Sunday, March 14, 2010

Homeschool room mini makeover

This week we have been working on making the space we spend time in each day perfect. The kids and I had a few things to adjust to make things move more smoothly and we found ourselves able to address those issues pretty easily. First, was the tables. We had two full sized tables in this room because the kids really need their own space to work. That took up the entire room! So when at Ikea, we found these smaller tables that could be pushed together, or separated, and were a great 'over sized' desk size.

They work amazingly well. :)

Another step into the workbox system. I made them 'check in' and 'check out' pockets. I thought that this was a little silly... but they love them. Like a lot. Who knew? Sue Patrick says the visual idea of 'going to work' is really important several times in the book.... But I didn't honestly believe it, until I saw my kids get their work done in half the time because they were mentally ready to work and had 'checked in'. It was pretty fantastic. :)

We have some pretty big lighting issues in the homeschool room. One side of the room is bathed in harsh sunlight, and the other side is dark. Really dark. So I softened the light on the door side with out taking a lot from the rest of the room with these thrifted curtains (that just so happen to be the same color as the wall!) mounted on sticks over the sliding glass door.

Our workboxes. Alex has 12 and Cyan has 6. It will not be long before she has 12 as well. I bought them... now to figure out where they go. ;)

Because the new tables use much less space in the room than the old tables, I was able to bring my Papisan in from the garage to create a reading nook for silent reading during our school day. The kids (and the kitties) love this spot! Cyan sat in it the last two mornings, snuggling with her kitten and reading her newest thrifted adventure book.

All in all, the new changes are working out well. And look really beautiful too!

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9 comments:

Ariella said...

lovely!!

Sarah at SmallWorld said...

Oh my goodness! I love it! Really makes me want to do nice things to our school room...

Michelle Gibson said...

I LOVE every little detail from the sage green walls to the curtains and stick rod, to the papisan chair and the lovely sheer curtain around it. So inviting! Great job!

Lisa said...

Wow!!! what a cool room!! Very inspiring!! I love the work pockets and the reading chair!! Very cozy!!

have a great week!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

looks so cozy - love that reading nook! - been painting my kitchen and working on getting it finally/officially 'done' and then on to the office so Eli and I can have a super space for school and play!

Sybille said...

It's a beautiful atmosphere... a very inspiring room!

Sandi Felch said...

I LOVE the Creation paintings! I've saved all the pix so I can show them to my class tomorrow. I can't wait to see the actual paintings when I bring you the book I promised;(early next week, hopefully).Your classroom looks wonderful,too. Sandi

Anne :) said...

In this blog, you state "Another step into the workbox system. I made them 'check in' and 'check out' pockets. I thought that this was a little silly... but they love them. Like a lot. Who knew? Sue Patrick says the visual idea of 'going to work' is really important several times in the book"... I'm curious, what book?

Thanks!

Val in the Rose Garden said...

The book is Sue Patrick's Workbox System. <3 Hope you enjoy it! I sure got a lot of wonderful information from the book.

Blessings,

Val