When the kids were little (and fewer) we enjoyed having desks along with an art table, but as they grew and our family morphed, we gradually ended up using our kitchen table as our primary work space for both. Recently, in an effort to make it work even better while we remain in our current home, we decided a new project was in store for us...our new desk station.
Our preschoolers are always creating in one of the many art spaces around our home, and now our older kids are ready (again) for their very own sense of space as well. Complete with their desired supplies and wall pockets to catch the daily happenings before they make it to our filing system, in just a few days time, I can see already that this project has met a need.
Organization is a must in a family of our size. I'm all for flexibility, spontaneity, and a kickback attitude about making messes during creative mode...but...there also must be organization or it just won't work for us. Fortunately, even our most carefree children tend to appreciate such things (probably a product of nurture), so they've especially enjoyed organizing their supplies.
I wanted a space to hang some of the latest projects, so we opted for free twine, nails,
and clothespins since there is always an ample supply of all three around here.
Aida, Miss Organization, has been particularly excited about her space since she spends so much time and effort on her schoolwork, writing, planning, etc. She is loving getting herself all set up and I'm so happy for her to feel organized and ready for high school! next year. (As a side note, we really don't place much emphasis on "grades" whether that be age grade or letter grades and there's a long story why behind both, but nevertheless, it does keep us ordered to a certain degree to consider age grades, though we don't pigeon hole the kids in terms of schoolwork.) That said, Aida is very eager about her education and though there are days I ask her to "chuck the list" (ha!) I value her structured and dedicated commitment to everything she does and it's a joy to see her at her new freshly-sharpened-matching-pencils type of very Aida work space. :)
And this little one...
And this little one...
...is quite the big girl these days.
These two...
Always up to something, they have their matching outfits on here for whatever game they were playing just before and I have to stop to enjoy the fact that they are...together. The togetherness is what gets me most with homeschooling. It's such a beautiful gift to be BFFs with siblings...warms my heart every single day and we never take it for granted!
Brodie is always creating. It's a privilege to give him the time to be the artist God designed him to be. Lately, when we're indoors, if he's not playing the piano or building a Lego masterpiece, he's likely to be here, so excited to have his own drawing space!
(Inspired by The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black)
. . . . . .
That's the debrief on the latest in homeschooling for us. There's nothing like refreshment and newness to get everyone invested. Since I started the school year out sicker than sick with sweet baby in my belly this year, then we went into China mode for a month, then adjustment mode with Bea and Beck, we kind of feel like this is our second start to a new year, which is fun!
We do tend to function in a year-round schooling mindset anyway, but still, there is something inspiring about getting
organized and embarking upon more journeys...a great reason to be thankful for our new desk station!
We do tend to function in a year-round schooling mindset anyway, but still, there is something inspiring about getting
organized and embarking upon more journeys...a great reason to be thankful for our new desk station!
. . . . . .
*As always, a BIG huge THANK YOU to the men in our life for building us this special new space!*
Your efforts are definitely appreciated, especially as you serve with willing and joyful hearts.
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."