Why Did I Create This Home Learning Space?
Last spring, school shut down and our kids came home for remote learning. It was CRAZY! We did not have a home learning space for them, so they were all over the place. Not only that, but I was teaching kindergarten and running a business from my home. All this in our 1,200 square foot home!
Most days were less than productive.
They distracted each other, argued, and had little motivation to complete their work. I had all summer to think about how we were going to do this. Then, my friend shared something on social media that sparked an idea!
I knew I had to create a home learning space for my kids so that they could stay focused and motivated. This simple home learning space did the trick – plus it saved our kitchen table from all the clutter!
Are you a teacher? Click HERE to read this inspirational post!
Wondering how we created this home learning space?
First, I started creating the cart. We needed a place to keep the supplies. I wanted them to be accessible and vertical organization. So, I bought this three-tiered cart for that.
This cart is the perfect small space solution!
The first shelf has Sophia’s (6th grader) materials. She puts her enormous binder in it (it’s so big we cannot lay it down), her pencil pouch, and her colored pencils.
Logan’s (1st grader) materials are on the second shelf. He has his math books, math manipulatives, pencil box, and letter tiles in it. Now, these materials have a home and stay off of our kitchen table.
Finally, the bottom shelf is where the kids keep their laptops. I’m not a fan of them keeping the laptops in their bedroom because it distracts them from sleeping.
We’re the type of family that only has ONE television and no gaming console.
We added special gadgets to our supply cart!
First, I found these adorable tin buckets. I had some Velcro tape, and I added a strip across the top shelf. Then, I added little Velcro pieces to the back of the buckets. At first, I wanted to hang the buckets on the side with a hook, but that didn’t work since they kept tipping over.
VELCRO FOR THE WIN!
Three tiered cart 
Tin Buckets 
Triple File Folder
Finally, I needed a space for the kids to keep their homework and agendas. So, I added this triple file organizer using the same Velcro method. I linked to a different triple file organizer because the mesh doesn’t hold very well with the Velcro.
Here’s how I created the home learning space for the kids!
Next, I wanted to create something for the kids that would keep them focused and motivated. These home learning cubicles did the trick!
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First, I bought a trifold foam board at Target. You can use cardboard (which I linked to), but I like the foam better. I cut these boards in half and taped up the edges with washi tape because I wanted it to look nice.
On the left side of the board, I glued a sheet of paper that says “Work in Progress”. Then, I used a hot glue gun to stick a binder clip over the paper. Next, we clipped a reusable dry erase pocket to it so that she can slip her work in it.
No more messy papers!
In the center of the board, we started with her name (because who doesn’t love to see their name). Next, I added some motivational and inspirational quotes for her. I want to keep her encouraged. In the center of the board, we added her weekly snapshot.
I’m so please at how this weekly snapshot came out! This has saved us from meltdowns! When she gets her work on Friday, she’s able to break it down to a doable pace. It’s helped Logan a lot too since he’s still learning the calendar and has a visual of the days of the week.
Looking to make home learning successful? You’ve got to check out these 5 Helpful Strategies for Successful Home Learning!
On the bottom of the weekly snapshot, I added a little motivation. I put a FREE prize in the circle, and I covered it up with a sticker. Logan is itching to scratch his off! They’re both so excited. The prizes are:
- sleepover in the living room
- campout in the backyard
- pick a movie
- pick dinner
- extra technology time
- pick a game
- choose a dessert
- Zoom with a friend
- Parent puts away laundry
- dessert before dinner
- breakfast for dinner
- extra 15-minute break
- extra 30 minutes before bed
Wondering how it’s going?
Well, it’s been a huge help! Finally, my kids know when these dividers are up, it’s time to work. When we take them down, it’s time for play. This morning, I woke up around 7:30, and Sophia already had her learning space set up and was doing a LIVE with her teacher. WHAT?!
When did she get so responsible? It was a small victory for us!
This has helped Logan stay focused on his tasks and his goals. Yesterday, he had a hard time writing and looked at me under his eyebrows. He held up his crayon as if he was going to break it, and I pointed to the scratch-off sticker. He took a breath and changed his attitude.
I’m so grateful for it!
We’re still working out the kinks, but this is something that we will continue using. Let us know what FREE rewards you’d add to our list in the comments below!
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