If you run into conflicts trying to get your kids to focus on their homeschooling, a dedicated homeschool station may be the solution. Creating a space just for learning will help your child to do better while maintaining more harmony in your home.
Homeschooling is one of those things that has its ups and downs. There will be good days and there will be challenging days. With our homeschooling, I definitely found that I not only had to create a designated learning space, but I also had to set specific times of the day. My kids need to know what’s coming up, so they can carve out the rest of their day with their own activities and passions.
Sometimes the library will work just fine, and other times we need to push the pause button and head outdoors. But for the days where we just need that extra focus – say on a documentary or a building/STEM project, we need a space for that focus.
Setting Up Your Homework Station
Banish most electronics. Save the cell phone calls (if you have a teen that loves to chat, like we do!) and video games for later. We use game time as a reward for the end of the day. You may want to give your child a computer without internet access or limit their browsing to what they need for their learning that day. You might like to read my post with tips on creating simplicity and a nurturing environment.
Pick a quiet spot. Look for a spot that will enable your child to concentrate while you provide the lessons or whatever level of supervision they need.
The kitchen or dining room table are often good options for book work if you don’t have the space for personal desks. We have small portable desks that they can also keep their writing tools and some books in.
Create a folder for each child and subject. Make it easier for your child to find the workbooks and materials they need each day.
Try a subject folder with one pocket each for incoming and outgoing paperwork. I also use cardboard magazine holders that my children can decorate however they like, and personalize them.
Stock up on necessary supplies. Put together an assortment of all the commonly used items you’re likely to need: paper, pens, pencils, markers, glue, crayons (block or beeswax if you are doing a Waldorf based lesson), scissors, and maybe a geometry set.
We use scrap books that can be decorated and designed by each child. We do our art work in these, as well as glue in any worksheets they want to keep. Sometimes we do journal pages as well, and these also go into the book. It’s so nice to go back through these books at the end of the year, and see how much we have actually done!
Design a lesson caddy. Make your lessons easily portable. Any receptacle big enough to hold all the items will work. You can use a laundry basket, plastic tub or whatever you have on hand.
For our younger kids, we have a morning basket. In this we put books, colouring pages, crafts and math manipulatives. They get to go through this basket after (or sometimes during) breakfast. It helps wake up the brain and spark creativity before getting into the daily lessons. Keeping everything in separate caddies or baskets is a huge time saver and stress reliever!
Offer fidget toys. Similarly, your child may crave something to do with their hands. Small children may like building toys or puzzles while older kids can have a rubber ball or Rubik’s cube.
All of our kids need to start their day using their hands creatively. It’s just something they’ve always done, sometimes that’s doodling and other times it’s writing a short story.
Supply instrumental music. Some people focus better in complete silence and others prefer background sounds. Experiment with instrumental music if your child complains that it’s too quiet.
I find that playing nature soundtracks relative to the season we are in is calming and helps my kids focus. If you are having a learning day inside, it’s a great way to bring the outdoors inside.
Post written reminders. Another fabulous benefit of a homeschool station is that parents can post reminders for rules and deadlines. We use a combination whiteboard and chalkboard. Think how much better you’ll all feel when you can stop ‘nagging’!
Using Your Homeschooling Station
Discuss the importance of dedicated learning time. Get your child involved in the process from the start by talking about the benefits of what they are learning.
If you are following more of an unschooling process, this is a great place to discuss with your child what they are most interested in. Welcome their suggestions for how to learn – and play! – together.
Break homeschooling sessions down into chunks. In a Waldorf based day, we focus on rhythms that help the child understand and recall what comes next. My youngest loves to plan, and her older brother needs to know what to expect and understand why he is learning what he is.
It’s natural for kids to need one or more breaks during their homeschool sessions. And for some children, it feels unnatural to sit still for a long period of time. Be sure to have things handy that can keep their hands busy (fidget spinners, modelling clay, etc). Montessori Services supplies some great manipulatives. And have lots of outside time and movement breaks!
Encourage self monitoring. Of course, the ultimate goal is to guide kids towards a love for self motivated learning. As your child matures, you may feel confident that they will engage their own learning process in the privacy of their own bedroom.
Present rewards. If they meet the goals you have agreed on, like completing lessons on time, pick a reward that is meaningful for them. You might bake their favorite cupcakes for dessert or plan a special weekend outing.
When you supply for your child the necessary resources to succeed by creating a nurturing and inspiring station, it will help make learning more fun and productive for all of you!
Leave a Reply