The COVID-19 pandemic has been heartbreaking for a number of reasons, most especially because it put children out of school. But now that schools are reopening, it has become apparent to some parents that homeschooling might actually be the best choice for their kids. Virtual learning can be advantageous, as parents have more control over what their kids are learning. The only problem seems to be the space they need to learn at home. How can you create a conducive space for homeschooling?
Claim the Space
Make sure that the space is specifically and exclusively for homeschooling and other types of learning. Whether it’s for academic or extracurricular activities, this space should solely be for your kids’ use. The room cannot be converted into a home gym or home office. Making sure that your kids can claim it as their own is important.
Use Teaching Aids
What are the classes that your kids are taking right now? You need to use teaching materials in the room. You can talk with your kids’ teachers or instructors to guide you into choosing the right materials and tools for the homeschool room. Are your kids learning English, perhaps? You can hire the services of an English tutor to guide their learning as well as give you practical suggestions and tools on how to help your children achieve their study goals.
Decide on the Floor Plan
Do you have more than one kid to teach in this room? Then, make sure each one has a personal space for doing their homework. While a common area with a large table and multiple chairs allows them to collaborate on art projects, separate areas will enable them to focus on their own skills. Set up these spaces for them so they can discover their talents and gifts.
Don’t Waste the Walls
You wouldn’t want your kids to draw sketches on the living room wall. However, make sure your kids are as free to be themselves as possible in the homeschool area of your house. You can wrap the walls with drawing paper so they can hone their artistic talents there. The other side of the wall can be used for charts, diagrams, and posters.
You can also use chalkboard paint for another wall. It’s a great asset for a homeschool room because a blackboard or whiteboard usually takes up much space. Use poster putty so that your walls will not be damaged, and you can switch posters when your kids go up another level.
Adapt to Changes
As your kids grow older, they will have different needs in the room. You may want to invest in an adjustable table as early as today. You can adjust the table’s height once your kids grow taller. Although these are more expensive than the regular study table, they are more economical in the long run. Once your kids get older, they’ll need a desk for a computer and other hardware. They will also begin to show interest in other activities, such as piano, guitar, ballet, taekwondo, and other hobbies. You need a space for these, too.
Create a Snack Area
Is there anything more exciting for a school-age kid than snacking and playing? Create a snack area in the study room. This way, they have something to look forward to after an hour of letters and numbers. They will also learn how to manage their time — eating only when it is time to do so and then returning to their schoolwork. Make sure that there’s an assortment of healthy snacks that they can choose from. That will make them feel independent — like they are shopping for food by themselves.
Eliminate Distractions
Never ever put a television screen in the study area. It will distract them from what they have to do. In addition, don’t let their younger siblings in the room when the school-age kids are studying. They have to focus on their work. There is a time for play, and school time is not it. Noise is not the only distraction, either. A hurting back because of bad posture is also a distraction. Make sure they have a comfortable chair, so they can focus on what they are doing.
Kids’ brains are like sponges. They absorb everything, so you need to take advantage of this time to teach them as many things as possible. Soon, they will become busy with a lot of other things. Your decision to homeschool them gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know their learning styles and come up with the right methods to encourage good study habits.
