While the boys were on the east coast, I managed to keep myself pretty busy with my latest project. We’ve talked about turning the playroom into a schoolroom for a while, but I always ended up coming up with a reason why it was unnecessary. Josh has always been so open to doing whatever I need to do to make things work better for me, so when I brought the idea up to him again after being frustrated about the chaotic situation in the kitchen, his response was “Let’s do it!” (I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful and supportive husband.) Unfortunately, he was headed out of town for five days with our son, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing the project. When I get an idea in my head, I typically to want to get it done right away. So Caroline and I went and bought the furniture we needed, brought it home, and I built on my own and set up the room just how I wanted it. I have to say, I absolutely love it and I am only regretful about not doing it sooner. The kids can finally have access to everything they need when they need it and don’t have to wait on me to tell them what to do next. This will definitely streamline our daily routine.
Here’s our school table. I got the inspiration from another blogger, whose name is also Erica, at Confessions of a Homeschooler. She is amazing and so sweet. I emailed her several times to ask her questions and she always answered right back.
The closet! It’s so easy to find what I need now!
This is our reading area.
Yes, that’s a shelf just for my iPad! I use it all the time for educational YouTube videos or to look things up, so I love having it right there.
I was also nspired by Erica’s workbox system and developed a similar system for us. In each of the kids’ drawers are different assignments they have for the day. With it is a card that tells them what they are to do that day. I laminated them so I can write details in dry erase marker as needed.
I use the back of the card to indicate when we aren’t doing a particular subject that day.
His math assignments for the day and manipulative box, so he can have everything he needs right there at his fingertips.
Speaking of math, Josh even put all of his lessons from our Math-U-See DVD on my iPad so he can easily watch it right there at his desk.
Here are some examples of Caroline’s drawers.
As they finish each drawer, they place the card under their desk mat so they can clearly see where they are in their progress for the day. When all four cards are placed there, they are done with their individual work (We do stuff as a group before and after individual work time.)
