June 28, 2005 9:18 PM
Homeschool furniture ideas
Updated 7/17/10:
Early on in our homeschooling years, because of our number of kids, we turned our family room into a classroom. The best investment I ever made was this table:
The table is made by Virco - which has been manufacturing school equipment for decades. It used to be available only through school supply houses, but now is carried by Amazon
It is a little pricey - free shipping! - but let me tell you something: I've had this table for 20 years and there is not a mark or dent on it. It is an investment that will last you through your grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.
The legs adjust, so you can start out with toddlers and just keep raising the table as your kids grow. Since I had a bunch of little kids, I found the shape very helpful, as I would sit in the small curve and have up to six kids spread out across from me - and sometimes one on either side. It really helped me be able to take care of all their needs at once.
The chairs
Even during years we weren't homeschooling, we have kept the family room set up the same. Our 12 and unders love working at the table and when our grandchildren come over on Sunday everything is really put to good use. In fact, we were so running out of room I just invested in a small round table
My first school furniture purchase was definitely a splurge, but worth it. I think having a big family makes it seem more sensible too. And I never dreamed 20 years ago that someday my grandchildren would be crowding around that table while my 18 and 21 year olds commented on the memories they have of the lessons we shared there.
Fifteen years ago I also bought this library rack to display books for the kids:
Also available at Amazon with free shipping
As I said - unless you have money to spare, this might not be an investment you want to make with only a couple kids. But if you have a big family, you know the wear and tear routine. There aren't too many things that can handle 20 years of kid-use and still look like new. This has made these memory-filled items a few of my favorite things.
Posted in Homeschooling | Permalink
Comments
Hmmm...all great suggestions! I was just thinking that the traditional bookcase is wasted in my son's room, as he can't yet read the spines. Showing the colorful covers should be more enticing. Thanks!
Posted by: Meredith | June 28, 2005 11:24 PM
The book display is one of my favorites. I display the "Reading Rainbow" books for the week there.
Always enjoy hearing about youre family gatherings. :)
Posted by: Lexie | June 29, 2005 12:25 AM
This is so neat! Thanks for sharing your great ideas. I will definitely be looking into both the table and book display in the future. And I wouldn't have come up with this on my own.
Posted by: Laura Anne | June 29, 2005 1:12 AM
Your book display reminded me of the idea I read once for using white plastic rain gutters to make book shelves like this:
www.trelease-on-reading.com/oliver.html
Perhaps I'll get it done this summer!
Posted by: Brenda on the S OR Coast | June 29, 2005 2:01 PM
Hello everybody, I would also prefer making a homeschool for my kids. Your blog is really great and helpful. I really appreciate your keep on writing on more information on homeschool furniture. I've also visited a site http://www.school-furniture.ws very informative and helpful.
Posted by: Merry | January 17, 2008 2:26 AM
