Education is something we receive not just in school but in every place that helps us learn. In addition to helping us learn, education is a bridgeway for awareness, action, and change.
A person's education starts at home. Parents are known to be the first mentors of a child that can shape their understanding and character. And in some cases, this learning system continues for years. Some households adopt this system into a more formal education more known as homeschooling.
Just like any regular school, homeschooling requires a specific study area to facilitate learning. Adapting this to your home is beneficial. If you wonder how you can get the ideal homeschooling space adapted to your home, you can read more to find out.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a movement around the world that allows parents or guardians to teach their children at home rather than assigning them to a private or public school. According to Parents.com, families choose to homeschool their child for various reasons, including different educational or religious philosophies, not satisfied with the educational options available, and the belief that their child is not progressing within a school's traditional structure.
There are also a lot of benefits to homeschooling. These include the following by Calvert Education, a modern homeschooling educational organization:
- Parents have a more direct role in their child's learning.
- Students can finish homework quickly on subjects they already understand and spend more time on challenging topics.
- Homeschoolers tend to perform better on standardized examinations.
- Less distraction from students who do not take learning seriously.
- No bullying.
- Less social pressures and ridicule that reduce self-esteem and may discourage learning.
- Build stronger relationships between parent and child.
Why is a Homeschooling Space Essential?
There are study spaces in libraries and in schools for a reason. They aren’t only an area where you can sit down while reading or have a table to write. And although those are part of it, having a proper homeschooling space, or generally a place where you can study, is beneficial for your learning and productivity. Below are the benefits of a proper homeschooling space:
#1 Controllable Environment
It helps to have everything you need near and accessible in your homeschooling space. You don't need to go on the other side of the room to get your books or other supplies when you have them all in one place precisely for studying.
You can also control your study area in terms of lighting, temperature, and sound so you can feel a sense of control on your own homeschooling space and adjusting them to your own comfort. With lighting, you can change its brightness or colour in preference of what you like. If you want it cold or just the right amount of temperature, or if you want music in your homeschooling space while you study.
#2 Boosts Productivity
Setting up a comfortable and functional space helps you focus on the task at hand, boosting your productivity. Creating a schedule to study when you are most productive is also beneficial. That way, you can study efficiently and at the same time inform your family that this is the time of day where you should not be disturbed.
#3 Fewer Distractions
Not having any space for studying means you may work on your bed, in the kitchen, or any part of your house. These places offer distractions from your work. It can be in your bedroom where the bed is so inviting that you may sleep instead. Or maybe even watching television in the living room instead of studying. You can finally concentrate on your studies with a proper homeschooling space without the distractions other rooms in your house have.
The Ideal Homeschooling Space
As students continue to learn the world's beauty and complexities, it is essential to keep them inspired and motivated, satisfying their hunger for knowledge in smart and practical ways. A homeschooling space is crucial to the ability in effective learning. If you can't concentrate on your work or are not comfortable, you may not learn effectively. This is why creating an environment that minimizes distractions and fosters creativity is essential.
How can you get an ideal homeschooling space?
#1 Pick a Place
Designating one room or space solely for your studies is the first step. It has to be in an area where you like and feel comfortable.
Students.org suggests that having natural light in your study area, as it positively impacts your mood and even your eyes. It helps reduce the stress on your eyes while you write or read. Having your space near a window can guarantee this natural light.
When this type of light is not available, having a well-lit room would be the next best alternative or a desk lamp that has an adjustable light.
Another important thing you could look into is ensuring that your homeschooling space is near a charging outlet if you are using gadgets such as laptops, cellphones, or tablets while studying.
#2 Have the Appropriate Furniture
When thinking about a homeschooling space, one might think that a desk and a chair are enough. But it is more than that. Learning requires focus, and being uncomfortable with your chair or even on your desk can reduce your productivity.
What ideal furniture for a homeschooling space?
- Ergonomic Chair
According to the Health Scope International Quarterly Journal, proper designing of chairs using ergonomics promotes quality of education, increases efficiency, reduces the risks of musculoskeletal disorders, and leads to students' appropriate posture.
Having an ergonomic chair brings more comfort than your regular chair. With adjustable armrests, backrests, headrests, and seat height, you can modify an ergonomic chair based on your needs.
An ergonomic chair also prevents you from slouching if you are working on your homeschooling activity for a period of time.
- Height Adjustable Desk
While a traditional desk may be used in your homeschooling space, having a height-adjustable desk is a better option. Sitting for long periods can cause discomfort and strain on some parts of our body, especially on the lower extremities.
A study suggests that getting a standing desk can help alleviate these issues. This type of furniture allows you to sit or stand while studying. This is beneficial if you feel the need to stand up for a bit due to discomfort.
Having a standing desk or even a sliding standing desk converter (for those who want a cheaper yet effective option) can help relieve the stress the body may feel from sitting for too long.
#3 Get Supplies for Your Homeschooling Space
Make sure you have all the necessities you need for studying. Having what you need within your reach is beneficial so that you won't have to leave your space.
You can keep supplies such as paper, books, or pets in a designated area on your desk or desk drawer.
#4 Be Organized
A clean and organized homeschooling space can give you a sense of control and a boost in productivity. You can make sure that every item on your desk has its place and is labelled clearly to quickly get what you need without looking all around your homeschooling space.
If you use gadgets, such as computers, you can ensure organization with wires by having a cable management spine (which works well on an adjustable desk), so these cables won't be all over the place. Cable clips are also a good tool you can use in managing wires for an alternative for cable management spines.
In addition, having a calendar can be essential to know and plan your class schedules and routines.
#5 Personalize that Homeschooling Space
According to Edology.com, a personalized study space reinforces focus, helping one to look forward to studying. Take note that this is YOUR study space. Organizing or designing your space with how you want it can make you more motivated in studying.
Conclusion
Being able to absorb information requires more than just learning materials and a mentor who will teach you. Having an ideal homeschooling space is conducive to helping you learn efficiently.
And although you are studying in your home's comforts, it is crucial not to get distracted with your surroundings and feel discomfort as you learn. An ideal homeschooling space can help you focus and look forward to your lessons.
