A window into our Homeschool Room

 So I've been homeschooling my kids for about three years now and I have to say I learn new things every year.  One of the biggest things I've learned is how important it is to have a space. When we first began, it was just a trial period so we did projects and school work at the kitchen table. Well, then we decided to give the next year a go and realized that the kitchen table wasn't cutting it anymore.

 

 

           (Notice the table is painted in the second picture. All those projects took a toll on my table)

So I decided to convert a little corner in my house that was connected to my living room as our homeschool area. Being that I was going to homeschool two children at this point I had to some how create two work spaces and still some storage. Well, this is what I came up with at that time.

I'd sit at this desk with my daughter but my back was always turned to my son whose work station was behind us as you can see below.

 

This worked for yet another year but by the end of the year we outgrew it, especially me, with all my workbooks, and supplies. So my husband and I decided to take our third floor office and designate it as a homeschool room. We had not used this room before because I have awful knees and it's on the third floor, but since improving my health I could handle going up and down all those stairs.

 
 I was so excited ordering all my supplies, furniture, even setting a theme for the room. In an effort to personalize the space I allowed the kids to choose a desk, a monogram color to put over their area and other goodies.

I was really getting excited to do school work in this space. We went school shopping and stocked up on pencils, markers, crayons, glue sticks, dry erase markers and my favorite purchase for the room was an electric pencil sharpener. To this day, I don't know how we did without that the years before.

So as the new school year began, this is our current room set up: We have a reading nook, where the kids can do their reading lessons. We also have a tree to put leaves on of all the different books they have read.

In addition to that our room has a Masterpieces wall for the children to hang their creations and keep them displayed.

 Then each child's desk is equipped with an AMAZING craft caddy and personalized file holder attached to their chairs for storing school papers. Mind you the craft caddy was another thing we went through over the years and we have now found one that is just right!

We just got these from thirty-one, in addition to the file holder, which I adore for holding their papers. It really leaves my main desk area clear of clutter which is great.

If you have never heard of thirty-one gifts, check out the link here. www.thatbaglady.net My sister and I are hosting a party this Friday so feel free to use that link under "Cat & Heidi's Party" to look around and shop. Now my main desk sits between the kids that way I can multi task.

 

The desk I got for myself is from Ikea, and it's so spacious, you can find it here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49932651/

We then have an entire book shelf stocked with not just books but hands on tools, puzzles and some toys. In another corner we have a computer station and supplies center. Every morning we update our calendar, along with a dry erase poster board on "What Does The Fox Say" for a daily positive quote. Check out my Pinterest board for ideas https://www.pinterest.com/galigirl80/what-does-the-fox-say-kids-morning-school-board/

This book shelf wonderful because you can turn it on either side and it holds so much from books to bins and is super solid.

Check it out here http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-8-Cube-Organizer-Multiple-Finishes/29741111

                                

                                   

 

I mentioned earlier that our school room is theme based. We chose to do a Forest Theme. You can find the complete room package at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Woodland-Forest-Animal-Theme-Classroom-Decor-Bundle-1172599

 

We are just about finishing our school year and I have to say having this new space has been the best yet. I know it's not possible for every family to have an entire room designated for schooling. However, to be successful and structured in your homeschool routine it's important to find a specific space that works and can function for you and your little's.