When we started homeschooling I swore we wouldn't be "one of those families that sits around the dining room table all day" doing worksheets and believe me, we aren't. However, I've realized that the Mates do need a clear space for projects, to make cards and to do art. And where is this happening? You guessed it. The dining room table.
Unfortunately, our dining room was dark and dreary. The room with the least natural light. My least favorite room in our home. So a few months back I slowly started making changes and saving pennies for more. I wanted to create a learning space for them that was calm and one where they felt welcome in. To create their own "space" within a shared room of our home.
The first thing we did was to hang an entire wall of their art using strings and clothespins. I also made an effort to keep the table clear of random clutter. Next, we had a solar tube installed to let in more natural light. And finally, I painted the china hutch to make the whole room more cheerful and explained that the bottom drawers and cupboards are now theirs.
The entire bottom level of this cabinet is now dedicated to storing arts, crafts and suppplies for the Mates to use when they like. (Yes, I'm aware that I took this photo before I put the hardware back on...oops) Having things like dough and paint and paper accessible at all times has been such a joy for them.
I can't tell you how much it has improved our use and love of this room. No, we are still ususally out and about on adventures or digging in the garden in the backyard, but on quiet days when we are "one of those families" (ha! such a stigma to hang out at home!) I'm happy to have this cheery space.
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Are you making any changes this spring to your home for your kids?
