Home schooling is an increasingly popular option in certain countries. It can be time-consuming and labor-intensive on both the part of the parents and the student.
One of the aspects of home schooling that many parents overlook is how to store and organize the books and materials needed for the homeschool curriculum. This article is written to address this important subject. It will outline thirteen key points regarding proper storage and organization of homeschooling-related books.
1. The Importance of Storage
It is well known that having the necessary resources readily accessible saves time and makes homeschooling a much smoother process. Even though homeschooling typically occurs within the home and is often focused on individualized instruction, traditional textbooks and materials are essential for the curriculum.
If these materials are left on shelves and scattered throughout the house, it can become difficult to find everything in a timely manner, leading to wasted time and potential frustration. Storing books properly can be the key to an effective homeschooling experience.
2. Designate an Area as the Home School Room or Library
The first step to proper storage is to designate an area of the house as the homeschool room or library. This might be a spare bedroom or a corner of a larger room, as long as it is a place where the student can be comfortable and isolated. Many modern homes have a loft or upper story space that can be utilized as a library or study area.
When designating a space for the homeschool library, be sure to include enough room for shelves, furniture, and any seating space needed. This room should also be equipped with basic school supplies such as paper, folders, and writing instruments.
It will serve as the “base camp” of the homeschooling operation.
3. Make an Inventory List of all Books to be Stored
Once the area has been designated, the next step is to make an inventory list of all the books that need to be stored. Begin by organizing the books into broad categories, such as Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and History. Once the categories have been established, a more in-depth list can be made.
Do not forget to include reference materials, educational games and toys, or any other items that might be a part of the homeschool curriculum.
4. Utilize Storage Solutions
With the inventory list established, the next step is to seek out storage solutions. There are a plethora of options to choose from, from standard bookcases to specialized homeschool solutions.
Standard bookcases provide an economical way of storing books. They provide good accessibility and protection from dust, but they do not offer any special organization benefits. Specialized homeschool solutions may include rolling carts, stacking boxes, or shelving that can be sectioned off.
These solutions give the added advantage of allowing parents to create specific sections and categories for materials, making it easier to find what is needed and quickly return items to their place.
5. Utilize Labels
Labeling and categorizing of books is a great way to help keep the homeschool library organized. Parents can create labels or use software and other solutions to create labels for the various categories and even individual books. This allows the student to quickly find what is needed and eliminates any confusion about which books belong in which category.
Labels should include a basic description of the book, such as author and title. Parents can also use colors, symbols, or other visuals to create categories that the student can easily recognize.
6. Keep a Magazine Holder Handy
Magazines and periodicals can be an important part of the homeschool curriculum, but they can also take up a lot of space if not stored properly. Invest in magazine holders as a way to manage and organize these types of materials. Magazine holders are perfect for corralling loose papers, books, and magazines.
They are typically stackable and can be used to create additional storage space when needed. Keep the magazine holder close to the main work area so that the student can readily access the materials.
7. Organize Working Spaces
Even the best storage solutions cannot be effective if the student’s workspace is disorganized and cluttered. Parents should encourage their children to keep the workspace clean, organized, and free of distractions. Invest in desk organizers and storage solutions that can help keep the student’s desk clear of unnecessary items and make it easier to find what is needed.
Utilizing an organization system of folders and dividers can help the student stay on task and work more quickly without having to search for items.
8. Utilize the Calendar
As part of the organization process, the homeschooler should keep calendars and to-do lists of upcoming assignments and projects. This can be done digitally or with physical calendars and planners.
Utilizing a calendar to plan out what needs to be done and when can help keep the student organized and on track. Parents can also benefit from a calendar as it allows them to better anticipate project needs and materials. This will make stocking the homeschool library much easier as it will eliminate any last-minute trips to the store for needed materials.
9. Digital Solutions
The exponential growth of digital products over the past two decades has led to the emergence of many digital solutions for the homeschooler. There are now a wide variety of computer-based programs, apps, and websites that can be used to help store and organize the digital materials needed for homeschooling. These digital solutions allow the student to store digital files and documents without taking up physical space, making them a perfect option for homeschoolers with limited space.
10. Get Creative
Many parents underestimate the need for creative solutions when it comes to storing and organizing homeschool materials. There are a number of creative DIY solutions that can be used to create additional storage space.
Utilizing old dressers, shelving units, fabric bins, and other containers is a great way to store and organize a variety of materials. Stacking boxes, crates, and drawers can also be a good way to maximize storage space without taking up too much room.
11. Encourage Clean Up
It is important to remember to keep the homeschool library clean and clutter-free. Spend some time on a regular basis cleaning up and organizing the library. Encourage the student to take time to put away any books, materials, and supplies used during the school day.
Having a place for everything makes it much easier to find items when they are needed.
12. Try Portable Solutions
Portable solutions can be an effective way to store and organize materials needed for field trips or other off-site learning activities. Portable solutions such as bins, backpacks, or rolling carts make it easy to transport materials to and from outside locations. Investing in a few of these solutions can make it much easier to get learning materials to and from off-site activities.
13. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Many homeschoolers utilize standard textbooks and materials for their program. It can be tempting to buy new books and materials each school year, but this can quickly add up in cost. Instead, consider using recycled textbooks and materials where possible.
Many books and materials can be reused multiple times with proper care, saving money and reducing waste.
Conclusion
Proper storage and organization are key to successful homeschooling. By utilizing storage solutions and getting creative when it comes to organizing, parents and students can create an effective and efficient homeschool library. Taking the time to properly store books and materials can make homeschooling a more successful, enjoyable experience both for the student and the parent(s).