You don't have to turn your home into a school in order for your children to learn. However, creating a space set aside solely for learning, educational games, science experiments, or even simply a quiet place to study can be nice. If you're not sure were to begin, here are a few simple steps you can take to turn an open space into a schoolroom.
Find a Good Nook
Be sure it's quiet and out of the way of traffic. It doesn't have to be big, just comfortable and inviting so that your children can study without distraction. Make sure that the spot has good lighting and can accommodate a solid, clean work surface to work on. Fill the area with comfortable chairs and shelves where you can easily access your curriculum.
Allow Easy Access to Materials
When you give your children free reign to supplies, they are encouraged to dig deeper into their studies. They don't need to stop to ask mom or dad for more materials — it's available at their fingertips!
Provide Bookcases
Every school needs a library! As a homeschooling parent, you might dream of a spot to hold all those great Sonlight books! Start by making a place that's set aside just for books. Set it up close to your child's new school area and organize it just like a library would - by author or by subject — you decide!
Learning Areas in Different Areas of the Home
You can set up special areas for certain activities to take place. Maybe creative writing lessons are in the "Writer's Nook" you've carved out in the den or dining room, complete with extra paper, inspiring poetry and lots of sharpened pencils.
Or perhaps science experiments take place out in the garage or backyard. Find a place to hang a lab coat or keep a container full of science supplies near the "lab area."
The playroom or corner of the living room can be the place where the children act out different stories they read from classic Sonlight books. Keep a chest or box full of dress-up clothes or props and make sure there's plenty of room for them to act out their adventures. The possibilities are endless!
Think about what makes a regular classroom inviting. Things like comfy bean bags for reading, student artwork on the walls, hands-on activity centers or educational charts and posters stimulate learning (like our timeline figures!) With these simple suggestions, creating space in your home for your own distinctive school that's unique and special to your family is easy to do.
