Getting Started with Homeschooling
Practical Considerations for Parents of School-Aged Children
© Beverley Paine
Index
Homeschool
Australia
Useful Materials for the Learning Space
Many homeschools begin by using the materials they already have within the home, and supplement this extensively by using their local community as a learning resource. Others feel more secure if they 'set up' their home learning environment to look and feel more like a classroom. Either approach, or anywhere in between, is fine.
The extensive list of useful materials on the next page is a guide only. Over the years you will probably find you have collected, made or purchased most of the suggested materials. Don't overwhelm yourself and try to obtain all of them at once. Often the acquisition of new materials sparks learning activities in themselves, and can be very useful in motivating learning experiences for your children. Staggering the purchase of materials can have this added bonus, as well as spreading the cost of over a greater time span. Wherever possible try and use recycled materials before purchasing new ones.
Many materials need to be stored when they are not in use. It is a good idea to have some shelves easily accessible by the children for items currently being used, as this encourages independence. Other items, which are infrequently used, can be stored out of the way, but still in sight. There are many things that you rarely use but will come in handy one day, as well as items you have only been able to purchase in bulk. Dramatic play props are one essential example. These can be stored in cupboards, spare rooms or in the garage - remember where you put them though!
Some things need to be close at hand all the time, to avoid the risk of the children losing interest in an activity while you desperately try to remember where you put the materials need! These are often the most consumable items, such as masking or clear tape, cardboard, stapler, eraser and pencil sharpeners, etc.
Rotate materials regularly so they don't lose their interest value to the children but be guided by your observation of your children in this.
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Excerpt from Getting Started with Homeschooling, Practical Considerations
© Beverley Paine, 1997
