We were blessed to have been able to design our home and create spaces that support our homeschooling efforts and personal preferences. Although this was the first home that we were able to design from the ground up, I’ve never really felt our homeschooling should be limited to any one area.
Why confine yourself to one room if you don’t have to?
Aren’t some rooms better for certain activities than others?
Homeschooling throughout our home
Like most homeschooling families our Family Room sofa has proven to be a great place for read-alouds and watching educational videos and our Kitchen does double duty for science projects and practical life skills.
For messier projects, crafts and larger group studies you can find us out on the Lanai, especially when the weather is nice. During the cooler months sometimes we do our seatwork out here as well for a change of pace and to enjoy the weather and nature.
Traditional School Areas
The room I used to refer to as the “playroom” is really our Main School Room. It is modeled (as best I can) after a preschool room and Montessori learning area. Our younger children spend the majority of their “school time” in this room although Our older boys also enjoy spending time in here. I try to create centers and rotate the activities on a weekly basis. Sometimes I get busy (and overwhelmed) and it ends up being rotated on a monthly basis.
A popular center activity is our “Block Center”
The Boys Study is located on the 2nd floor just outside their bedrooms. Eventually they will have their own computers here. In the meantime they can do some seatwork here and there is also a shared- bookshelf with their books.
My personal office (AKA Mommy’s Office) is another area that is set up for schooling. I am so blessed to have an interactive white board, 2 computers, and enough space to really spread out. This room also serves as my scrapbook area and command center as Domestic CEO, or whatever we are calling homemakers these days. I believe all Mothers need an area (if not a room) of their own from which to run their home and preserve their sanity.
(My office/School Room Photo Coming Soon!)
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Our driveway has become a favorite spot to break out the art easels and paint away the afternoon.
This playground area is located off my office and the Main School Room.
Recess/PE is also conducted in the pool. That’s just one of the things I love about homeschooling in Sunny Florida.
Homeschool Organization:
Next to bookshelves, a Homeschool Supply Closet is a necessity! If you cannot find it, easily reach it, or see it frequently; you won’t be able to use it or remember it’s there. If you don’t have a spare closet then a cabinet or bookshelf will do. When we’ve been in temporary housing or smaller spaces I’ve used CLEAR plastic tubs for our homeschool storage.
Remember, with a little tweaking you can take almost any idea and put it to work for you in your own space.
I hope something from our homeschool areas inspired you in the creation of a space or spaces that will work for your family. Even if it’s just to think of your entire home as your school room, and not just one dedicated space.
Want to see more homeschool rooms? Visit my Homeschool Spaces Pinterest Board and the Not Back to School Blog Hop!
Your house is beautiful! Do you use the whiteboard frequently? I’ve been wondering whether it would be a worthwhile thing to look into.
Nichole,
YES, we really do use it almost daily. We use interactive lessons, watch powerpoint shows and Youtube video clips, and use a variety of software made for interactive whiteboards (my kids favorite) plus I just write on it (and let them practice writing on it too).
Beautiful spaces! I actually just reorganized some stuff so I could get to my homeschool supplies easier. Once I did this I realized how many wonderful things I had use and how much more I used them when they were easier to get them!
I have more areas to share but I must confess that my house blew up after the homeschool convention and a ton of traveling…so I have to fix up those areas and photograph them in pretty light! ; 0 )
It is AMAZING how much more you use resources when you can a) see them b) get to them easily
Can I just move in with you and go to your school?! LOL Seriously, you have a beautiful home with amazing spaces for your family. Who would want to go to a traditional school when they have paradise right there?! Love the whiteboard. I need to look into that. Thanks for sharing! Blessings for a great school year!
You can only move in if you help with laundry and teach a few classes! The interactive whiteboard is amazing! Also look into the Now! Board which is a less expensive and more portable option.
Your home is beautiful! Love the spaces.
Dreamy!!! Love the spaces. I never heard of an interactive whiteboard……heading off to Google now!
Have a great school year!
You have a beautiful home! Great pictures!
If our pool was as beautiful as yours I think that would be my eternal classroom! Surely you can do math and reading and even some writing out there!
I keep forgetting to paint outside but that would be perfect to break up our afternoons.
What a gorgeous home!
Karin, Your home and your family are simply beautiful. You are truly blessed…love the boards and wow, an interactive board…..and the kitchen…is a beautiful place for your family to gather at all times! Praying many blessings over you and yours!
Thanks Rebecca. It has been a DREAM for us to have this space for our family (I still pinch myself over Psalm 113:9). We do pray that the Lord will show us how He wishes us to share it through hospitality and fellowship. I hope your homeschool year is blessed beyond measure.