The beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility! That includes setting up your homeschool space. You can create an effective learning environment even if you don't have a spare room. Allow yourself to be flexible and think outside the box to make a way where there seems to be no way.

If you take a tour of each room in your home you will probably notice a lot of unused or misused space. Take along a notepad so you can record your observations. Do you have a formal dining room that is rarely used? Maybe that spare bedroom used for storage would make a suitable place. Basements tend to be filled with lots of non-essentials. Is there a place for your classroom there? What about the family room? Is it possible that it could be used for a home classroom? While you tour, think of the possibilities, not the obstacles.

A good learning environment has ventilation and plenty of lighting. It is pleasant to have a window or two, but make sure there is a window shade or window covering to block out glare and bright sunlight. Provide overhead lights for optimum illumination.

Flooring is another important aspect to consider when selecting your homeschool space. The best flooring will be easy to clean. Vinyl flooring comes in a multitude of colors, styles, and prices and is very durable. Wood flooring comes in second because of the expense and potential for damage from science experiments gone awry. Carpet is very difficult to keep clean in a homeschool environment.

High school age students need desks or a computer table. Younger kids need desks adjusted to their height. The very youngest will do well with a kid-size washable table and chairs. Kitchen tables, even counter tops with stools are often used, but many children are not positioned properly, making writing very difficult. If the chair is too short, writing is like trying to move your arms with something stuck in your armpit; too tall, and kids are hunched over their work. When kids are uncomfortable, they fidget and don't learn. You will also need a sturdy, washable table for crafts and experiments. Save money by purchasing desks and tables at garage sales.

Storage space is a necessity for your home classroom. Every child needs a place for their supplies and books. This could be a plastic tub or stackable crate. Instead of a large whiteboard, consider individual white boards. Use the space next to the ceiling for storage of little-used items. A simple one-board shelf can be suspended from the ceiling using chains anchored at each corner.

Build a home library by shopping garage sales and library thrift stores. Bartering and trading with other homeschool parents is a great way to gather grade-related materials and curriculum. Shop office supply discount stores to purchase pencils, paper, and notebooks in bulk. One of the best investments you can make is a good computer system for your class. A computer provides access to an abundance of resources and printables. Plus Mom can record grades and evaluations, kids can write reports and use distance learning programs.

Creating a homeschool classroom is not difficult if you remain flexible. Classrooms are created over a span of time (not in a day), for most families have to budget for necessities. As you work each day, you will learn what you need and what works best in your family. Have fun developing your own personalized homeschool classroom!

Learn more about this author, Linda G. Hull.
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