Reality: Education can happen in a classroom, but it does not have to.

I happen to get a real kick out of organizing spaces—a classroom, sewing room, music room. It just brings me a lot of joy. However, not everyone gets such a kick out of organizing classrooms and spaces, and not everyone has the space or resources to do so. Home education can happen just as successfully with a box for each child that they plop on the living room carpet or kitchen table. Do what floats your boat and works for you. 

 That said, whatever your “classroom” looks like, learning is facilitated in a clean and orderly environment. I’m not presenting any scientific evidence to prove that, but take my word for it. Plopping down on the living room carpet to study is not as pleasant when the rug is covered with dog hair and cracker crumbs! It is true. You will enjoy learning more in a clean environment. You will be more efficient and less frustrated if the materials you need are organized and readily within your reach. A primary reason people don’t do something—sew, do a craft, do a science experiment—is that it often takes longer to find the materials and set it up than it actually takes to do the activity. Whether you have a dedicated room for something or work out of a little corner, do your best to organize your stuff. Once you get your space organized, then shake things up as much as you can.

The saying “the world is your classroom” may sound cliché, but is so true. Even the best-organized school rooms are confining. Get outside. Enjoy nature. Go out on a beautiful day to read a book. Take fieldtrips and see things in person. On any particular day, your classroom might be the library, a park, the grocery store, a mountain trail, someone else’s house, or even a dentist’s office.

When education and life blend together, the world is your limit. School can happen in a classroom, but it doesn’t have to.