Initially, one of the most appealing things about homeschooling was that it wouldn't be like a traditional school. AT ALL! I always hated sitting at a desk for hours on end, and that was the last thing I wanted my kids to ever experience. While there is a strong case in favor of replicating a school room at home, there are just as many reasons not to.
Reason #1 -You Have Space limitations.
Many people lack a specific room to designate to homeschool. Thankfully, there are many options for organizing your homeschool supplies. Rolling carts or a closet for supplies and the kitchen table work for many people. Don't let space stop you from homeschooling.
Reason # 2- Learning happens MORE Outside of the Classroom.
Education can be facilitated anywhere, and a classroom can feel limiting. A classroom is an actual box, and the scenery mostly stays the same, allowing things to get stale. Moving freely throughout the home and world around you will keep the learning environment fresh.
Where your kid focuses and learns the best is better than any classroom environment. Let kids study where they are comfortable and take way more field trips than you need to. Sitting at a desk can be draining, so allowing your kids to free range all over the house or even in the backyard is okay.
Reason # 3- Your kid studies exclusively online.
If you've found a perfect program for your child that's entirely online, all you'll need is a laptop or tablet. A small desk, TV tray, picnic table, or dining room table will work perfectly fine as long as they can focus on their studies. Laptops are ideal for mobility and do not require a separate space.
Reason #4- Ergonomics
While most kids, thankfully, don't have a lot of back pain or carpal tunnel, we can't ignore Ergonomics. When children can study where they are comfortable and have permission to change their environment, they aren't stuck in the same position that creates negative patterns in the body that cause tension and stiff muscles.
Reason # 5- You're worried that you're not doing it right.
It's natural as parents to want to do things the very best we can. Often, we're bombarded by images in our social media feeds depicting the perfect taco dinner, dream vacation, or wedding. The same is true with homeschooling parents who showcase their ideal learning environments. Sure, your friend's classroom looks beautiful and well-organized. Still, you might be the parent that spends more time barefoot nature journaling with your kids under a giant weeping willow as the sun's rays gently warm your body and soul. That sounds like an Instaworthy photo too! Please don't do it for social media or external pressure, do it because it brings your family peace and joy.
Conclusion: When setting up your house for homeschooling, it's essential to consider your family's needs first and not get wrapped up in perfection or what others think you need. What do you like better, a classroom setting or something more unconventional?
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