How do I home-school in a small home?

Question

I'm considering homeschooling my goddaughter (at her request). I've read tons of articles & statistics listing the pros & cons, and have found organizations, classes, & gatherings, to make sure she gets plenty of social interaction with other kids. My only concern is that we are moving to a small home. I need good ideas on how to give her the best "classroom" experience in a limited space. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

We faced the same problem when we decided to homeschool our oldest son 2 years ago. We have a small home and five children, so we worried about how we would set up a "classroom". This problem pretty much solved itself after we started homeschooling. We learned that part of the beauty of homeschooling was that you did not need a "classroom" pre se. It does not need to be that formal. We cleared off a couple of shelves in the livingroom bookshelf for my son's books and we actually use the kitchen table as a desk. He has a rubbermaid type container for supplies such as notebooks, calculator, etc. He does alot of his reading in his room on his bed, isn't that how you enjoy reading? So, it pretty much works itself out. Good luck on your endeavor! It can be a very rewarding experience for both the adult and the child. Don't be afraid to change and adapt as you go, you may find out that somethings work better than others - or somethings don't work out the way you plan for them to. I suggest you read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It teaches (in a tongue in cheek way) how to accept change. It really helped me to see that I could learn how to roll with the punches so to speak. There is also a teen version. Good Luck!
Stephanie

Answer 2

Not counting the negative comments from people that know nothing about homeschooling, you have some solid advice in some of the answers to your question. Homeschooling is not about recreating the "classroom" experience at home. Sitting in a desk all day, listening to someone lecture is not only boring, it stifles imagination, creativity and the desire to learn. Some of my favorite homeschool memories are of being snuggled up on the couch with my son as he learned how to read. Other great memories center around our kitchen table, covered with maps, globes, coloring pencils and so on as we "raced" around the world in our georgraphy studies. I even let my son do some math UNDER the kitchen table once, only because I honestly could not think of a good reason why he couldn't (BTW, he finished his paper in record time, 100% accuracy, and asked for another!)
The most important thing to remember is homeschooling is more about taking learning out of the box of the classroom and applying it to your life. The suggestions for storage space and all is right on target (I never have enough storage space)
Good luck, I think you'll do great!

Answer 3

First of all, I commend you for stepping up to the challenge AND I assure you IT is the right decision to homeschool...there are so MANY good co-ops and alternative educators now that social inter-action issues are a thing of the past...I have many extended family members who homeschool and co-op w/other families and those are the most well-rounded, respectful, bright, innovative children I know. You don't even need to worry about the 'home' being a super classroom cuz you have the entire world at your educational disposal since you do not have to adhere to federal and state timetables on a daily basis...for example, you can spend a day on social studies by going to your local museum or on science by visiting a planetarium. Have a garage or bake sale for math, business and money management lessons. Of course you will have a curriculum as guideline BUT most homeschool progs encourage creativity and discovery. Be especially mindful of the 'TYPE' of learner your student is..there are many tests that evaluate whether or not a child learns visually (seeing examples, videos, etc.), audibly (listening to books on tapes, lectures) or kinesthetically (moving, doing, hands on execution of tasks/lessons)...get that info, enjoy the liberties of your own schedule AND get involved with other alternative educators near you for field trips, festivals, etc. AND don't worry about 'social deprivation' being a problem...cuz I have seen the average 'public school'ed child and compared to homeschoolers...they are generally, neglected, under or mis-educated with hideous manners and ineffective information to equip them for the real world.
this has been a 'kimical' reaction

Answer 4

YES... I homeschool my 4 children. And its the best thing you can do.. You can spend more one on one time with the children especially if one needs more help. You can teach them what you want and not the useless stuff they teach in school.. On and On... Good for you and go for it. Im not sure why so many people are closed minded to homeschooling (other then there lazy) but your child has way more benifts w/homeschooling and they still interact with other kids when you take them to sports or dance classes.. You dont have to worry about all the rat race crap that goes on in schools as well. My dh and his brothers were homeschooled there whole lifes and never had any problems or regrets and they are very successful people ...

Answer 5

i don't know that a classroom experience is as important as just a more distraction-free setting. the kitchen table might work fine, but feel free to take lessons also to the park, the public library, or a college library if you have one nearby. that way you have some room to spread out. as far as social concerns, consider organized athletics or clubs to help foster friendships. most importantly, i think, get help in the subjects where you are not qualified to teach. this may not be this year, or for a couple, but if you continuously challenge her, soon you may be learning as much as she is. good luck.

Answer 6

I am thinking about home-schooling my daughter. I think as long and you have a kitchen table or maybe even a little desk you will be okay. Home schooling is not structured the same way as regular school with the teacher up front lecturing. It is about he book work and other out side learning. I think setting a time and having a designated place to do the work you should be okay.

Answer 7

don't even worry about it - you don't need to give your goddaughter a classroom. that's called 'school at home.' what's the point? you might as well send her to school.

check out unschooling - it's the best for most kids - gives them the freedom and responsibilty to direct their own education. if she's been in school already, she may need to 'detox' or 'deschool' to free herself from the mindset of someone always telling her what and when to learn.

All she needs is a place to read, a surface to create on, and a computer if you can afford it.

Answer 8

Home schooling is GREAT! Limited space is fine. You are not limited just to a room. You can use the kitchen table, kitchen for cooking lessons, a picnic table outside, their bed for reading. The point is you are not confined to one place. When we move to a smaller place this year I plan on using counter stools (bar stools). But I plan to utilize the living room floor for our games.

Answer 9

don't, only people I've ever known who ahve been home schooled have no social skills and are usually freaking weird. no kid should ever be home schooled unless they're 14+ and they do online school, I know some people who have done that because they can't go to school anymore for some reason.

Answer 10

A flat work space and a decently comfortable chair is all you need.