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New & Improved School Room!

3 August, 2011; Filed Under: homeschool

I really wanted a new table and more comfortable, functional chairs for our school room this year. The dining table legs were annoyingly in the way, and the dining chairs were just not intended for the amount of usage they get from a homeschooling family!

I started shopping around for a new table, but then my mom remembered a table one of her previous tenants in her rental house had left behind. It was under a bunch of junk, and was unfinished and beaten up — which meant I thought it was perfect. Ken brought it home and I finished it. Now that beat up old table is lovely, in a pleasantly weathered sort of way. The best part: we were only out the $12 it cost me for stain and paint brushes!

homeschool room

Since we ended up getting the table for free, I decided to look for new chairs. After much online and in-real-life shopping, we bought two hot pink desk chairs that swivel and have pneumatic height-adjustment. The new school table sits a bit higher than the old one, so the new chairs allow Kathryn to be at a comfortable height. That stool is so that Kathryn doesn’t have to leave her feet dangling.

(Make your own version of the handy-dandy supply caddy on our school table! My instructions are here: “Cute and Cheap Art Supply Organizer“)

While I was at it, I bought myself a new chair for my computer desk, because I had been using a stool retired from a medical office. Yay for comfy chairs! And this year I finally got that lovely U.S. wall map laminated!

My computer desk is still just across the room from the school table, so if Kathryn is working on something independently, I can be doing some work of my own and still be nearby to help. You can see how central our schoolroom is to our home; that’s the school table in the foreground, with the living room at left (where the fireplace is), and our front door at the right of the photo. Our kitchen is off to the right.

Homeschool_Room-3

I spent a couple of weeks reorganizing our shelves and craft/school supplies, and rearranging last year’s books to accommodate this year’s books. (Psst! IKEA shelves rock!)

Homeschool_Room-4

Most things that Kathryn uses on a daily basis are on a separate small bookcase right behind her chair within easy reach. (Especially with those new swivel chairs!)

Homeschool_Room-6

I keep print-outs for nature study notebooks, lapbook projects, our timeline book, and state geography notebook in hanging files in a plastic crate. It’s easily transportable, and it’s even my favorite color! My homeschool planning notebook happily nestles right in this same crate.

Homeschool_Room-4

It’s ridiculous how happy organization makes me. I have to have my things not only neat, but pretty, too. I thought I was just weird like that, but I was recently reading about learning styles, and for a visual learner like me, clutter truly does affect my thinking negatively, and pretty/organized things affect my thinking positively — like I’ve been saying for years!

So, that’s our little schoolroom. Keep in mind, though, that not all our learning happens in this space! Our living room sofa gets at least as much time because that’s as we read our good books! And some learning is outside, or on the computer, or in the kitchen…

Want to see more homeschool rooms? I’ll be linking this post up at HOTM’s Not-Back-To-School Hop and The Homeschool Post.

–>If you’d like to keep up with my new posts, consider subscribing to weekly email updates.

Jamie

Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.

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Jamie
Jamie
3 August, 2011 3:58 pm

Love the school room! I think I like to organize and sort and plan more than I like to do the actual work!! This room would brighten anyone’s day! Blessings.

Reply
Michelle
Michelle
3 August, 2011 4:10 pm

That is very pretty and I just learned something about me. I never made the connection that if you are a visual learner and you don’t have organization then you can’t function well.

I always thought that was the case for everyone, but apparently it is even MORE imperative for those of us who learn visually!

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Jen in Oz
Jen in Oz
Reply to  Michelle
3 June, 2012 9:55 pm

Thank you for this a-ha moment for me too. I am the one who writes out the “dobbing” on the white board so I can keep the kid’s stories straight. I am definitely a visual learner and your point about pretty organisation is so spot on. Now I understand why!

Best wishes
Jen in Oz

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Cindy
Cindy
3 August, 2011 4:39 pm

What a pretty school area! Love it!

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Trisha
Trisha
3 August, 2011 4:50 pm

Everything is so beautiful! Thank you for the great idea about the crate!

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Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
3 August, 2011 5:02 pm

Love the new school room! It looks great!

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Veronica @ A Quiet Heart
Veronica @ A Quiet Heart
3 August, 2011 6:28 pm

Love it!! This is actually very similar to our set up…you walk in the front door, and our kitchen is to the left, school “room” (known in some houses as a dining area!) is to the right…My desk is also across the room, sort of in our living room! 🙂

LOVE the office chair idea! We are using an extra chair from our kitchen table, but it is definitely not the right height for my daughter…I never thought about an office chair! I’m off to find one! 🙂

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Sally {with eager hands}
Sally {with eager hands}
3 August, 2011 11:23 pm

happiness is seeing Jamie’s school space 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

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Julie
Julie
4 August, 2011 2:58 am

Love it! Very inviting. That is what I look for most in an environment. I want to walk into a room and WANT to stay. I like the way the color of the pink chairs pop. The table it perfect!

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Jane@DandelionWishes
Jane@DandelionWishes
4 August, 2011 6:42 am

I love it! I’m getting new ideas for mine!

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Ronnica
Ronnica
4 August, 2011 1:20 pm

So cute! I want to come learn there!

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Jess
Jess
4 August, 2011 3:08 pm

It looks great! I always have to have things cleaned and organized before I begin a task.

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CM in the City
CM in the City
4 August, 2011 9:26 pm

You have a beautiful home – so sunny and fresh looking. I also am much, much happier when things are organized and look pretty. (I’m a visual learner too!)

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Cassandra
Cassandra
4 August, 2011 11:41 pm

Lovely! With a smaller home, I’m always slightly envious of such large, spacious school rooms!!! 😉 (Ours is packed in and separated between the kitchen and a small “Discovery” room). Great job, it looks amazing!

Cass@ Unplug Your Family

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Jen
Jen
5 August, 2011 1:40 pm

Your room is beautiful! Enjoy your year 🙂

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Bev
Bev
7 August, 2011 7:24 pm

Absolutely lovely! Very nice and clean. I also love the hot pink chairs! 🙂

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Alicia
Alicia
7 August, 2011 7:55 pm

Love your new table and chairs!! Also, love how neat and beautiful all your shelves look!!

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Angie Wright
Angie Wright
7 August, 2011 7:59 pm

Love the new table – I keep forgetting to pick up Tabs for our workboxes, wrote it down – and I love the idea of investing in chairs. We rent a furnished house that only has plastic patio chairs – I think new swivel chairs would be fun!

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Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Angie Wright
7 August, 2011 8:11 pm

Angie – yes, our chairs are quite fun! And they were on a pretty good sale, too!

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Tricia @ Hodgepodge
Tricia @ Hodgepodge
7 August, 2011 8:04 pm

How beautiful!! I am jealous of your smashingly girly pink swivel chairs. Your handy hanging file portable crate – brilliant! I am going to have to check out your ‘how to’ post on the caddy in the middle of your school table (love that frugal living -reusing an available table). I agree that learning happens all over – but you have a lovely learning room! (and, I hope you do join us for a Nana pastel lesson very soon. Very easy with beautiful results 🙂

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Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Tricia @ Hodgepodge
7 August, 2011 8:12 pm

Tricia – I’m serious! If you wouldn’t think I was a total stalker, I would beg to come over to your house in real life for one of those pastel lessons. 🙂

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Steph
Steph
7 August, 2011 8:33 pm

Love your room! It is beautiful! I wish that I loved to organize … 🙂

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Jenny
Jenny
7 August, 2011 8:41 pm

I love how bright your room is. It’s so nice and organized too!

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Sam
Sam
7 August, 2011 8:58 pm

I love it! I am a sucker for pretty and organized myself.

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Mary
Mary
7 August, 2011 9:25 pm

I love how organized it looks! Also, it is so pretty and bright and open!

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BlessedMom
BlessedMom
7 August, 2011 10:23 pm

IKEA shelves are the best! I have the same ones. Love the room!

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brenda
brenda
7 August, 2011 10:27 pm

wow! It’s right there in your living room and yet it all looks just lovely!

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Kim
Kim
7 August, 2011 10:57 pm

*Love* What a beautifully decorated and organized room! Happy Homeschooling to you!!

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Denise
Denise
8 August, 2011 10:10 am

Love it! I really like your colors- what a great learning environment!

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september
september
8 August, 2011 1:28 pm

this is beautiful! well done, it is very pretty!

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Angela DeRossett
Angela DeRossett
8 August, 2011 1:50 pm

Jamie… you are officially my school room hero. I showed your pictures to my husband last night and said “puh—leeeze???” We are getting ready to rip put our basement and do a new floor plan than what is there right now and guess who will be getting a school room?! When that time comes I am going to have some questions. Your room is beautiful!

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Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Angela DeRossett
8 August, 2011 7:05 pm

Angela, you made me actually LOL! I’d be happy to help, so feel free to shoot me any questions! In fact, if I lived close enough, I’d just come on over and help you set it up! I love that kind of stuff!

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Angela DeRossett
Angela DeRossett
Reply to  Jamie
9 August, 2011 6:08 pm

If we still lived in GA I would take you up on that!

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Donita Hammond
Donita Hammond
8 August, 2011 2:31 pm

I love your schoolroom. Ikea shelves are awesome!

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Michelle
Michelle
8 August, 2011 3:29 pm

Now I need pink chairs. And a radio with flowers. Yes, I said “need.”
🙂

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Adena
Adena
8 August, 2011 5:53 pm

I LOVE your schoolroom. I agree with a previous comment – I think I like to plan and organize than the actually teaching. And I figured if staying organizing helps a visual learner like me, then I need to do just a little more before we start on the 22nd!! Love your blog and just subscribed.

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Jade =)
Jade =)
8 August, 2011 7:26 pm

OH my word, that huge wall-length book shelf system is giving my jealous pains like crazy!! So lovely. Your room is gorgeous!!! You have done a fantastic job, love the organization!

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Candace
Candace
8 August, 2011 9:19 pm

So beautiful Jamie! I agree. I also think much clearer in a tidy and pretty space. 🙂

I’m new to blogging! Visit me at: Growing with the Greniers

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Theresa
Theresa
8 August, 2011 9:31 pm

Your home is beautiful. So bright and airy! I love the table–what a great deal! it’s BEAUTIFUL! I love that cute little radio too–when I saw that, I thought right away that you are one of those people that always has things neat and tidy. I SO envy that!

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Cara
Cara
8 August, 2011 11:34 pm

I love it! It’s so pretty.

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Kinder Days
Kinder Days
9 August, 2011 3:44 am

awesome room! have a GREAT school year!!!
Blessings,
Angela @ Kinder Days

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Amanda
Amanda
9 August, 2011 12:03 pm

So lovely! I can tell a lot of thought and effort went into creating your spaces. 🙂 I just got myself a crate, and can’t wait to get it organized!

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Jen @ Gricefully Homeschooling
Jen @ Gricefully Homeschooling
9 August, 2011 1:22 pm

Hopping over form the NBTS Blog Hop. Do you want to come remake my room like that? That looks great!! And thanks for the idea on the lazy susan…magnets…ahhh that’s the trick to keep them from tipping over! Thank you!

Happy Homeschooling!

~ Your newest follower! =)

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Rebecca
Rebecca
9 August, 2011 5:26 pm

I absolutely LOVE your space and your table!!!!

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Kelly
Kelly
9 August, 2011 11:29 pm

I love your Ikea shelves and those cool pink chairs – but I think my boys would kill me if I ever had pink chairs in the house – I am seriously outnumbered at my house.

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mandi@herbanhomestead
mandi@herbanhomestead
10 August, 2011 10:24 am

I love how your room is right in the middle of everything! Just like mine! You have melded it in so nicely. Thanks for sharing!

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Kyle Suzanne
Kyle Suzanne
10 August, 2011 2:39 pm

Very nice Jamie! Looking forward to seeing your Weeklly Wrap Ups in your new room!

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Mominin
Mominin
10 August, 2011 9:17 pm

You did a beautiful job on the table. I love your school room. Have a great year.

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Angela Wimbish
Angela Wimbish
12 August, 2011 4:31 am

Must. Have. The. Pink. Chairs. Stat. Where do I get them???? 🙂 Your house and your room ROCK! 🙂

Reply
Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Angela Wimbish
12 August, 2011 9:39 am

Angela, we got the chairs at Office Max. At the time, they were having a great sale! 🙂

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Inspiration Station
Inspiration Station
14 August, 2011 10:36 am

Your school room is so organized and beautiful. What a fun space to learn in. Thanks for sharing!
Mindy

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Sarah
Sarah
16 August, 2011 4:16 pm

Love it all! It looks great. I made us one of those lazy susan caddies the other day. Thanks for the idea.

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talysa
talysa
21 August, 2011 4:07 pm

I love it. And I have a living room just like you that lends itself to pull this off. Two questions: What is the model of those Ikea shelves? And is the chair Ikea as well?

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Jolanthe
Jolanthe
5 October, 2011 9:04 am

Now you are making me want some Ikea shelves for my living room too!! Love the schoolroom, Jamie!! That carousel is such a help, isn’t it? Whenever I see new tins at Target I get all excited to change it out!

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Rene Farrell
Rene Farrell
8 December, 2011 8:45 am

I agree. I love your schoolroom. I made us one of those lazy susan caddies the other day.

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Stefanie Medina
Stefanie Medina
8 December, 2011 9:44 am

Hopping over form the NBTS Blog Hop. Your handy hanging file portable crate – brilliant! Love your new table and chairs!!

Reply


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