The Learning Room, Revisited

Over the next few weeks I'll be cleaning and organizing my house as much as possible, because A. it needs it and, B. that first week in September marks a return to lessons for us, as well as new activity schedules that promise to keep us busy, busy, busy. I am also working on a (hopefully more realistic) housekeeping routine that will somehow enable me to keep things on an even keel around here. But to begin with I'm just mainly de-cluttering.

I did have some fun yesterday setting up the learning room, so naturally I grabbed the camera so I could share it with you all. :)

This first picture was actually taken in the living room (an extension of the learning room - but really, what room isn't?). This is a small room at the front of the house, with two large (overflowing) bookcases, the (underused) keyboards and two comfortable reading chairs. Come September this will be a child-friendly reading zone, starting with the front window which serves as (what I hope is) an inviting book display:

On the small table is a selection of children's periodicals and, on the floor (not visible), are some baskets filled with Bookworm's paperbacks and some easy reading selections for Crackerjack. CJ's reading is really kicking off, so I'm trying to make it as fun and palatable as possible.

Here are the books I set up in the front window:

We also keep our CD player/radio in this room, and I just brought up two small bins of favorite CD's. I'd like to set up a small audio center on the top shelf of one of the bookcases with books-on-tape, songbooks and a rotating music selection.

I also might hang a small bulletin board in this corner (just the size of the one pictured in the last photo) with information and images relating to the current music selections, composer of the month, that sort of thing. Possibly, I might add some framed pictures for art study, too.

I guess that would make this room a library-slash-mini-museum. :)

Now on we go, into the "official" learning room, which has changed a bit from last year:

I'm sorry some of these images are kind of dark. It was a cloudy day and I didn't realize how shadowy the pictures were coming out. It reminds me though, that I like to string a garland along the tops of the windows in the fall and winter - small white lights entwined with either leaves or evergreens. It makes for a cheerful, cozy setting during the dark and cold months of the year.

At the head of the table I've placed some supplies like crayons, pencils, scissors, ruler and pen. It's funny how you get a bit out of practice - I was trying to remember what exactly we use on a daily basis when working on lessons. This seemed a good start.

Here is my side of the table. I may end up adding another leaf if it seems the boys are sitting too closely together (there's a fourth chair at the end). Doesn't an empty table just look so inviting?

It doesn't stay empty for long, of course.

I'm currently poring over some Waldorf resources gathering ideas for kindergarten, ancient history and science. (Blending Well-Trained Mind and Waldorf - now that's what I call eclectic, lol!)

Next we have our nature viewing area:

I think I might make up a cushion for the top of this hope chest, something to make it more comfortable. It is fun to sit here and watch the birds and small critters come and go ...

We really love our "classroom" windows. :)

Here is an area still coming together:

Here we have our prayer corner, more books on display and the boys' "school" bags tucked underneath (which still hold last year's materials!).

I took down the laminated wall map (it was on its last legs) and for now I hung a large family-size calendar. I actually want to move the calendar somewhere else (possibly the bulletin board wall) and get a new world map for this wall. Maybe a map of the ancient world if I can find one.

Now, for the teacher corner:

This corner of the room holds my resources, including books, notebooks, supplies, household planning materials as well as my file crate and reading basket.

Below I have:

Left to right: Christmas tote bag, history books (usually kept on a shelf, but I need them out right now as I plan) and my own "school" bag with the new materials for the new year..

On the wall I have a small bulletin board with a medley of stuff:

Let's see, rosary beads, pictures of my fellas, odd bits of information and random reminders. It's actually quite a mess right now and in need of a good pruning. To tell you the truth, I might just take it down entirely as it's not really necessary and it could be used in the living room for that art-and-music center I envision.

Well, that's as far as I got yesterday, now it's on with today ... and Earlybird is calling me from the other room, and I'd better go see.

"The sun woke up! The sun woke up!" he is declaring most excitedly.

Well, then it's time to get this new day rolling ... I hope you have a good one, and thanks for stopping by! :)

 

Comments

[Jennifer]

"The sun woke up! The sun woke up!" Awww...what Mom could resist that call? :)

Thanks for the tour, Dawn, I use strands of lights everywhere - the cockpit, dd's room, the head. Makes things cheerful!

[Julie]

Thanks for the tour of your learning room! You are so organized. I really like the tote bag idea for the kiddos school books...I use totes for my stuff and just never made that connection to have some for them as well. I know that I would love to read in the reading nook you have set up, I'm sure your children will too! Good luck with your planning.

[Amy]

I love it! I wish you could come to my house and help us transform. :)

[patience]

What a lovely room. It looks so warm and peaceful and inviting. I especially love the view from the window!

[betty]

Dear Dawn,
I am always so impressed with your method of organization! Your put so much effort and energy into making a wonderful learning time for your little guys! They are sooooo blest!

You have M-A-N-Y books. Have you purchased them or 'borrowed' them from the library? You always have such a wonderful selection!

It looks like an exciting year for the boys and I anxiously await your posts to see what you and your family are up to!

Have a great year!

[Jennie Lou]

Dawn, I love the strands of lights and garlands idea! Even though I am in ever-sunny CA in a bright house I still think this would be a great addition to our home environment.

Also I appreciate the homeschool-Waldorf resource. Though at this late hour of learning-book-buying I'll have to add them to my wishlist.

Great post!

[Linda]

Hi, Dawn!
I always enjoy reading your blog - it inspires me! I ran across a site about aprons (!!) today and thought of passing it on to you in case you haven't seen it:

http://angrychicken.typepad.com/tieoneon/

Enjoy!
Linda

[Jennifer]

I firmly believe that if you taught in an elementary school we would be consistently honored as "Teacher of the Year". You amaze me!

[mel]

Great ideas, inspiring as I finish setting up here too. I have really wanted to set up a "nature viewing window" too! I lack an obviously good window though on the first floor, and the second floor doesn't seem right either. I will have to do some creative thinking on that one...your entry made me determined to find a workable way!

[Kristie]

How inspiring Dawn! You have brought some sunlight to my slightly frazzled day (very tired children...too many late summer nights).

What kind of totes do you use?? They look nice and sturdy with firm sides. I have been on the lookout for baskets for years to use here- ones that are 4yo boy proof! These look like a much better idea!

Have a wonderful day.

[Kristie]

How inspiring Dawn! You have brought some sunlight to my slightly frazzled day (very tired children...too many late summer nights).

What kind of totes do you use?? They look nice and sturdy with firm sides. I have been on the lookout for baskets for years to use here- ones that are 4yo boy proof! These look like a much better idea!

Have a wonderful day.

[Dawn]

Hi everyone, and thanks so much for all the nice comments and suggestions! :)

Kristie, I use LL Bean totes - they are really well made and last and last. The boys' school totes are medium size, but my oldest could probably use a large (12yo).

Thanks for stopping by!

[residentmuse]

This is all so beautiful (and clean)! Can I come live at your house?