How to Put the Home in Homeschool
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Homeschool does not need to look like a classroom. There is a ton of flexibility in creating a comfortable and cozy learning environment. A few simple choices can help focus on the home in homeschool.
These ideas are ways my family embraces our homeschool freedom, but some of the ideas will work for making a comfortable distance learning environment too. Take advantage of having your kiddos at home and get cozy together.
Even if life feels crazy many days we are fortunate to have this time with our kids at home. Making the intentional choice to put the home in homeschool can help form special memories to last a lifetime.
How to Put the Home in Homeschool
Wear comfortable clothes
One quick way to put the home in homeschool is to wear comfortable clothing.
There are no mandatory school uniforms in homeschool and parents get to set the dress code.
Getting comfy means different things for different families.
My kids like to wear basketball shorts, soft t-shirts, leggings, and flowy dresses.
Some families even like to wear pajamas to do schoolwork. That doesn’t work in my house because pajamas put us into relax mode. However, that doesn’t mean the kids can’t wear comfortable clothes.
Set your own schedule
Putting the home in homeschool means that we can embrace the flexibility and schedule our day in whatever way works best for our family.
We do not have to do school work during traditional school hours. It is completely okay to do schoolwork in the evening or on weekends.
My teenage daughter likes to do most of her independent work overnight. She is naturally a night owl and is able to concentrate best when the house is quiet. I love that we are able to allow her to learn when is best for her.
My son prefers to work during the hours of 8 am to 2 pm (including breaks). Those are the hours he is most attentive and able to focus.
Setting your own schedule also includes choosing which days you do schoolwork. Unless there are restrictive homeschool laws for your state, you – the homeschool administrator, get to set your school calendar.
My family usually travels during the school year because it is less expensive and we can avoid crowds at popular travel spots. We also randomly take time off to visit with grandparents. I’m so thankful that we can enjoy spending time with extended family without worrying about schoolwork.
Related: Easy and Effective Homeschool Schedule Options
Use the entire house
Put the home in homeschool by actually using the entire home. You do not need to be confined to just one table or even one room.
It is okay to spread out wherever in the house you are comfortable. Learning doesn’t only happen when seated at a desk.
Over the course of a school day, we usually end up in the dining room, the loft/game room, the kitchen table, the couch, the backyard picnic table, and the porch swing.
Add snacks
I once explained to my homeschool kids that public school students only have one short lunch break and sometimes a quick snack. They were horrified. They couldn’t imagine trying to concentrate while hungry . . . which seems to be all the time.
My kids enjoy the flexibility to eat whenever they are hungry.
It is even possible to add snacks to homeschool lessons:
- Poetry teatime – the snacks kept my son interested when he was a preschooler
- Rice Krispies map
- Cell cake
Get outside
Spending plenty of time outside is definitely a perk of homeschooling.
When we spend too much time indoors it can feel like the walls are closing in on us. Attention drops and attitudes take a turn for the worse.
The remedy is simple – go outside!
Spending time outside acts as a reset. A little fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity can help everyone feel centered.
I’m so thankful that our hot and humid North Carolina summer is almost over and fall is beginning to arrive. It is much easier to convince my kids to go outside for a bit when it isn’t crazy hot!
On nice days we go for strolls around our neighborhood, walk to a local pond to investigate the wildlife, and even do schoolwork outside.
Set the environment
Environment can really set the mood. It is okay to make your homeschool feel like home by creating a cozy environment. The definition of cozy varies by family and even by season.
Depending on the weather, my family likes to:
- Light candles
- Diffuse essential oils
- Start a fire in the fireplace
- Do schoolwork on a pile of pillows on the floor
How do you put the home in homeschool?
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