Setting Up Homeschool Space: Simple Walkthrough

When you searched for the setting up homeschool space guides on the internet, you were disappointed mainly by seeing those fancy learning homeschool spaces, ergonomic chairs, study lamps, whiteboards, and other things that you can’t afford or just don’t have the space for. Sure, they look great, but you don’t need all those things to have a functional and excellent homeschooling setup.

What should your goal be?

The ideal goal shouldn’t be breaking your brank but making sure your children have all they need to learn optimally. And that is different for every family!

Optimal learning conditions for your children might be:

• a comfortable place to sit or lie down
• enough light
• not too much noise or other distractions
• a place where they feel safe and can focus

Of course, these conditions are different for every child and family. And that’s okay! The most important thing is finding a place and way of homeschooling that works for you and your children.

Underneath are some nitty gritty of what to consider for setting up a homeschool space where your kid can productively and mindfully focus on things.

Where will you be homeschooling?

It might seem obvious, but it’s essential to consider how to set up a homeschool classroom! 

You’ll want to ensure that the space you choose is comfortable for you and your child. If you don’t have a lot of space at home, that’s okay! You can always homeschool at the kitchen table, at a local library, or even at a coffee shop.

But having a dedicated space (even if it’s just a table in the bedroom) can help your child feel more focused and motivated. Consider setting up a homeschool space in your house if you have the space.

Some things to consider when choosing a space:

1. Enough light
2. Temperature – The optimal temperature should in between 70-79 Fahrenheit
3. Chair/place for your child to sit comfortably
4. A place to store materials
5. Whiteboard or bulletin board
6. Computer/laptop

What materials will you need?

It obviously depends on the age and learning level of your child. But in general, you’ll want to make sure you have the following materials:

• books
• pencils and pens
• paper
• colouring supplies
• flashcards
• educational games to get boredom out of your kids

You might also want to consider investing in a whiteboard or bulletin board. It can be a great way to help your child stay organized and focused during homeschooling.

And of course, if you’re using online resources, you’ll need a computer or laptop.  

Keep away distractions

One of the challenges of homeschooling can be dealing with distractions. But there are a few things you can do to help reduce distractions.

First, make sure your child’s homeschool space is far away from areas where there might be a lot of noise or activity. If possible, choose a room with a door that can be closed.

You might also want to consider investing in noise-canceling headphones for your child. It can be a great way to help them focus on their work.

Finally, make sure your child has everything they need before they start homeschooling. That way, they won’t have to get up and down throughout the day, which can be a significant distraction.

Keep materials close to the space

You can have book storage shelves or a small cabinet to keep all the required books for the day or week. This way, your kids know where everything is and can quickly grab it when needed instead of running around the house looking for things.

For the families who teach students on the kitchen table or in the general room, it’s essential to dedicate a separate drawer or small cabinet for school materials where everything is stored after the class. This way, it’s easy to find things and put them away at the end of the day.

Keep things clean and simple

Don’t mess up the space with a lot of things. Keep it clean and simple because a decluttered mind can focus more. Also, open windows for fresh air and to get some natural light in.

I sometimes also consider playing calming music in the background. It can help your child focus and feel more relaxed.

Ask your kid

One of the great things about homeschooling is that you can tailor the space to your child’s needs and interests. So be sure to ask them for input on what they would like their homeschool space to look like.

Get creative!

There are no rules when it comes to organizing your home space. Depending on your kids’ nature and age, you can set up the area in a way that works best for them. Maybe they are nature lovers, so having some fancy indoor plants around the space is the best thing you can do.

You can also decorate the space with fun and educational stickers or posters. And if you want to get creative, you can even paint a mural on one of the walls!

Must haves for homeschool room

Weel again, costly accessories are not needed, but a few simple and affordable things can make all the difference. For example:

• A small whiteboard is great for jotting down ideas or making to-do lists.
• An ergonomic chair for your child is also a good investment. It will help them stay comfortable while they’re working. SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh chair is best for the purpose and budget-saving option.
• I recommend wall-mounted desks if you’re willing to spend on space-saving tables. These are great because they take up very little space and can be folded away when unused.
• Sauder 2-Shelf Bookcase is the best investment you can make. It’s reasonable and perfect for storing textbooks, notebooks, and other materials.
• And a small rug can add a bit of comfort and style to the space.

Here are some ideas to get you started

1. Setting up homeschool space with a reading nook, comfortable pillows and blankets.
2. Hang some artwork or posters that your child loves.
3. Create a workstation with all the materials they need.
4. Make a cozy spot for relaxing and taking breaks.
5. Add some plants or flowers to brighten up the space.

The possibilities are endless! Make sure you involve your child in the process, so they feel ownership over their homeschool space.

Try different outdoor spaces

In addition to the guide, I recommend using different outdoor spaces for homeschooling. It will give a break from the indoor space and is also suitable for mental and physical health. Being in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for both children and adults, including reducing stress levels, improving moods, building self-stream in kids, and boosting attention spans.

So on days when the weather is nice, take your homeschooling outdoors!

Also Read: Are homeschoolers smarter than public schoolers?