
There are lots of reasons behind the growth of homeschooling. Some families want to take control of their children's education while others are worried about school quality and safety. Regardless of why you are considering teaching your kids at home, you want to make their learning environment as effective and encouraging as possible. Let the following projects serve as inspiration for creating a great homeschool zone in your home.
1. Carve Out a Classroom
Finding a dedicated space for teaching is one of the biggest challenges many homeschool families face. However, it can be incredibly helpful for parents and students. A dedicated homeschool zone will eliminate school supplies being left throughout the house, which makes it look neater and limits how many books mysteriously disappear. If designed properly, it can also give kids a boost by helping them stay focused on the task at hand.
Your homeschool area does not necessarily have to be an entire room. A desk behind a screen partition may be all the space your kids need. Teens might benefit from having the space carved out of their bedrooms for added privacy. The point is more to have a dedicated space that signals it is time for learning.
2. Add Built-In Storage for Teaching Resources
Clutter is never an attractive home feature. It can be even more troublesome when your children are trying to learn in that type of environment. Clutter can interfere with creativity and concentration, so it is definitely something you want to avoid in a homeschool learning environment. Luckily, new built-in storage means you can purchase the best tools to keep your kids engaged knowing that you have somewhere to store them when they are not in use.
You might think that once you are through with 1st grade teaching resources, you'll be able to get through higher grades with digital items. However, kids of all ages (and adults, too) can benefit from having physical tools while learning. This is especially true for tactile learners who like to touch and do.
3. Update the Lighting
Poor lighting can make it difficult for kids to learn. If it is too dark, kids can have trouble seeing the material they are focusing on. On the other hand, some lights can be too bright or harsh, and they may even cause headaches. That is why it is so important to find good lighting solutions.
Updating light fixtures is pretty straightforward. It is something that many homeowners can DIY. Just remember to hire a professional if you are uncomfortable working with electricity. If you decide to take on a few improvements, the following tips can help you choose the right lights for your learners:
- Use natural light whenever possible
- Install LED bulbs to maximize efficiency
- Research Kelvin scale colors to choose which ones are best for your classroom
- Use varied light fixtures (sconces, overhead lights, lamps, etc.)
4. Install Appropriate Technology
Today's classrooms are technology-heavy, and your homeschool will benefit from using some of the same gear. While you may not want to install an oversized smartboard, there are other gadgets that can be helpful. Tablets and Chromebooks are excellent examples of technology that can help make learning easier. High-speed internet is a game-changer when it comes to accessing information and resources. Invest in the best service within your budget for the best results.
5. Bring Nature Into Your Homeschool
Nature is a powerful force. For example, it has been shown to support healthy immune function and encourages healing. Spending time in nature is also linked to lower stress levels and reduced anxiety. Those are huge bonuses when trying to homeschool. You can harness that power by incorporating natural elements into your designs. Houseplants, natural lighting, and pictures of nature scenes can all help produce a claiming effect that supports learning.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Upgrading lighting, removing clutter, and bringing nature indoors are all ideas that can help you create an effective learning environment.