Likely you have found drool-worthy pictures when scouring Pinterest for homeschool room ideas. I get it. I have done the same, haven’t we all? Perhaps you are one of the many parents who feel they have zero space to homeschool their children. How do you homeschool when you think you have zero space? Let me help you see that a large room dedicated to all things homeschooling is unnecessary, as I also transition myself out of a dedicated homeschool space.
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How to Homeschool When You Think You Have Zero Space
I have found over the years that your homeschool space doesn’t need to be large to be effective. Nor does your collection of items that you use in your homeschool need to be expansive. I aspire to be a minimalist, however, I also like books and buying stuff we don’t always need…or throwing stuff out that I tend to wish I hadn’t done down the road. (Notice I said I aspire to be minimalist, not that I am.)
If you do not have a dedicated learning space, likely you have a kitchen table, coffee table, or a floor in your home or apartment…right? Use these to their full potential and allow them to be part of your homeschool space. No matter where you decide to homeschool for the day, week, month, or year, keep your items accessible. Using a rolling cart or a simple basket is all that’s needed to keep things contained. Make sure you have comfortable seating for your space, and understand that kids need to move, so gluing them down to a chair is not going to work in the long run…
Using the Kitchen and Living Room
The Kitchen Table or Island: We have been using our kitchen island as a space for learning since we started our school year a couple of weeks ago. I am happy to say we haven’t even used our dedicated space yet. (I am a newbie at using another space for homeschooling. But we want to eventually give our boys their separate bedrooms back. Currently, my space for homeschooling is my younger son’s old bedroom. I am exploring our options here.) The kitchen has been a great place to learn, especially since it’s near the snacks! Keep hangry moms and kids at bay by supplying fruit and veggies as snacks, this has been working great for us.
Coffee Table For Learning:
Why not bring your coffee along and enjoy it while you are beside your kids? (Don’t you anyway, at least sometimes?) We have also used our living room coffee table a lot recently and it has been a great place for me to get down on their level and enjoy books or games. Just make sure you have a comfy spot to sit when your body starts to ache because you’re old and you can’t sit on the floor very much anymore…Just me? If your coffee table has any storage consider using this for pencils, books, or general storage.
Find Coffee Tables Here (there are some great options here for more storage!)
Virtually Any Floor:
Most any floor can be used as a homeschool space. My boys prefer to be on the living room floor with their books or other manipulatives, and as I said, for a short period of time, I can stand to be down there too. Again any shelf, cart, basket, or drawer can be a great alternative for storage. Lay down pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals to help make things more cozy.
My younger son has been entertained by the idea that he can hang over the ottoman, do his school work, and squirm at the same time.
Reduce Clutter and Distractions
In order to keep distractions at a minimum try to keep the TV or other electronics out of the learning space. I like to play calming music at a low volume for my boys though. Keeping toys out of sight and reach can also help eliminate distractions.
If you are willing to allow your homeschool life to be part of your decor consider decorating shelves with projects and things found in nature. For example, if you have found a bird’s nest, or a bee hive that has been discarded by its previous owner, consider putting them on the shelf for a nice aesthetic. This can also encourage further learning if they are within reach. If your child shows interest in the object, pull it off the shelf and discover more about it.
My all-time favorite storage and organization item is the bins from The Home Edit. I use them in my pantry, closets, under the cabinets for storage, and most of all in my homeschool room!
These bins from The Home Edit get all my praises! I love stacking bins within bins. This makes it easy to organize things by item or school subject. I have all our arts and crafts in one bin, and a bin for reading, science, and math items.
You can use these bins in your living room, kitchen, or anywhere you see fit to hold your homeschooling items! The one pictured could potentially have another one just like it stacked on top of it.
Another way to keep clutter and mess down, use the library to build your collection of reading materials. This way you know the shelves or baskets won’t get over cluttered because the books will need to be returned.
Make Clean-Up Easy
Put down butcher paper, or a craft roll of paper on the table or surface you are using for easy cleanup. This is a great way to save not only your table tops, but also works great for drawing, writing, or any scratch paper that is needed. A wipeable tablecloth would work great too, especially for the floor!
The Very Best Homeschool Space
The great outdoors is the very best place to get kids’ imaginations flowing and get them learning! Take a picnic blanket with you, spread your books out, and enjoy the sunshine! We love this one.
Click here to see how we take our homeschool outdoors.
Looking For More Ways to Plan Your Homeschool?
Don’t let the stress of planning your homeschool overwhelm you. I have created a simple schedule method that has worked for me for years. Most states require you to keep track of and account for 180 days of instruction. Why not keep things simple with my 180-day chart? I know it’s important to have everything in one place so check out my Homeschool Planners too. With three design options, you can customize your own planner with daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly planning ideas.
Be Willing To Be Flexible in Your Homeschool
As your homeschool journey progresses things will change, and you will too! Be willing to make changes as you feel the need, and periodically assess whether your space is working for you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. I saw a great idea recently where a mother was taking her kids to a sit-down restaurant and they did school while they waited on their food. Take your kids to the library for the school day, or the park.
Remember the point of homeschooling is to make it work for you. Someone else’s experience does not need to look like yours, and your learning space can be as diverse as you are! You do not need to have a dedicated space to make your homeschooling experience enjoyable. You really can homeschool when you think you have zero space!
Click here to see my other recommendations for your homeschool room.
