There are a number of benefits to homeschooling. One advantage is that it allows for more customized and individualized education, as parents who homeschool can tailor the curriculum and learning environment to better suit their kid’s needs and interests. Another benefit is that it can provide a more stable and secure learning environment for some children. This is especially true for children who have special or specific learning needs. Homeschooling also allows parents to instill their own values and beliefs in their children. And finally, homeschooling can be a great way to bond with your child and create a close-knit family.

When it comes to how to homeschool, having a dedicated room for learning is a good idea, but not always possible. If you don’t have a separate room available, don’t despair! With some creativity, you can create a learning space that works for your family, even in a shared living area. 

Homeschool Room Ideas

Create a dedicated space

Use a screen or partition to create a “classroom” within a larger room. This can help to minimize distractions and help your child to focus on their studies. This space should be dedicated to learning and (ideally) not used after school hours. 

Utilize storage

Use storage solutions to keep school supplies tidy and out of the way when they’re not needed. Cubbies or baskets can work well for this. Remember to label these clearly to make it easy for your child to use them independently.

Bulletin boards and whiteboards

Utilize wall space by hanging a bulletin board or whiteboard. This can be used for posting assignments and keeping track of important dates and events. A visual homeschool schedule with the daily activities can be placed here too. Consistency is always key in instilling principles of homeschooling (and general parenting).

Headphones

Keep the noise level down by investing in a good pair of headphones for your child during study time. Calming background music can also help with the ambiance and optimal learning environment. Try out Moshi’s Roxy’s Focus Ambience music.

Section off different areas for different activities

Create a cozy and inviting space with comfortable seating and plenty of light. This will help to make learning at home more enjoyable for everyone involved. It always helps to label specific areas and keep these consistent. For example, you can have a “reading corner” with some books, a “sensory station” with some fiddle toys and soft blankets, a “free play” section for independent play, and a “work station” where your child can complete assignments. Creating a relaxation corner is always a great way to have a calming space throughout the day, too.

With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a functional and inviting homeschool room or space for you and your kids. 

Must-Have Homeschool Supplies

One of the essential things for homeschoolers is a good curriculum. There are many different homeschool curriculums on the market, so it is important to do some research to find one that will work well for your kids. Some popular homeschool curriculums include Bookshark, Calvert Homeschool, Global Village School, Moving Beyond the Page and Time4Learning. Once you have chosen a curriculum, you will need to purchase the necessary homeschool supplies.

For your social and emotional learning needs, Moshi has a plethora of free SEL activities you can use alongside the audio content in their app. Check it out, here!

In addition to a curriculum, you will need basic school supplies such as pencils, paper, pens, markers, crayons, and a whiteboard in your homeschool space. You’ll also need a place to store these supplies. A simple bookshelf or file cabinet will work, or you can purchase a more specialized desk or cabinet. The pieces of furniture can be pricier, but they will help to keep your homeschooling area organized and tidy. Try used furniture stores and thrift stores, or check furniture stores for sales.

Finally, a sound support system is one of the most important things for homeschooled kids. This can include other homeschool families you connect with, online homeschooling groups, or even a local co-op. These relationships can provide essential social interaction for homeschoolers and offer advice and support when needed. 

No matter what your budget is, there are some essential supplies that all homeschoolers need. By investing in a good curriculum, basic homeschool supplies, and some storage furniture, you will be well on your way to a successful year.

Best Books to Have in Your Homeschool Room

It’s always a good idea to have a mini-library for yourself in your homeschool room. Here are a few of our favorite books to include to help you on your homeschool journey.

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home

This book is a must-have for any homeschooling parent! It provides a clear and concise overview of classical education and how to teach it at home. 

The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education

This is a great companion book to The Well-Trained Mind. It provides a more in-depth look at the core principles of classical education and how to teach them to your child. 

For the Love of Learning: A Guide to Homeschooling

Another excellent resourceful book for a homeschool family! It covers a wide range of topics, from curriculum planning to teaching methods to dealing with challenging behaviors.

The Homeschooling Handbook: How to Start and Keep a Successful Homeschool

This book is a must-have for any homeschooling parent. It provides a wealth of information on everything from choosing a curriculum to dealing with legal issues.

The Big Book of Homeschooling: 500+ Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Success

This is another gem. Like For the Love of Learning, this book covers various topics, from homeschool curriculum planning, to teaching methods, to how to deal with your kid’s challenging behaviors. 

Best Learning Apps to Help with Homeschooling

Homeschooling is on the rise, especially due to Covid-19. According to Zhao et al. (2020), teachers stated that parents should focus on their kid’s interests, increasing their focus on tasks and improving their academic performance during homeschool classroom time. With the vast array of online homeschooling resources, creating a customized learning experience for your child is easier than ever.

A crucial aspect of homeschooling is choosing the right learning tools and resources. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some of the best learning apps and resources to help you with homeschooling.

ABCmouse

ABCmouse is one of the most popular learning apps for homeschooling. It offers a comprehensive curriculum for kids aged 2 to 8. The app includes over 850 lessons and 10,000 individual activities. ABCmouse is one of the few learning apps that offers a free trial. 

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online education platform that offers a wide range of resources for homeschooled kids. It includes over 10,000 videos and articles on subjects ranging from math and science to history and art. Khan Academy also offers practice exercises, quizzes, and badges to help kids track their progress. 

Starfall

Starfall is a great learning app for kids just starting to read. It offers a step-by-step approach to reading that begins with the alphabet and gradually progresses to more advanced concepts. Starfall is also free to use.

IXL

IXL is a comprehensive online learning platform that offers interactive math, language arts, science, and social studies lessons. It is designed for kids aged 4 to 12 and includes over 5,000 skills. IXL also offers a free trial. 

PBS Kids

PBS Kids is a free app that offers a wide range of educational games, videos, and activities. It is designed for kids aged 2 to 8 and covers math, reading, and science subjects. PBS Kids also offers a parental control feature that lets parents limit screen time and access to certain content.

Moshi

Moshi is an excellent option for families looking for an interactive and engaging learning experience for their children. They offer short SEL moments, 5-15 minute audio clips to help children with “big feelings,” and a series of guided meditations designed to help kids with self-regulation. These short, daily meditations help kids to develop self-awareness, manage emotions, and build positive relationships. If you are looking for a comprehensive learning solution for your homeschooled kids, Moshi is a great option. You can create a customized learning experience tailored to your child’s needs and interests with Moshi.

As we mentioned before, Moshi has a plethora of free SEL activities you can use alongside the audio content in their app. Check it out, here!

How to Use Moshi All Day for Homeschoolers

As a parent, you want your children to have the best education possible. But how can you ensure that this is happening? One way is to find the perfect homeschool schedule, and using Moshi can help you do just that! Enjoy this free downloadable PDF schedule designed specifically for homeschoolers!

Printable Homeschool Schedule for Kids

Here is a suggested schedule for using Moshi to homeschool your child:

Morning

Start the day by having your child log into Moshi. You can do a quick morning meditation, like Wurley’s Happy Morning Meditation or a Moshi Moment. They can then choose which course they want to work on for the day. Maybe try out a Moshi Moment focused on social-emotional learning, like Cali’s Rockpool of Inclusivity.

Mid-Day

After working on their chosen course for a couple of hours, it’s time for a break. Give your child time to run around outside or play with their toys. When the break is over, work on your child’s ability to self-regulate by letting them complete a Moshi Moment, such as Goldie’s Five-Minute Brain Break or a 1-Minute Moshi Breathing Exercise.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, it’s time to focus on practical skills, like making their own snack or gardening herbs. Moshi Music has specific tracks to help kids focus while working on practical skills or academic work. Some examples are Unicorn Concentration Chill and Dodo’s Deep Focus Lounge.

Evening

After dinner, it’s time for some fun! Moshi has a lot of great imaginative meditations that your child can enjoy. For example, you might try out Building a Beach Club with YoYo.

Nighttime 

Before bed, have your child spend some quiet time and wind down with something calming. What about a Moshi Story, like Fluttercup’s Long Lost Magic Harp?

Ultimately, it is up to you, the parent, to decide what is best for your child. You are the true expert. You need to consider your child’s learning style, interests, and personality. There is no one right way to homeschool, so find what works best for your family and go with it! Homeschooling your child can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a great experience for both you and your child.

Zhao Y, Guo Y, Xiao Y, Zhu R, Sun W, Huang W, Liang D, Tang L, Zhang F, Zhu D, Wu JL. The Effects of Online Homeschooling on Children, Parents, and Teachers of Grades 1-9 During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Med Sci Monit. 2020 Sep 12;26:e925591. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.925591. PMID: 32917849; PMCID: PMC7507793.

Karla Pretorius

A registered counselor with a MA in Psychology. Co-founder: AIMS Global & Leadership at: Augmental