I only have so much time in my day and a lot of homeschool learning to pack into those hours (not to mention housework, cooking, etc.). Our family strongly emphasizes the 4 R’s (Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, and Religion) in the early years of elementary, but how do we approach other subjects?
Developing a rich learning environment in the home can propel your student forward in those “extra” subjects. In our home, science, art, and music are often neglected in favor of other subjects. Neglected, but not forgotten. Setting up learning corners in our home has been a great help in prompting interest-led learning in these less emphasized subjects.
Learning corners are made by grouping related subject materials in an inviting and logical arrangement where they can be openly explored by your student(s). This concept can be used for nearly every subject or hobby imaginable. Here are some easy ways to make learning corners work in your home. I’m sure you can see the ideas are limitless.
Writing: A writing desk with all sorts of paper, pens, pencils, stamps, envelopes, and staples. (This could easily be added on to an art table.)
Mathematics: Use manipulatives , flashcards, math literature, calculators, paper, and pencils.
Reading: A cozy chair with pillows, blankets, reading light, and a big stack of quality literature.
In this post, I’ll show you how we have made an art corner in our living room.
Art Corner Tour
Here is our art table located in our living room. My neighbor graciously gave us this great corner desk. I was overjoyed when she offered it to me (though I thought she was a little crazy for giving away such a great piece!). It works so well for the art corner.
On the desk is a Come Look with Me (affiliate link)art book propped open with my old cookbook holder. Occasionally, I see one of the children looking through the art in this book or another one displayed. The large plastic container on the side (purchased with pretzels in it!) hold the crayons. Behind the art book is an array of coloring books, how-to art books, sketch books, and other such “artsy” books.
On the shelf above the desk is our basket with markers (thick and thin tipped), coloring pencils, glue, and scissors. When we work on art as a family I just grab the basket and carry it to the kitchen table where we can work together.
The drawer of the desk is stocked with lots of scrap paper, construction paper, and more sketch books. There is also a container with extra colored pencils we can grab as we head out the door to do nature study (wish we used it more often!).
Around the corner in our laundry/mudroom is our art supply and game closet. On the bottom you will find drawers with paint brushes, watercolors, Do-a-Dot markers (affiliate link), washable paint, and other extra supplies. On the shelves you’ll a huge sketch book, playdough, stamps, modeling clay, and craft supplies.
Here is a picture of Sally using the art table. After two boys who show no interest in art, I’m excited to watch her become a budding artist!
