Now that we have cleared out our used curriculum, it’s time to spruce up our homeschool space. Even if you school all through the house, you have storage areas that could use some organizing, don’t you? I know I do! Here are our missions for this week:
#1 Declutter
Sure we moved out the curriculum, but if you’re anything like me, you have a lot of other school stuff to get rid of. I have accumulated enough writing instruments to supply a small country! Declutter items that don’t serve a function right now and just get in the way. Ask your kids to help with this by choosing their favorites to keep.
#2 Deep clean
Once you’ve removed the excess, you can get rid of the cobwebs and do detail dusting and vacuuming. Resist the temptation to do it yourself! This is a great job for kids of all ages.
#3 Discuss problems with the space
At one time, my primary school space in the basement was cold, dark, and depressing. My husband helped me come up with solutions to the problems. We decided to repair the walls (five boys can be rough on drywall), repaint, replace the off-white carpet (what was I thinking when I chose that?), add a space heater and a new light, and buy new furniture. Your children may have some suggestions for you, too.
#4 Plan and shop for changes
The carpet was the most expensive part of our homeschool space redo, but well worth it. We added an existing bookcase to the wall to give it a more uniform look and bought used furniture from Craigslist. You can see more of our space in this post, but check out the great homeschool spaces on the Organized Homeschool Pinterest board for inspiration. Pray about what you can do to make your homeschool space more appealing. It can really make a difference in your mood and productivity.
I continue to be amazed by the talents God has blessed homeschoolers with. It’s a pleasure to look through these wonderful resources each week. Hope you enjoy them!
Learn Math Fast’s big math bookmark was a huge hit, so this week the site has another freebie for us. Quickly and easily determine what grade level your child is working at in math.
Last week I had to make an important decision and my friend, Barb, directed me to her decision-making post for the second time. It was SO helpful that I realized it could help us homeschool moms decide on curriculum and other schooling issues as well. Pin it so you’ll have it when you need it.
It’s been a while since I’ve taken the kids to the library (my husband took them this summer), so I love No Twiddle Twaddle’s idea of sending them on a scavenger hunt. I think they will, too.
Can I ever use these ideas! I have a tweenager who is incredibly creative in imagining reasons he should be allowed to have more game time. Fortunately, Frugal Fun 4 Boys is just as creative in giving us these game-free activities.
I was SO excited when I saw this idea because I was thinking like a psychologist. These homemade room dividers are not only attractive, but they are just the thing for a child who is easily distracted. Thank you, Organizing Made Fun!
I have five boys and none of them have had the motor skills that my daughter had. Fine motor skills are what enable a child to dress himself, tie his shoes, write, and draw. Hands on as We Grow has a wonderful list of fun ideas for developing fine motor skills that work for all ages.
More Hot Stuff!
This week I have a bonus tip that I shared on my Facebook Page that is for homeschoolers only. Be sure to visit the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network page and “Like” it to hear about the launch of these podcasts. You just might recognize one of the hosts. More later!
When the newness of the school year wears off, you’re going to want some tricks up your sleeve to keep it interesting. This issue of What’s Hot in Homeschooling is here to help.
If you’ve been homeschooling longer than a year, you may be exhausted at the thought of doing lots of science. Let’s face it. Science can take a lot of time. That’s why I appreciated this advice from Raising Lifelong Learners. I bet you will too!
My family loves movies, but finding family-friendly movies that reflect our values has become a real challenge. That’s why I’m so excited about this movie that we were able to see for free at our local theater this summer. It’s a great way to fit in science and an even better way to talk about your faith. While you’re reading at The Inspired Day, I’d love to have you subscribe to these short shots of inspiration. Looking for more family-friendly movies? Plugged In Online has yearly nominations for the best movies for kids and teens.
Cornerstone Confessions shares pictures of her homeschooling space that looks like a kids’ library and preschool classroom rolled into one. If you have younger kids and need to rethink your space, don’t miss this post.
When I started homeschooling, I thought review was the boring stuff of traditional school. So I didn’t do it. I wanted to get on to more new material like what I’ve shared above. Now I see that review is what makes it possible to move on to new, fresh material! If you’re not convinced, read this great article from The Homeschool Classroom.
If you’d like to get some of these great ideas early or you want to see the pins of top homeschool bloggers, be sure to follow the What’s Hot in Homeschooling board.
I’m a Christian psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. My life can be a little crazy, so I look for sanity-saving ideas to use and share. I hope you’ll read my About page to learn more.