Homeschool Anywhere
Part One: Homeschooling in Smaller Spaces
When homeschooling, it’s easy to think you need a homestead, a big yard, or the ability to travel widely.
It’s also easy to think difficult circumstances, like wiggly kiddos who won’t listen as you read, will last forever. They won’t. In my case I look back at those days with a bit of longing because it did go as fast as everyone told me it would.
Even in our small condo with four kids under eight, we found creative ways to learn and thrive. Setting up a blanket with a basket of Legos on our condo balcony was often enough to keep all the kids busy while I read aloud to them.
Family read-alouds are a staple for many homeschoolers, and here’s the good news: you can read anywhere.
We also made time to visit nearby parks or explore our small condo complex. It taught me that children don’t need acres of land to run and learn. Nature and learning are everywhere—it just takes a little creativity to see it.
As an educator by trade, I used to bristle when people advised me to “just read to my kids and let them play.” It felt overly simplistic. But with time and experience, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom in that advice—with a few caveats.
To see my recommendations for kindergarten resources, click the image or click here.
Read on to find out more about “let them play” as common advice and attention spans by age!
The Truth About “Let Them Play” Advice
Planning activities out and maintaining special activities just for school and work times is very important.
When you’re homeschooling a busy child who won’t sit still, having hands-on activities at the ready can make all the difference.
When you’re homeschooling a busy child who won’t sit still, having hands-on activities at the ready can make all the difference.
Here are some easy options:
Think coloring books and special crayons or markers
Play-Doh
Legos (so loud when you’re reading but this will definitely keep them busy!)
And if you can tolerate a little more mess, even salt trays for tracing letters and numbers.
These activities not only keep little hands occupied but also allow their minds to absorb what’s being read aloud.
It might seem like they’re not listening over all the noise and activity, but trust me, they are. My own kids have surprised me time and again by remembering key details from stories I thought they barely heard.
These activities not only keep little hands occupied but also allow their minds to absorb what’s being read aloud.
It might seem like they’re not listening over all the noise and activity, but trust me, they are. My own kids have surprised me time and again by remembering key details from stories I thought they barely heard.
Practical Tips for Small-Space Homeschooling
First, plan for attention spans by age.
Ages 3–5: about 5–10 minutes of focused attention on a single, structured task.
Ages 6–8: about 15–20 minutes.
Here are some tips that worked for our family during those years of condo homeschooling:
Create Simple Reading Spaces: We often used our small balcony as an outdoor classroom. A bin of Legos or a small craft setup made it a space where the kids could stay engaged while I read aloud.
Incorporate Fine Motor Skills Activities: Short activities like tracing lines, peeling stickers, stringing beads, or using salt trays for writing letters are fantastic for young learners. They’re fun, tactile, and help build essential skills.
Visit Free Local Resources: Public parks, libraries, and free museums became staples in our routine. These outings trained my kids to sit, listen, and engage with new environments. It also built their manners and respect for shared spaces. It also drove me a little crazy taking them places like this, but it has paid off hugely over the years.
Embrace the Mess and Noise: If there’s one thing I wish I’d done sooner, it’s letting go of my need for a quiet, mess-free environment. Especially with three boys in the mix, mess and noise were inevitable. Accepting this helped me enjoy the process more, but it also makes me miss my babies. It’s far easier to do things as a family when children are small.
Trust the Process: Homeschooling often feels overwhelming, especially when you’re looking at the big picture of your child’s entire education. Start small. Read aloud while they play. Do short, engaging activities. Let them explore and burn energy—physically and mentally. It all adds up.
Small Spaces, Big Learning
We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information and ideas, and it can feel overwhelming to plan your child’s education. But homeschooling doesn’t require a perfect setting or endless resources. Even in a small space, you can create an environment rich in learning, exploration, and joy.
My Texas Homeschool was named an expert in a Rent. article on this topic! Check out the featured article here: Homeschool Activities | Rent.
Whether it’s a basket of toys on a balcony or an afternoon spent at a local park, the key is to make the most of what you have. Nature and learning are everywhere we choose to look—and sometimes, it starts with a simple read-aloud, indoors or out.
Looking to start a morning basket or read classics with your children? Click HERE to see the products we have which you can assemble into a morning basket or morning tray!
