How to Decorate a Homeschooler's Study Area

In America, millions of children are homeschooled as more parents choose this method of education over taking them to traditional schools. To make it more conducive to learning, it is important to give homeschooled children their own space.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paint
• Lighting
• Desks
• Bookshelves
• Organizers
• School supplies
• Bulletin board
• Blackboard or white board
• Flip charts
• TV for educational show or video viewing

1. Choose paint that is conducive to studying. Paint the walls red and yellow to inspire brilliant thinking, but don't blend the colors together to create orange. You can also use blue or grey to relax the students and promote concentration.
2. Install ceiling or track lights to make the room brighter. Drop lights positioned on top of work tables can act as task lights to make things more visible to the child. Draw or open the window blinds and curtains to let in natural light. However, avoid too much sun exposure, as it can drain your child’s energy. Place your child’s desk away from direct sunlight.
3. Purchase a desk that is functional and sturdy with enough work space. If you have the space, purchase two desks and position them in an L-shape. Use the first desk as a computer and study area. It should be able to hold the computer monitor, keyboard, computer CPU and still have free space to open books and to write on. Use the second desk for art projects, science projects and experiments. There are work tables made of sturdy plastics or laminates that can be purchased at an affordable price.
4. To explain procedures better, put a chalkboard or white board on the wall. Position this on a prominent wall so that it can be easily seen by the child.
5. Use a comfortable desk chair with wheels. This will make moving in and out easier for your child. Add a club chair as a comfortable place to sit and read. Stools are great under work tables.
6. Viewing educational shows and videos is an important part of a homeschooler’s study. The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and some cable channels, such as Discovery Channel, National geographic, History Channel and TLC (The Learning Channel), broadcast educational shows. Designate an area for TV viewing. Restrict this for studying only to ensure that you child is not distracted by other shows. Schedule TV viewing in the middle of the day and ask your child to write an essay about the show. You can also watch the show and then quiz your child afterwards.
7. Add an area rug to keep your child’s feet warm and comfortable. Add a protective liner to protect the floor from spills from paint and science projects.
8. Install bookshelves to hold your child’s books and mementos, such as pictures and awards.
9. Use organizers to hold school supplies. Make sure that they are accessible and properly labeled so that your child knows where everything goes.
10. Add Accessories, such as maps or a globe. Add live plants to promote clean air in the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the room comfortable for your child, regulate the temperature based on the season.
• Open the window to let in fresh air.