How to Set Up a School Area in Your Home- Tricia Goyer

Have you wondered how to set up a school area in your home? As we prepare for a new year of school, setting up a school-at-home area can be both exciting and daunting.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or teaching your children at home is new to you, the new school year is a fresh start with an organization plan. Here are my tips for the hows and whys of setting up a schooling area in your home.

1. Remember, a school area gives kids security and stability.

Let’s face it, Covid-19 has changed things for everyone this school year. Many of you may be homeschooling for the first time ever. Others have been schooling at home for years, but your life is still very different because of the pandemic. Bringing a sense of order to space can help both parents and kids feel a sense of control.

2. Designate the best spot for setting up your school area.

When figuring out a place to do school, consider where your kids can work and focus. Many parents choose to have a designated area where their kids do their schoolwork, while others just have a common area. I know one mom who, when her kids were little, wanted a designated space to make fun and cute for her kids. She was limited in space and didn’t have a full room she could use, so she created a little schoolroom in their front entryway!

At the Goyer house, I teach my children around the kitchen table, and it works very well for our large family. The key is to have one area you congregate in—this will help your kids (and you!) get into a learning mode.

3. Declutter before you add in more.

Remember, less is more. Clutter causes stress to the brain and bright open spaces help for learning. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of the excess.

Throw away old and unneeded papers or mail
Only keep out the school books you are currently using.
Don’t hang on to half crayons and millions of little disorganized colored pencils. Yes, it’s thrifty sometimes to hang on and recycle things, but many school supplies are so inexpensive that it’s worth the peace of mind to chuck them and start fresh.
Use a rolling cart with bins to organize school supplies and books.
Give each child a milk crate for their individual books and items.
Get baskets or containers for loose items.

4. Ask yourself what your family would most enjoy in your space.

Will you use a chalkboard or whiteboard? If you want to go all out, you can actually purchase whiteboard material and cover a whole area of your wall from floor to ceiling.
Will you hang educational posters on the wall or keep the walls bare?
Will you have a common area for supplies, or will each child have a cubby area?
How will you organize your kids’ work? Some people have a bin specifically for each child to put their completed work. Pinterest has all kinds of fun ideas. You can even purchase a cable with clips on Amazon to display school posters or your children’s work. Have fun with it, but remember to stay simple.

5. When setting up your homeschool area, make sure it is a bright, positive place.

Here are some ideas to brighten up your space and breathe life into it:

Add living things—such as plants or a fish aquarium.
Have adequate light. Natural light is great for a student’s concentration and mood.
Diffuse calming scents. I love diffusing essential oils in our schoolroom to help set us up for success.
Display your kids’ work. If you can hang your kids’ excellent work on walls or cork boards, it helps them feel special and motivated.
Turn on uplifting music
Open the windows to let in the fresh air.

All these things can also be done throughout your home to bring peace beyond your school space.

For my last two tips for how to set up a school area in your home head over to Rooted Family.

Are you ready to learn how to have True Homeschool Success?

Let me show you what has worked for our family for over two and a half decades. I want to share what’s given us the power so you too can lead your family through home education. Learn more here: True Homeschool Success