Nurturing Minds: How To Set Up A Homeschool Space That Works

Hey there! I wanted to share some thoughts on creating a learning space for kids with special needs. I know how important it is to have the right environment, especially when homeschooling. Here’s some tips I've found on creating your ideal homeschooling space. I'll be adding my thoughts and if it's something that worked for us, a few links to the products we use.

Finding the Right Spot First off, think about where you want to set up this space. Ideally, it should be somewhere quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Maybe a spare room or a cozy corner in the living room? The key is to minimize distractions so your child can really focus. If you have the space, a dedicated classroom is the ideal set-up. Honestly, not everyone has the ability to set up a dedicated schoolroom in their house, me included. Keep reading below and I’ll have some tips and tricks we use for schooling in small spaces.

Making It Cozy and Inviting Now, let’s talk about the vibe. Soft lighting can make a huge difference. I love using lamps with warm bulbs or even fairy lights to create a calming atmosphere. If your children don’t mind a brighter area, position the space near a window to let in some natural light—it's amazing how much that can lift the mood! When it comes to colors, I’ve found that soft blues or greens are really soothing. You might want to avoid anything too bright or overwhelming. And don’t forget about textures! Adding a plush rug or some comfy cushions can make the space feel more inviting. I love the natural light! My kiddos not so much. We keep the light low for reading and online work and use natural light for art, music, and games.

Comfortable Seating Options Speaking of comfort, think about the seating. Kids often have different preferences, so having a variety of options is great. You could have a bean bag chair, some floor cushions, or even a small desk with a comfy chair. I’ve seen kids really thrive when they can choose where they want to sit! Also, consider furniture that allows for movement. Wobble stools or balance balls can be fantastic for kids who need to fidget a bit while they learn. This is so true, they may want to start their work at the desk or table but always end up on the floor, a beanbag, or laying on floor cushions. If you have one like me that never stops moving the balance ball and wobble chair are a must have.

Organizing Learning Materials Next up, let’s talk about the learning materials. It’s super helpful to have everything organized and easily accessible. Clear bins or labeled shelves can make it easy for your child to find what they need without getting frustrated. And don’t hesitate to mix things up! Rotating materials will keep learning fresh and exciting. Like most homeschooling families we keep the plastic bin companies in business! You're going to need bins. Rotating materials is a tip that has made a tremendous difference in the success of our learning journey. Read about rotating materials HERE.

Sensory Tools Now, if your child is sensitive to noise or needs to fidget, having some sensory tools on hand can be a game-changer. Fidget toys, like stress balls or putty, can help them focus. And noise-canceling headphones are fantastic for blocking out distractions when they really need to concentrate. Yes! We use them all.

Involving Your Child Involve your child in the process! Ask them what they like or what makes them feel comfortable. It’s amazing how much insight they can provide. Plus, it empowers them to take ownership of their learning space. Ask, It’s so important. Listen, when I've let my children help design their learning space, it's like magic - suddenly they're invested and actually want to be there. It makes them feel heard and important, which totally changes their whole attitude about learning.

Making it work in a small space. I totally get that not everyone has the luxury of a big room to set up a classroom. But don’t worry! You can still create a fantastic learning environment in a smaller area. Here are some tips to maximize your space.

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a small table can be used for both learning and arts and crafts. You might also consider a storage ottoman that can hold supplies and double as a seat. Folding chairs or tables can be easily tucked away when not in use, freeing up space for other activities. We use folding desks that can slide behind the couch when not in use and a coffee table with floor pillows is a go to for us.

Utilize Vertical Space When floor space is limited, think vertically! Use wall-mounted shelves to store books and materials. Pegboards can be great for hanging supplies like art materials or fidget toys, keeping them organized and easily accessible. You can even use hooks to hang headphones or bags, keeping everything off the floor. Keep an open mind and use your imagination. There are so many options that offer both style and function. No one wants their living room to look like a classroom 24/7.

Incorporate Portable Solutions Consider using portable storage solutions like rolling carts or bins that can be moved around as needed. This allows you to easily transition from learning to playtime without needing a lot of space. When it’s time to learn, just roll out the cart with all the materials! We've tried several styles, wicker lidded rolling bins that look like side tables were very stylish and keep items hidden but our number one favorite was the three shelf metal rolling cart!

Keep It Minimal and Organized In a small space, less is often more. Focus on keeping only the essential materials out and store the rest. This helps reduce clutter and makes it easier for your child to find what they need. Regularly assess what’s working and what can be put away to keep the space feeling fresh. I Keep out what I need for a week or two and store the rest away in those handy plastic bins.

Ask Other Families Find like minded families and ask what tips and tricks they’ve learned and used. The things that work for them and the things that don’t. This is why it’s so important to find a great homeschooling support group. For additional information on the advantages of having a great support system see Together We Learn, Together We Thrive.

Embrace Flexibility You know, whether you're working with a small or large space, flexibility really is the name of the game. It’s great to be open to rearranging things as needed. Establishing a routine can definitely help create some structure, but it’s just as important to stay adaptable. Using visual schedules can really help your child know what to expect next, and don’t forget to include regular breaks! Whether it’s a quick sensory break or just some time to stretch, those little moments can make a big difference in helping them recharge. The key is to create a space that can easily shift to support whatever they need at the moment. Some days, one of my kiddos might be struggling with sensory overload or have lower energy, so we can easily pivot - we might swap a sit-down lesson for a more hands-on activity, like a game, or listen to an audio book. It reduces everyone's stress level and my kids feel comfortable and supported. This is why we homeschool!

For additional information and some curated resources that have helped keep our small space organized and efficient see more HERE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As a homeschooling family, these commissions help us continue to create content, purchase educational resources, and support our family's learning journey. Every click and purchase through these links directly supports our mission of sharing homeschooling insights and helping other families navigate their educational paths. Thank you for your support!

T.Grantman/Schooling Sparrows is a participant in the Amazon LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com