Homeschooling can be a daunting task. With the increasing need for space and the various activities that go into a homeschooling day, it can seem impossible to fit everything into a small space. But with a little creativity and strategic effort, you can make homeschooling work in even the tiniest of areas.
1. Create a Good Homeschool Schedule
One of the essential elements of homeschooling in a small space is to create an appropriate schedule. Establishing a consistent routine can help you make the most of your small living space.
Try starting the day with a breakfast together, which will give you an opportunity to make an important connection point with your children and create a social atmosphere to your learning environment. This can also be a great way to transition from a relaxing into a more productive mindset. Beyond breakfast, it’s important for every family to find what works for them.
A good plan may include core subjects in the morning and special activities and field trips or enrichment activities in the afternoon. If you have limited space, you may need to consider engaging in multiple smaller learning activities instead of long, in-depth lessons. Adapting to this routine ahead of time, and carving out specific time for certain activities, can help you maintain order and reduce stress levels, especially when the space is limited.
2. Utilize Outdoors Areas
Especially during nice days, take advantage of the outdoors. Although teaching may not be able to occur outdoors, there is plenty of learning that can be done outside. For example, going out for a nature hike or conducting a science experiment in the garden can be great hands-on learning activities.
Have your child keep a nature journal and sketch what they observe, go birdwatching, or collect leaves and stones to identify. This way, you have more room during the day to do traditional lessons indoors and the kids can still have fun while they learn.
3. Take Advantage of Online Learning
Online learning can be a great way to supplement traditional lessons and it is one of the most tangible benefits of homeschooling in a small space. There are a variety of resources available for homeschoolers to explore and even complete entire courses.
Depending on your preferred style, you can do the coursework digitally from a laptop or you can print out the coursework to paper. For childhood education, there are two great organizations that offer comprehensive online learning. For K-8, there is the Khan Academy and for grades 9-12, there is The Phoenix Project.
Both of these organizations provide interactive resources and tools to keep your child academically engaged. There are also a number of online certified tutors available through these organizations to personalize the learning experience.
4. Utilize Visual Learning Aids
Visual learning aids can be great ways to supplement traditional lessons. For example, a whiteboard or blackboard can be used to teach basic math equations, stories, and the five W’s.
Edible activities, making art projects and 3D models, and visiting local museums are all great ways to bring content to life. It may be difficult to find material to use for these activities, but it is worth the effort as it will help your child better understand and remember important concepts.
5. Find Creative Space Flavors
When learning in a small space, it can be difficult to get comfortable and focus as a family. To make the most of what you have, try to find creative ways to give every member of the family their own space. Depending on the size of the room, you can split it into sections: one for reading, one for studying, one for test-taking and practice, and one for play.
You can assign each student a corner or space for their own use.
6. Take Regular Breaks
Just as important as having a good schedule, it’s important to take breaks when homeschooling in a small space. Learning in such a confined area can be stressful, both for you and your kids, so it’s important to step away from the classroom every once in a while.
Going for a walk, playing a game, or just taking a few minutes for some mindfulness or yoga can help reset your minds and bodies and keep the morale high.
7. Enlist the Help of Family & Friends
If you are homeschooling in a small space, chances are you don’t have a lot of support. Thankfully, enlisting the help of friends and family can be a great way to make it work.
Reach out to people in your community who can help with homeschooling, such as tutors, mentors, experts in the field, or experienced homeschoolers. They can provide additional resources and expertise to supplement what you are teaching.
8. Use Multifunctional Furniture and Accessories
Since space is a much-needed commodity, it is important to make the most of the limited space that is available. Investing in multifunctional furniture and accessories can help in this regard.
For example, consider purchasing a few dual-purpose tables, a couch that converts into a bed, and other multi-use items. This way, you can transform an area into both a learning space and a place to snuggle up and relax when needed.
9. Pre-Plan Educational Experiences
Even with limited space, homeschooling doesn’t have to be all indoors. To get the most out of your educational experiences, it is important to pre-plan and research different activities ahead of time. For example, going to a library can be one of the best ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom.
There are many children’s programs, events, and activities at libraries, many of which are free. Look up books and readings related to a specific topic and have your child join a book club or take part in other activities at the library.
10. Stock Your Homeschool Resources
When homeschooling in a small space, you don’t want to be caught short handed. It is important to stock your resources appropriately so you can access them when necessary. Gather up items such as books, flashcards, workbooks, notebooks, and other materials that you’ll need ahead of time.
You may also want to collect audio-visual media like videos, CDs, or DVDs to enhance your lessons.
11. Implement General Organization
Organization is key when it comes to homeschooling in a small space. Whether it’s running errands or teaching, having a place for everything will help keep your space organized, which will help keep your time spent in the space distraction-free. Establishing an area for textbooks, tools, and activities will help you and the children locate them quickly and reduce any potential wasted time and energy.
12. Speak Openly & Honestly
When homeschooling in a small space, it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your family. Talk with your children and make sure they understand the basics of homeschooling and why you are doing it. Explain the importance of utilizing the available space and the need for maintaining order.
Ask for their input on the schedule and the way you plan to teach the lessons. By doing these things, you can ensure everyone is on the same page.
13. Value Quality Time Together
One of the great aspects of homeschooling in a small space is that it gives families an opportunity to spend quality time together. Value this time and make the most out of it.
This can be done through educational activities, crafts, games, chores, and anything else that keeps you engaged and learning. This can help foster strong relationships and positive family dynamics.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in a small space may come with challenges, but with a little bit of creativity and careful planning, it can be a lot easier. Establishing a good schedule, utilizing online learning and outdoor spaces, taking advantage of visual aids, finding creative ways to make use of the space, stocking resources, and valuing quality time together are just a few of the ways you can make it work.
With patience and some investment of your time, you can make homeschooling a success, even in a small space.