So we decided to select the Online Academy that our district gave as an option for this year. I knew we needed to create and designate a space for our 3rd and 1st grader to learn. (And we figured why not set up a station for our preschooler while we were at it.)
We JUST moved into a new house with a den, which I was anticipating turning into my home office. But due to the circumstances we thought it best to set up a work station for myself in our master bedroom. We discussed a few different options for our homeschool station. We thought about putting a desk into each of their bedrooms to separate them a bit – but considering their ages and the fact they will undoubtedly need guidance and supervision, we settled on using the den for all three. I don’t want to be running around the house all day. (Can you blame me?) Ultimately we felt this was the right choice for our home layout and the kids needs. All of them corralled into one place for me to keep an eye on them and make sure they are doing their work. Plus, our living room is right next to the den in case I need to pull one of them from the shared space periodically to work separately.
Homeschool Decor
Setting up goes beyond just setting up a desk in the space. We wanted to really bring in the classroom feel to give 
them a sense of normalcy. I really wanted traditional school desks, I think they are super cute and I had visions of painting them with chalk paint and making the legs copper…(thanks 3am Pinterest session) but that project may be a bit overly ambitious. I found exactly what I had in mind on Amazon and they are perfect just the way they are without modifying them. I also added vintage wood and metal school chairs for seating. For wall décor, it is helpful to post of special classes, zoom meetings and different subject to focus on each day. Decorating that space with helpful posters and charts just reinforces what they are learning in their studies. If you have the extra room to devote into a school space, you can use fun colors on the walls or even chalkboard paint. Unfortunately our school hasn’t given us a finalized schedule per class.. So my wall décor will have to wait. I plan on posting some kind of daily schedule for each child. And I’ll be sure to post pics of the finished product.
Homeschool Must Haves
I think it is important for the kids to each to have their own school supplies. Things for them to take ownership of and responsibility for. Their own items so they can really feel like individuals. They share so much in their day to day life, I want school to feel separate from “home life”.
Hanging wall file holders, or something to keep their completed work organized. Also a good place to store paper and any school info they will need on a day-to-day basis. I decided to go another route and
ordered 3 tier utility carts for each of them to place their supplies, school work etc. Also I thought they may create a good buffer between desks. They come in about a million different fun colors, so you can match with the space.
Table-top dry erase easels are perfect for the kiddos to use to practice numbers, math, writing and more. And a bit more eco friendly than going through tons of paper.
Regardless the space should be one that the kids actually enjoy going! Today I woke up to completed math sheets from my 7-year-old this morning! He had gone in there and done “schoolwork” all on his own. I would say it’s a success so far! Bring it on Monday! The first day of school we are ready for you.
