year and the posts that followed have been part of what helped me decide I could do this too. So this week I submitted the official paperwork to the School Board and we will be beginning our homeschool journey with our 1st grader in a few weeks! We live in a VERY small space currently {It was supposed to be “temporary” but that has turned into almost 2 years lol} so this post has really helped me realize it doesn’t matter than I can’t designate a whole room to our “school” so long as we find what works for us and we’re both comfortable in it. Eeeek! I’m just a little excited 🙂 Your prayers are so very much appreciated as we go forward with finding our curriculum and I will be browsing through your old posts again for more helpful nuggets 🙂 Prayers for you to have a successful homeschool year as well!
Katie
Renee says
Thank you for your honesty in sharing what worked for you. Our family has been home-schoolng for 23 years. My take away from all of our years is: BE FLEXIBLE. What works with one child is not the best for the other. What worked one year with 3 children did not work well the next with 4 – so we moved things around. One year all the books were in milk crates that got stashed in the front hall closet in the evening. One year they were on shelves in the basement. The pencils? They were, uh, somewhere! I looked at all the beautiful pictures of organized, color coded, multi-shelved spaces and felt that somehow we were lacking. Do not do this to yourself! Reading history in the living room is relaxing and makes for great discussion. Afterwards, those who need more quiet can scatter to do their work while others get one on one time in the dining room with mom. Whatever works for you is the right way. I hoe you enjoy your time of schooling at home. These years have been the hardest, most joyous years of my life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything!
Sydney @ Tastefully Frugal says
These are all great tips! I have a 2 year old and 1 year old and we are leaning towards the home school route also. This gives me something to think about and time to plan 🙂 P.S. I LOVE your lined paper rug! Did you make it?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Sydney! thanks so much! It’s from the land of nod, and I have all the direct links in this post here! ;}
Kelly says
Oh my goodness, where did you find the notebook paper rug?? It’s amazing (as is your whole classroom space!!)
Kelly says
Just kidding. Found it!
Brooke Malko says
So i went to the post with the direct links to where eon purchased room items – BUT I want that US map puzzle… any source for that??
Thanks so much 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi Brooke! We have a free printable here & our giant map here I hope that helps!
Tayyaba says
Thanks for sharing. I have been looking for such an article for days. It cleared many things that were there in my mind. Its of great help. May Allah bless you.