3 Tips To Maximize A Small Space For Homeschooling

We’re well into the new school year and parents are now realizing the importance of having a dedicated study space for their kids. We’ve seen photos of parents and children coping with online classes, but if you have an incoming preschooler or if you’ve decided on homeschooling for the next year, we have more ideas on how you can set up a homeschooling room.

Do I really need a homeschooling room?

Having a homeschooling room creates a good learning environment, which can greatly help in the success of your child’s studies. It mimics the atmosphere like that of a classroom and helps them condition their mind that when they enter that space, they are going to learn.

The learning space that you create would separate “home” from “school.” In addition, the way you set up the area can help build up the mood to learn, especially if they are transitioning from a traditional setup.

How do I set up a homeschool room?

You can use existing furniture in your home to create a distance learning area, but you would still have to spend money on some items one way or another. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of thousands of pesos either. As long as you have these basics, you are good to go.

Space

If you have a small home, you can dedicate a small corner of your living room or bedroom for the study area. If you have a spare room, that’s even better. Just make sure it has enough space for a table and chair — maybe even a wall where you can fix a board for notes and reminders!

If you’re worried that the available spots are near temptations — for example, the living room where the television is — then you can use it to your advantage. “Let’s finish tracing your alphabet then you can watch TV,” or “How about we play outside once we get to know more of these numbers?”

Table and chairs

A simple foldable table and a sturdy chair will do. It just needs to be functional enough so that you can, for example, demonstrate some letter strokes on the table while they copy it.

Observe if they have the proper sitting posture while on the chair. They should sit with their elbows, hips, and knees all bent at a 90-degree angle. If you are not using kiddie-sized furniture, give them a footrest like a box or stool so their legs do not dangle.

Screens or reading materials should be directly in front of them, ideally an arm's length away and at eye level. This prevents them from looking down too much and straining their neck.

Writing board

It may be worth investing on a writing board because it captures the vibe of a real classroom. No budget for it? Here’s an idea!

Buy an illustration board. The black side can be used as a chalkboard, while the white side can be wrapped in plastic cover to be used as a whiteboard! Print some cute cut-outs and adorn the edges of the board to add a little flair. Bulletin boards are also great for keeping track of schedules and announcements.

Shelves

Shelves help keep the study area more organized. Everything homeschool related should be in these shelves and within the reach of you and your child for easier access when studying.

Keep everything organized by color coding the materials and arranging them by year and purpose. Separate resources, documentations and supplies.

School supplies

 Pencils, pens, papers, coloring materials, notebooks – everything (except maybe for snacks) in their bag or trolley should be readily available. Read here for more homeschooling materials.

How do I set up a homeschool room if I have a small space?

Don't worry — there are ways to maximize a small space for homeschooling.

Smart storage spaces

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Remember that most of the things that occupy the floor space are the shelves, tables, and chairs. If you have a small area to study in, it’s best to utilize the walls and install hanging shelves and baskets for storage instead. You can also modify your chairs and tables so that the hollow space under them can be used as storage.

Small stuff for small rooms

Make sure that the size of the tables and chairs is proportional to the size of the room so it does not feel cramped or crowded. Read here for kiddie-sized furniture you can buy. 

Ditch the 'classroom'

Convert other areas of the house to a study space. Use the dining table, have your study sessions in the veranda or plan educational activities and conduct them outdoors!

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