Homework

Putting the “Home” in Homeschool

By LaTeisha Williams

Educating your children at home is a rewarding labor of love and a great way to quickly become bombarded with stuff! Homeschooling by nature requires the home to be functional, but it has to still remain a place of refuge and relaxation. Whether your home or your homeschool budget is big or small, you can have an optimal place for instruction, as well as an inviting haven for your family. Here are four easy tips to help you put the “home” back in your homeschool!

Take Inventory. What do you really need? Many times we find that the things we think are necessary are really just extras. Consider finding a good home for those possessions you and your family can do without—friends, relatives, neighbors, donation centers, freecycle.org, and craigslist are all great starting points. Have items that you need to get rid of that are not in the best condition to pass on to others? Try to schedule a bulk pickup with your county’s waste management or take a trip to your local waste/recycling facility and drop off your items. Also, junk pick up services are an option, and many have discounts for their customers.

Get Organized. Give everything a place. When things have a place to go, cleaning up is much easier and efficient. Find a system of organization that works for your family and your budget and stick to it!

Make It Your Own. The small acts of rearranging furniture or repurposing objects can make a home feel completely different. It does not have to cost a lot to make an eye-pleasing home. A new coat of paint, decoupage techniques, and finding new, imaginative uses for your belongings are some inexpensive ways to transform what you already own. Let the children get in on the act by displaying their creative side. Children’s sculptures, paintings, and drawings can be used as decor or wall art and rotated periodically. The same can be done with simple snapshots of the family, pets, nature, or everyday objects using inexpensive photo frames that you can customize.

Everyone Do Their Part. Help children take pride in their home by giving chores. Even the smallest ones who are able to follow directions can be taught to put toys in the proper place. This will reduce big cleaning sessions and help to avoid being overrun by clutter.

The home should be a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the world, a place of comfort and ease. Regardless of the size or resources, the home can be a functional place of learning and discovery and a refreshing retreat.