Homeschooling Classrooms
Do you recognize your style in the description of these classrooms?
All Around the House
This classroom area can be changed from day to day. The homeschooling family that prefers to learn in this way stresses the importance of privacy and independence in their studies. The parents wish to provide each child with his/her own learning space, rather than a general space. Sometimes they have something set up in each bedroom. Others have arranged “corners” for learning in hallways and cubbies or family rooms.The main point is that this family prefers to do their work, not as a group, but each to his/her own space.They are not looking for structure, as much as a relaxed atmosphere in their home study program. A family who enjoys this style commonly resists the “feel” of structure which would be similar to schools outside the home. They want the freedom of “going with the flow”, staying in pajamas if they so choose, and giving their homeschooling day an overall laid back feeling.They will often reconnect at lunch time or recess, and sometimes, will also come together for subjects such as: Music, Art, or Physical Education. Usually, the family that prefers the “All Around the House” method will have a cupboard or filing cabinet in a central location where all of the texts and school supplies are kept. The students know to go and get their things, and then head off to their particular place of study. (Some families also have space enough for each child to keep their school supplies in their bedrooms).
The Heart of the Home is the Kitchen Table
Kitchen Table families typically want a little bit of structure in their day. Also, this style will be common to the family who would like to have a room set aside for learning, but perhaps does not have the adequate space available. Many times they will have nearby drawers and cupboards or plastic tote bins which contain their books and supplies for learning. This family likes the easy accessibility of the kitchen, and while there is a certain amount of structure here, the overall feel is still quite relaxed . The Kitchen Table Classroom works well for many families. Others have said they could never do school this way, for they find themselves facing too many battles of students wanting to pop in and out of the kitchen and pantry during lessons.
Classroom on the Go
The Classroom on the Go family conducts their school lessons where ever they happen to be at the moment. Whether they are in the car, in a doctor’s waiting room, at the park, in the library, or simply sitting in their yard, the are experts at “carrying school” with them! This style is probably the most un-structured of the choices, and works well for the family who travels a lot, or who does not enjoy being in one place for very long. It is also commonly found that the homeschooling family who enjoys this method very often take field trips. Again, they like the feel of “being on the go” and would rather do their Algebra at a red light, than sit at a desk for several hours.
The Living Room Learners
Here’s a family that likes to be together. Their classroom is their Living Room. The students can be found lying on the couch, sitting in the bean bag chairs, or gathering ‘round in a circle on the floor. (I knew a girl who enjoyed her reading lessons upside down; and this was fine with her mother!)Living Room learners also find great use for their television (if they have one) to view educational videos at their convenience. They enjoy the comfort of their own furniture, yet, unlike the “All Around the House” learners, they prefer to stay in one group while they study.
A Classroom Set Aside
Still other homeschooling families (my own included) thrive in a more formal classroom setting. Some have used back patios that have been closed in, some have used, the basement, and others have used an empty bedroom; each space being decorated and set up like a traditional classroom found in outside schools. While the particulars of this will vary (some will have one large learning table and others will provide individual student desks) the overall look is that of a structured classroom setting. Families who enjoy this style of homeschooling, often say that they are better able to focus when they are in a room created for the special purpose of their studies, rather than trying to incorporate their lessons into rooms usually used for other activities. These families want structure, yet are just as willing to take Science class outdoors when that bright sunny day beckons through their classroom window! You will often see bulletin boards, learning and inspirational posters, book shelves, and even chalkboards in a typical homeschooling room of this style. (Families who use one of the previously mentioned styles also have found creative ways of decorating, so this is not to say that one MUST have a room set aside for that purpose.)
Perhaps you have always used one of the above settings, but are considering a change.
There are a few questions that you can ask yourself (and ask the children as well) to help you discern which way would enable you get the most out of your daily homeschooling experience.
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