I love getting organized for the new school year, and one of my favorite things to do is to rearrange our school room for something a little different. This year is no exception as we actually did a little more than normal. You’ll see what I mean in a minute as you will see several before and after pics.
While we loved our learning space last year we came across a few problems that made the need for change. I’ll try to share those along as I share before and after pics.
Things we loved:
- The book baskets for picture books.
- Our windows–we love being able to see the birds outside while we work
- Easy to access to toys
Things we didn’t:
- The bistro table was just too tall for the girls. While it was bigger than our toddler table in work space, it was so hard to get up and down that it was proving to be more of a safety hazard than a help.
- The workboxes. We loved them in Preschool, and they were even helpful in Pre-K, but they ended up taking up valuable wall space that we needed for other things.
- Toys and books for Peanut and her friends were on the lower shelves. While this made the books and toys easy to reach, it also made for a wonderful disaster whenever we had littles over for Bible study each week.
What We Decided to Do Instead:
- First we found a table on Craigslist for $10 which was adjustable in height (meaning: they can use it for many years to come). It’s bigger working surface makes it perfect for doing joint projects and crafts too.
- We got several wire cubes at Aldi for $15 each. This made it possible to arrange books and toys so that the younger kids won’t be able to reach the older kids’ books each week in Bible study. It also made it so that books placed on end didn’t fall over when one was taken out thanks to the cube dividers.
Another problem we had was our mud room corner by the back door. It was always a mess and the peg shelf was actually falling apart. 
Inspired by this post, we turned our white bookshelf into a mud room, and we LOVE it! We are not renters, but in a room that is solid brick and windows you have to be creative, and this did the trick. We used command hooks on the back and sides for all sorts of hanging space and placed all the adjustable shelves on the lower portion for a shoe rack. It works great.
Our craft boxes are now easily visible on our wire cube shelving, games are still visible too but accessible only by an adult (meaning: no more little pieces strung all over the house from a little culprit dumping all the boxes at once), and there is even a bin for our outdoor balls which the girls are super excited about having available now.
My corner holds our school calendar, lesson plans, our supplies list, and this really cool Bible Family Tree poster for when we study different biblical characters.
The girls are also digging this artwork showcase as it doesn’t involve pushpins (which always ended up under foot or poking holes in artwork that they didn’t want holes in), and our new sitting balls from Wal-mart (great for sensory kids who are always on the move).
And that’s it! Now for the real learning to begin!
Interested in Our Homeschool Space in Years Past?
Then check these out:
And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)
What does your homeschool space look like this year?
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It looks so good Kathy. Makes one want to go back to school. I love the large windows overlooking the yard.
Ok SOOOO jealous over here! THAT LOOKS GREAT!!! I’m so ready to get started on my school room! We’ll have a 2nd grader and a Kindergartener this year. So I’m getting serious about organizing everything! I’m ordering curriculum this week and can’t wait to start the revamping!!
-Sarah (www.sarahefrazer.com)
looks GREAT! Seeing school space could ALMOST make me want to homeschool again…not! I’m grateful for my 20 years, and pleased as punch they’ve been accomplished 🙂 I’ll enjoy looking at all your books when I’m there next time. Just seeing the “Little House…” series makes me want to reread them. Hey, maybe we could do a fun “Ms. B’s-“let’s read all day” substitute for you! I could read all my fun books and you get a day off!
Holy cow you’re organized, girl. lol Great looking room! I would love to have so much light. We are in the basement. Great use of cubes and love the hooks on the bookcase idea! Sharing!
It looks amazing! It makes me miss homeschooling little ones.
One of mine just graduated and the other is in high school. While they are still fun, I miss the days of picture books and art supplies.
Enjoy! Here’s to a blessed 2015-2016 school year!
Thanks Michelle.
Yeah! Sounds like we are only a year behind you. Fun. Fun.
Oooo…I’m liking that idea. 😉 The girls would love it!
LOL. Thanks Melanie. Yeah, I don’t know what I’d do without a few windows. I’d feel very enclosed and depressed I’m sure. Thanks for sharing!
🙂 I’m sure those days will be here faster that I want. Thanks Heather.
Looks great! I absolutely love those wire crates and can’t believe you found them for only $15. I use them in our homeschool space as well, in addition to organizing our pantry and my craft supplies. I’ve just started putting together our homeschool space (much smaller than yours), but I’m enjoying it so far. It still has a long way to go, though.
I know, right?! I think everywhere else they are at least twice that. That sale is what got my creative juices flowing. I just couldn’t help myself. 😉
Looks great. Love the windows…I think most homeschool families have a LOVE of books and a lot of them…great environment for the children!
LOL. That is probably so true. I recently asked if I collected anything, and I said no, unless you count books. 😉
This is such a great looking space Kathy. I’ve got to hand it to anyone who homeschools. I was originally wanting that for my children but my (now ex) husband wouldn’t agree. I really don’t think I would’ve had the energy to do it in the long run but I truly respect you for what you’re doing and what a great, organised space you have. I’m featuring this post at tomorrow’s Thriving on Thursday linky party. Would love to see you again.
Anne @ Domesblissity
Well thanks on both accounts Anne. And I definitely plan on being back! Thanks for asking.
Wow, great space! Great job. Thanks for sharing. #ConfessionsLinkUp