No one could have ever imagined earlier this year that kids might not return to school in 2020. Some kids may, but a majority of the country may be looking at virtual learning for another few months to keep it safe. Parents had to adapt to homeschooling and quickly. And get ready because this fall is part 2. We decided to lend a hand and figure out ways to make the home feel more like a learning environment.
There are organization tools, fun kids desks, and even chalkboards that can transform a space. Each parent can decide how they want to approach the school year but we thought it couldn't hurt to take a nod from the teachers out there and provide some resources. Because we'd welcome anything will help to make the transition for the kids easier, even if it's just a place to store supplies. And then, when everything is set up, tell a teacher how amazing they are. We're all in this together.
Book Cart
Bookcases seem like the most obvious addition to an at-home learning space, because the kids will have all their books at home and not in desks at school. A rolling library cart makes it easy to have all the books neatly stored while still being easy to move from room to room.
Book Cart ($199, Crate & Kids)
Book & Binder Holder
Whether there's one kid in the house or more, they will certainly have printouts work on, workbooks, and binders. Keep all of those items organized the way a teacher would with this colorful organizer.
Books and Binder Holder ($57, Good Stuff)
Supply Storage Bins
Speaking of organizing, while it's good to have space to sort papers and books, it's also necessary to have storage bins for the school supplies that will now all have to be kept at home — from crayons to pencils or study index cards, these bins will keep them organized.
Supply Storage Bins ($43, Really Good Stuff)
Chalkboard
Just because the kids won't be at school doesn't mean they can't — and parents can't — have a chalkboard at home to teach with. It's big enough to write enough school work for the day and can be in the learning space or transportable to a living or play room.
Chalkboard ($99, Pottery Barn Kids)
Blick Essentials Paint & Draw Easel
For the ambitious parents ready to take on a homeschool art class, we present the Blick Essentials "Paint and Draw" easel for just that — painting and drawing. It gives kids a dedicated surface to get creative on, and keeps tables free of mess.
Blick Essentials Paint and Draw Easel ($45, Dick Blick)
Magnetic Handheld Chalk & Dry Erase Board
Instead of using lots of paper, get create and save the trees in one fell swoop with this Melissa & Doug handheld duo chalk and dry erase board. Use it to play learning games, have the kids write times tables on it or just about anything.
Magnetic Handheld Chalk and Dry Erase Board ($20, Melissa & Doug)
Whimsy Solar System Kids Rug
One of the most memorable parts of any kid's school classroom is definitely the fun atmosphere, especially the comfy rug where games and reading happened. Recreate that feeling at home with a fun kids-theme rug like this solar system one from Target.
Whimsy Solar System Kids' Rug ($699, Target)
Mini Writing Desk
For slightly older kids, getting them in a place that's comfortable but also productive and "normal" enough to do virtual learning is key. We recommend getting them a desk like this mini writing one from Hayneedle. It also comes with a front drawer and storage on the side to make it a clear learning space.
Mini Writing Desk ($67, Hayneedle)
Work Table
Younger kids may not be ready for big kid desks and that's OK. There's options for them to have a space to do "school" and it's at a kids "work table." A great perk is that more than one child can sit at it.
Work Table ($100, Pottery Barn Kids)
Playroom Classroom Decor Prints
Speaking of recreating a school atmosphere, Etsy has educational printouts to decorate a learning space in the house for kids to look at and absorb when they need to take a break from their printouts or laptops.
Playroom Classroom Decor Prints ($28, Etsy)
Overdoor Organizer
When space is limited for setting up an area for learning, it's important to use whatever space there is. An organizer like this can hold books, pencils, art supplies, and other items.
Overdoor Organizer ($22, Wayfair)
Class in Session Hanger
Working and learning from home is new for a lot of people, and with that comes boundaries. Sometimes it's time for work, and sometimes it's time for play, but they can't happen at the same time. That's where the "class in session" hanger comes in.
Class in Session Hanger ($8.50, Etsy)
Home Printer
Yes, this is a printer and though it won't turn a room into a classroom away from the classroom environment on its own, it will assist in increasing the learning environment's efficiency. Work can be printed out and checked or notes can be scanned and shared with others.
Home Printer ($60, Target)
Multiplication Chart
Many classrooms have a multiplication chart, so why not have one at home. Maybe if a kid stares at it long enough, the numbers will stick. Even if that doesn't work, it can help make the space feel more like a learning area.
Multiplication Chart ($22, Etsy)
Daily Schedule Hanger
While classrooms may often have a schedule hanger, it's not typical for home learning, but it certainly can help keep everyone on track. Kids can see what the day holds and not have to wonder. This one is a digital download.
Daily Schedule Hanger ($4, Etsy)
Children's Balance Ball
It's said that balance ball seats can help children focus better because they get their energy out through trying to sit on it while they work. It's also great for posture. Worth a shot for the learning space for under $20.
Children's Balance Ball ($16, Amazon)
Comfy Floor Seat
Classrooms and offices often have different types of seating, because a change in seating can help us refocus. No one wants to sit in the same spot all day. That's why we love these comfy floor seats to make learning more comfortable without having to lay on the sofa.
Comfy Floor Seat ($60, Lakeshore Learning)
Classroom Caddy
Classroom caddies likely never thought they'd see their chance inside a home, but now is the time to bring them in and organize all the school supplies. Pens, pencils, erasers, glue, scissors, chalk, anything goes these days, so why not be organized.
Classroom Caddy, pack of 6 ($25, Amazon)
Cube Storage Bin
Another way to create classroom storage is with cube bins, and they're especially handy with children who may have a few textbooks or larger supplies. Stick the items in these bins and store them away when homeschool is not in session.
Cube Storage Bin ($10, Target)
6-Cup Caddy
Just because there's no such thing as too much organization, we present the six-cup caddy. This would work so well for families with multiple kids and multiple school supplies to organize. Color coding makes it easy to figure out what goes where.
6-Cup Caddy ($18, Staples)
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