Eight years. That is how long I have been teaching my children at home. Over those eight years I have tried many, many different curricula and taught from various locations around our house.
I feel like I have chased our homeschool room around the house. We started in the kitchen, moved to the den, then back to the kitchen, then to the dining room, then to the den, back to the kitchen, built a homeschool room upstairs, moved back to the kitchen two years later (due to toddler), then to the den, back to the kitchen and finally back to the school room.
Phew! I’m tired just writing that – and think I actually moved all our homeschool materials that many times! Crazy I must be. 
But, I have found something that works wonders for my eighth grader! What is it? It’s having his own space, away from his noisy younger siblings. A place where he can concentrate and work in peace and quiet.
We painted his room and put up IKEA shelves and desk and mounted a large dry erase board to his wall. His room is right beside the school room, so I’m able to keep track of what he is doing and help him when he needs it.
If you are a veteran homeschooler, what have you found that helps your teens to focus and get their much-increased-workload completed?
Hi Amanda,
I’m not a homeschooler, but I just wanted to stop by and comment on how peaceful the space for your son looks. Very inviting and calm – love it!
Tracy,
Thank you so much! We worked really hard to make his room into a space he would enjoy for the rest of his teen years at home. It’s got a very modern feel, which works great for guys. All grays, blues, black and chrome.
Thank you for taking time out to leave a comment. I sincerely appreciate it!
I really like this set up – I may need to do something similar to this for my oldest, who is getting distracted by her 7 year old brother!
I’m enjoying poking around your blog tonight — I’m attending BEECH and am looking forward to hearing you speak.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of
the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Thank you for sharing!