Kristy Cammell If, like me, you’re a collector of resources and don’t have the space for a homeschool room in your home… then these tips just might help you keep on top of what you’re using and want easy access to, currently. Especially those that you are likely to use with the whole family.
<TIP ONE>
Have a designated bookshelf, or portion of a bookshelf, that you fill each term (or year, if you’re ultra organised!) with the books and resources that you plan to use with your children.
I’ve tried a few over the years, and the one that is pictured is working well, currently. Although it’s moved a few times since this photo!
What makes it work? Well, it’s not too big, it’s compartmentalised, and it squeezes (just!) into a space that I have. To the left is our PC, and to the right is a window. It really does only JUST fit! I recommend getting out the tape measure and hunting high and low (secondhand is often the best way) to find something that will service your family’s needs.
Side note: I’ve been known to hunt high and low for something of the perfect dimensions, so that I can squeeze extra functionality into a space. I love that kind of challenge!! In fact, I’m available for video consultations to help you with that kind of brainstorming, and can even help you to see it through to find exactly what you need, within your budget. I’ve been told that I’m like a dog with a bone when it comes to these things 😉 Head to my Contact section to find out about my fee structure, tell me what’s driving you nuts, and let me help you find a solution!
<TIP TWO>
If you can, also have a “display” type surface that you designate to homeschooling bits ‘n pieces.
I’ve been real with this photo here: this has a few more things purposefully scattered on it than it started with, because it’s “in use” … so you get the idea. The lightbox in the middle contains a verse that we focused on the term this photo was snapped, and the book holder contains one that has been capturing my children’s attention as an invitation to read.
While I do try to stop piles from accruing here… in all honesty, sometimes it’s super helpful to have a surface where in-use things can be piled neatly for a time, too. (You know, one that isn’t the kitchen bench…) Since we’re all about being practical, here!
Aim to set this surface up in a way that both appeals to your children, but feels peaceful, inspiring and unique to your own style. Because then you’ll be more inclined to try and keep it that way!
<TIP THREE>
Arrange the resources in groups that will make them easy to locate, and inspire you to pick them up.
For example, here I have:
One cube full of board games to play
One cube full of eclectic resources to use
One cube full of literature to read together
One cube full of reference books
One cube full of special picture books
And the last (which is hidden) contains my set of Apologia… to inspire learning but also because I like the look of them together on a shelf!
And yes… it was deliberate (and quite the challenge, I admit) to make sure each cube wasn’t completely full. It leaves room for more (I’ve added quite a few things over the past term) and it also helps add to the feeling of space. Especially when this bookshelf is already almost “crammed” into the space that it’s in.
But what if these three things aren’t achievable for you?
Well, you certainly don’t have to start here, to work with the principle! This way of storing my current resources is something that has grow from various iterations, baskets and single shelf quantities of books, over time.
I’m enjoying the accessibility and visual reminders of the plans that I have in my head… and thought you might appreciate “seeing” how I’ve set up this portion of my homeschooling.
The key goal involved? To make it work in a way that I’m happy with, and that feels peaceful for our family.
You can find ways to do the same, in your own unique way.
And yes, believe me, there’s more homeschool resources in our house than this… far more! For example, this shelf doesn’t include any individualised bookwork (although it could – and has, at times) as I store that another way, to make it easily accessible for my kids in one go.
But that’s enough about organisation for now!
How about you? We’d love to hear & see what you do… you might have a tip that completely “clicks” for someone else here.
Stay awesome!
Kristy x
Adapted from a post I originally shared on our Homeschool Haven Facebook page on 29 July, 2021.
