5 Tips for Homeschooling in a Small Space

We live in a small two-bedroom apartment.  That doesn’t leave much space for a nice homeschool area. Over the last year I have had to get creative in order to come up with a functional homeschool space for us.  Since school time is fast approaching, I thought I would share a few tips I’ve learned for homeschooling in a small space.

1. Be creative when deciding where to set up your space.

I know several people that prefer to conduct school at the kitchen table.  I personally wanted C to have a desk that would be a comfortable height for her.  My main reason for this is that a child’s fine motor skills improve when their feet are able to rest on the floor.  If the kitchen table is your favorite place for school time, perhaps you could get a step stool for your child to rest their feet upon.  In our tiny apartment it was difficult to find a good space for C’s desk.  Luckily, it fit perfectly in the small landing at the top of our stairs. At first I had it in my head that we needed to make space in one of our rooms for our school work.  It wasn’t until I got a little creative that we came up with something that worked without sacrificing too much living space.

2. Think outside the box to save wall space.

When I first moved C’s school space upstairs, I was disappointed that I couldn’t find a good place to hang up our calendar time wall.  My wonderful husband suggested turning the dry erase board on its side and our problem was solved!  I also made small, 8 x 10 versions of anchor charts for her, laminated them, and hung them on a ring.  That way she can pull up the chart she needs but I don’t have to have a huge wall for all the posters.  I looked for anchor chart ideas on Pinterest and just made my own tiny versions.

3. Don’t hoard school supplies.

Maybe it’s just me, but the homeschool mom hoarding temptation is serious!  That paper towel roll when I already have six in my closet, the huge stack of workbooks I got for practically nothing at Goodwill, magazines, newspapers, any little thing that might prove useful eventually.  The problem is, I don’t have space for it.  I finally had to tell myself that while I may kick myself down the road when I need seven paper towel rolls and three newspapers for a project, in the meantime and forevermore I will enjoy not having a cluttered home.  One day we will have a house, and then I may have the luxury of a closet for those just-in-case items, but not today.  This also goes for curriculum that I won’t need for years down the road.  I occasionally spy a bargain at Half Priced Books, but if I don’t think I will use it in the next year, there isn’t space for it in my home.  Send the items to be recycled or bless another family with workbooks and curriculum you don’t currently need.

4. Be flexible!

If you thought you had come up with the perfect school space but it just isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to try something new.  If you are happy with your space for the most part, but your feel the walls closing in once in awhile, get outside! From time to time, have school outside or at the library.  Perhaps you could go really crazy and have a good weather day off from school!

5. Be content.

This one is for me.  I get very impatient sometimes; I can’t wait to get a house and have my dream school space.  I must remember to stop and be thankful that God has blessed us to be able to homeschool, even if it is in a small apartment.  I know that my daughter is getting the education she needs, and that is all that matters.  Enjoy this homeschooling journey; it is truly a blessing.

Back-to-school Encouragement For Moms

This post is a part of the Back-to-school Encouragement For Moms series. Be sure to check out the others posts to be encouraged!