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Studies in 2009 showed that 67% of college graduates were home-schoolers, and today, with the circumstances caused by the global pandemic, it is still a practical option. Have you finally decided to homeschool for your kids and are wondering how to start? Well, finding a space for them to learn is the first step. Here are four things to bear in mind to get started on designing a perfect homeschool room.

• Pick a workspace to design

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The first thing is to decide on the area you will turn into a home-school room. You can pick an existing site to transform or one where your child can focus without any external distractions. The room should be safe and conducive for studies, and so you should consider things like indoor air quality and lighting. Your little ones will need to be as comfortable as possible in an area where they learn, and you should keep that in mind when designing it.

• Choose a colour and decoration concept

The use of color is vital when it comes to teaching kids as it can affect their mood. Choose colours, such as bright ones, that will help your kids learn and concentrate in class. You can also find out from your kids what colours they like to keep your choices informed. Add decorations such as educational posters based on your kid’s curriculum or hang colourful, positive messages on the walls to inspire and motivate them to learn. ABC and number cards can be used if your kid is a pre-schooler.

• Add furniture to complement the decoration

Furniture is a requirement for effective learning as they are another way to ensure your kids are as comfortable as possible. Your children will need tables with drawers to keep supplies, comfortable chairs, a whiteboard, or a chalkboard for learning. You can also include a cupboard or bookshelves to fit workbooks, textbooks, and storybooks. Your furniture choice should complement the colour and decoration concept to create balance and a sound atmosphere for your kid’s home-school room. They should also be located in the right places in the room for a good design. You can involve your little ones when shopping and choosing comfortable furniture for the room.

• Make the Space Comfortable

Apart from the study room furniture, ensure that the space is decluttered and in order. The study should have enough space for activities and play. Have windows open for air circulation or keep your AC running. If your HVAC doesn’t function properly, call your service provider like Air Conditioner Repair Services | Chills on Wheels Heating Contractors, Inc. to get it fixed.

• Provide learning and teaching supplies

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After introducing furniture in your design, you will need to fill the shelves, drawers, cupboards with educational supplies. Provide writing materials such as workbooks, pencils, notebooks, and reading materials like textbooks and storybooks. You can also include art supplies such as crayons and watercolours and educational games like word and number puzzles. Whatever learning material you provide should develop their thinking skills and be appropriate for their age(s).

Designing a home-school room for your kids is all about creativity and comfort. Bear in mind that it is not a room for adults, but kids, so think about what your little one will love and enjoy. How you design the space will contribute to their attention and focus while learning there. So, go all out and make it as comfortable as you can for your children.

It’s essential that children learn to think and develop themselves without the need for adult prompting; This doesn’t just improve their ability to learn and succeed in life, it also helps to prepare them for what life has to offer them in the future. 

But, how do you get your kids to develop thinking and learning skills? There are several things you can do:

Early Learning Centres

A reputable early learning center such as this Croydon early learning center will encourage the children to work things out for themselves. Through play, children will realize that they can find a solution to any issue. This will encourage them to think about more things and find solutions.

The act of playing also encourages them to learn. In this instance, they won’t always realize they are learning. But, developing learning skills when young means they will find it easier to adapt to the educational process. This means they’ll get the most benefit possible from their education.

The Learning Process

It’s interesting to note that the neural pathways in children’s brains are very similar to building paths in the real world. Each path interconnects to become a maze, it expands on a 3D level to create a structure resemblant of a building. 

The key is to guide them through the various development stages without giving them the information they need.

It’s also important to know that the more a specific pathway is used the stronger it becomes. This is why repetition is so important to learning at all ages. In the same way, pathways that aren’t used will fade away, although not disappear altogether. 

By concentrating on the information that matters you’ll be able to encourage your child to strengthen the right neural pathways. Of course, every personality is different, the more neural pathways they build the better to allow them a wide choice of possibilities in the future.

Learning communication

Communication is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Most kids learn to speak by watching and listening to their parents, and then mimicking the way they speak. First words are usually uttered around the 12 months mark. By the age of 3, kids will have a word for almost everything, and by the age of 4 most kids are forming sentences. 

Some kids struggle with speech development. In these cases, you may be able to encourage kids to learn words more quickly by talking to them more frequently and encouraging conversations. If this still isn’t working, pediatric speech therapy can help.

Written communication is usually not something that kids develop until the age of 5. This is not usually something that kids can teach themselves and usually has to be taught. 

Sensory Learning

One of the most powerful ways of teaching children is actually through their senses. They will naturally want to explore the world around them, which means touching and interacting with as many things as possible. From the moment they are born you should encourage this. 

The more stimulated they are by their environment the easier it will be for them to develop learning and thinking skills that will last them for life.

You’ll see it starting as a baby, they make sounds to get your attention, they move to find their preferred spot, and they love putting things in their mouth. This is all the start of sensory learning.

Children need to be allowed to develop at their own ace, every child is different. But, you can ensure they are learning as they play, this is the most effective way to improve their learning and thinking skills. Considering how important these skills will be when they are adults this is one gift you can’t afford not to give them!

It’s worth noting that as they age they’ll learn more through logic than play, but the same approach will still work.

We’re coming into the colder months now and you need to get your garden ready to withstand the temperature dropping. You don’t want to get to Spring and have a half-dead garden and dying veggie plants. It’s already going to be hard enough to keep on top of the weeds and the lawn when it’s cold, so you need to get it as prepared as possible before the seasons shift.

The garden in winter is often abandoned, and you have to be gentle with it to get it through to Spring without too much damage. Looking at the different types of Zoysia Sod will help you to know how to look after the lawn, and you need to consider how the veggies will survive the cold. With this in mind, here are some of the best tips you need to make your garden survive the incoming frost.

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• Prep Your Garden Tools

You use garden tools all through the year, but before you put them away, you need to make sure that they are cleaned down and free of rust. Storing them properly in a shed outside will prevent them from swelling and breaking down in the cold, too. They will stay sharp and efficient if you leave them in storage, and keeping your tools and mowers safe will ensure that they last you for some time.

• Prune Trees

As the winter weather arrives, the trees are going to be taking a battering. Use a professional Tree Service to have dead branches removed. Dead branches can be dangerous when they overhang your house as they might fall during a strong wind, so it’s best to have them cut off. Fruit trees, such as apple and pear, also benefit from a winter prune. This helps to promote growth the following spring and reduces the number of pests overwintering in your garden.

• Rake The Lawn

Autumn is the time of year that the leaves fall and scatter across the garden. This is the same for branches and twigs from nearby trees! Raking these up at the start of the winter season will clear the lawn and keep the paths clear of anything slippery. You can move any exterior plants that are portable to the greenhouse or in the shed, too, as these will keep safe from the snow and rain shed.

• Hide The Garden Furniture

Similarly to the portable plants, you need to consider storing your garden furniture properly! No one wants to have to spray down the furniture, but doing this to clean it before storing it will keep the garden furniture stored and protected from the weather. You don’t want to have the weather cause warping or damage on the furniture, especially when it can cost a lot of money. Hide the garden furniture away and you’ll be able to stay on top of it through the season.

• Get On Top Of Maintenance

Look at the borders of your lawn and driveway and put some work in. You want to dig up the annual plants that have died and those that aren’t as fresh, and then replace them with compost to keep the garden looking good. Maintaining these areas of the garden are important so that they continue to look great through the season and into the Spring next year.

You want to be able to get into the garden when the sunshine is back and enjoy it all. You can only do that if you are vigilant about your garden now!

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You spend a lot of time in your home, so it makes sense that you want it to look beautiful and be comfortable. If you’re a busy parent, then you may not be giving your property the attention it deserves. It’s never too late to tackle home upgrades and make your property look better inside and out.

Regardless of whether you’re in need of a Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation, it is very likely that you will look around one day and realize that there is a lot to do. But where do you start? Luckily, you can learn more about a few home projects that you can consider when you’re ready for a change, and more often than not, they will enhance the attractiveness and functionality of your home.

Refreshing the Master Bathroom

The master bathroom gets a lot of use, and it’s an important room to homeowners and buyers alike. Therefore, it’s worth your time and investment to refresh your bathroom space. There are many ways to do so, including enhancing the lighting, installing a new shower, and replacing an old vanity. Create a space that makes you feel calm and relaxed, and where you enjoy getting ready each day. There’s nothing better than having an attractive and updated master bathroom that fits your personal style and taste. If you’re looking to update and replace the faucet or toilet, you may need to consider contacting a Plumber for help installing them. They’ll also be able to help if there are any problems with the plumbing or leaks that need rectifying.

Improving the Kitchen

Another vital room in your home that gets a lot of foot traffic is the kitchen. Consider updating and improving the space when you’re ready for a change. Start by organizing it and getting rid of what you no longer need or use. Next, tackle the deeper issues and think about a redesign or renovation to enhance the area. You can go to these guys when you’re ready to get started making updates and use their services to help you complete the project, so it looks amazing.

Enhancing Your Windows

You may not even realize the impact your windows have on your home. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing but also used for controlling airflow. It’s wise to replace old and outdated windows so your home looks more modern and you can take care of any cracks or leaks. If they’re in good condition, then think about cleaning your windows inside and out to brighten them up. They’ll draw in more natural light when they aren’t full of dirt and grime. Also, enhance and dress them up by installing new and contemporary window treatments.

Setting up Entertainment Areas

You can make your home more appealing and functional when you set up entertainment areas and spaces. For instance, you can choose to finish your basement and install a large TV and add a pool table. Other ideas include sprucing up your patio area and backyard by adding furniture and a grill and decorating your living room. This can ensure that it’s ready and set up to entertain guests when you have visitors into your home.
If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also add a small swimming pool, which can be a great addition for the summers. You can contact a Swimming Pool Contractor in your neighborhood and get an expenditure quote. Moreover, you’ll enjoy having various options for where you can relax and entertain depending on the weather and occasion.

Conclusion

These ideas should inspire you to want to make changes to your home. They’re wonderful upgrades and additions that will be well worth your efforts. These changes will make your home more attractive, cozy, and modern, and you’ll likely love them so much that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t tackle them sooner.

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Being a homeowner can be tough. No home is perfect and sometimes that means things go wrong. Sometimes, the issues that rear their heads are no big deal, and if you can live with them, fine. However, there are certain home issues that you should never ignore because they have the potential to become very big problems indeed…

Mold

If you have mold in your home, you may be forgiven for thinking it’s no big deal, after all, lots of home have a bit of mold in them. However, mold spreads and it often spreads far more quickly than you would think. That’s why it’s always best to deal with it using commercial mold cleaning products as soon as possible. If you have black mold, that could be an immediate threat to your health, so seek expert advice so you can understand the mold remediation cost before proceeding, but whatever you do, don’t leave it be!

Dripping faucets

I’ve included this because, although a lightly dripping faucet isn’t that big of a deal in and of itself – it’s unlikely to cause any immediate damage – leaving it to drip, drip, drip is not only a waste of water, but it could eventually lead to a more serious corrosion. You’re much better off calling in Platinum Plumbing to fix it now when it is manageable than when it’s leaking all over the place and so corroded that you need to have a whole new unit fitted. Don’t ignore the drip.

Sagging ceilings, roof, or floors

Sometimes, sagging in these areas is caused by nothing more than houses settling, but it can also be a sign of more serious structural issues like subsidence, so it’s always worth getting it checked out when you notice it, especially if it’s a new development. A failure to do so could lead to ceilings and roofs collapsing or your home sinking into the foundations and that would not only be expensive to repair, but a nightmare to live through too.

Cracks in the foundations

While we’re on the subject of foundations, if you notice any cracks, you need to call in a contractor to take a look, particularly if you’ve also noticed your doors and windows sticking. Cracks in the foundation can be one of the worst issues to solve in any home, so you might need to get in touch with a concrete contractor for foundation repair.

Faulty electrics

If your electrical system is always tripping, your lights are always flickering or you’ve noticed any other issues around thew electricals in your home, don’t wait until your home sets on fire or someone gets electrocuted. Bad electrical lines are a real risk to your personal safety, and a fire risk for your home. It would never be worth taking the risk. Consider calling in a qualified electrician to check it out, as soon as possible. However, in the event that you do not have the contact number of an electrician (already), then you can search for one on the Internet. For instance, if you are a resident of New Hampshire who is in dire need of the services of an electrician in Derry, NH, then you can search for firms like Paul The Plumber, who are known to offer reliable electrical services to their clients.

Gutter damage

Damaged gutters lead to standing water, which can seep into the foundations of your home and cause cracks to appear. Patch them up as soon as you spot the issue and you’ll be glad you did.

Ignore these house issues at your peril!

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Selling your home is a wise decision if you have positive equity and live in an area that’s in demand. With the profit you make, you can pay off a home loan and use the rest as a deposit on a better property. Real estate is a game you must play until you finally land the home of your dreams. Before you get started, you may want to look at the 4 Questions to Ask Before Selling A Home as well as speak to others who have been in the same boat, so you can make sure you are doing the right thing and going about it efficiently.

To be honest, gaining some insight on how to sell a house and what to do in order to expedite the process could be a good idea. For instance, if you ask those in the know about selling houses, perhaps, they might suggest you opt for the services of an auckland building inspection
company or similar firms of equal caliber. A building inspection report can help you to attract more customers as it can give buyers valuable knowledge about a property before they make the big decision to buy. Remember that by reading a building inspection report, buyers might gain more trust in you.

Anyway, coming back to the topic, over the years, more and more property owners have cashed in and transformed their lives. As a result, it’s tempting to see your house as a surefire investment, one that will reap dividends in the future. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case since there are rules and regulations you have to follow, the main one being disclosing essential information to potential buyers.

Those who don’t leave themselves liable to a lawsuit, a lengthy and costly process that nobody wants. Therefore, you must disclose information since it’s the law and the right thing to do. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t advertise your home in a new light. As long as you make the necessary investments and repairs, you can highlight why your property is no longer a risk.

By doing this, the house will fetch the biggest price possible, something all sellers desire. With that in mind, here are six features you have to tell buyers and the fixes to appease them.

Death In The Property

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize what you must disclose and what you must keep close to your chest. A death in the home is a prime example. For instance, in most states, anything relating to a natural passing or an accident unrelated to the property is fine to leave out of the realtor’s listing.

On the flip side, a death related to the property’s condition or violent crime leaves you open to legal action if you’re not fully open. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy since it depends on the state you live in and its specific legislation. Of course, researching the rules is imperative to avoid leaving yourself vulnerable.

If you’re unsure, it’s smart to tell interested parties, even if you’re not obliged to by law. Remember that the internet is a vat of information that makes the world a small place. Plus, neighbors talk all the time and will gladly inform new neighbors about the circumstances surrounding your home. The surprise will catch them out and make them wonder why you didn’t mention it during the viewing.

In this instance, it’s savvy to point out what happened and anything protective measures put in place to stop it from occurring again. An accident in a pool is preventable with fencing or by removing the feature entirely.

Homeowner Association

Not every home is outright owned and maintained by the people who live in it. The vast majority are because nobody wants a landlord telling them what they can and can’t do in their house. Yet, apartments and condominiums are sometimes part of a Homeowner’s Association or HOA.

If this is the case, it means the HOA can make and enforce rules that residents must adhere to, or else they could face legal action. Although it’s tempting to omit this information from a sale, it’s counterproductive as the solution is straightforward – transparency. When you are open and honest, you clear yourself of any future blame. This also means that residents do have a say during voting times on certain issues which are secured by using Professional Election Inspectors, so they are not just blindly following regulations without having a say, this can be seen as a positive.

It’s incredibly easy because every association has to provide info and documents regarding potential rules that could come into play. Therefore, you’ll have the files that you can pass on to your realtor. As long as the buyer has it in writing that there won’t be any costly renovations or improvements within a year or two, they shouldn’t be anxious.

Whatever the HOA says is binding, so it’s not as if they can go back on the meeting minutes, not when they are written down and understood by everyone who’s part of the association.

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Water Damage

Natural disasters almost always have to be disclosed, but water damage is probably the biggest fear buyers have today. Although tornadoes are common in certain places, the rise of global warming means that most property owners are subject to extreme flooding. Considering Mother Nature can take a home in seconds, it’s a massive deal.

To begin with, it’s best to be open about the potential for water damage, even if your home hasn’t suffered from it previously. Again, weather conditions appear to be getting worse, so it’s smarter to cover yourself during any legal proceedings. Of course, you can highlight how you combat the elements to protect your home, such as trench drains, and the benefits of polymer concrete trench drains and why you picked them initially.

The same goes for any exterior permeable materials that are designed to stop the build-up of standing water. Another area to focus on is internal sources of water damage. These are more common since properties experience faults, especially if the piping is old and needs replacing. Again, you can provide documents that show what the problem was – a leaky roof – and how the contractor reinforced the area.

Where possible, use a building company or individual with an exceptional reputation. Then, their standing in the industry will reflect well on you as you chose the best outfit for the job, which means the work is bound to be high-quality.

Potential Hazards

There are tons of potential hazards, so it’s hard to tell what is harmful and worth disclosing. Sadly, this makes the problem more confusing since you might not know something is wrong, yet ignorance isn’t an excuse for failing to tell buyers about issues you must disclose by law.

Therefore, it’s often wise to invest in a property survey before putting your home on the market. When you do this, you learn about things under the surface that don’t show up normally. For example, it could show an underground mine in the garden that has been there for years. While it might not appear important, selling the house with planning permission attached is problematic as the buyers won’t be able to build on top of a disused mine shaft.

Also, a survey confirms any suspicions you might have. Cracks in the plaster and walls are usually nothing, yet they can indicate subsidence. Selling a house that has dodgy foundations or is falling to one side isn’t legal if the buyers are unaware. It’s worth the couple of hundred dollars to put your mind at ease with that in mind.

At least you’ll know every intimate detail and be able to decide whether you should tell viewers, or whether it’s something you don’t need to disclose.

The National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is also known as the National Register, and it’s places and areas in the US that are preserved for their beauty and culture. For instance, a famous person might have lived there in the past, and the Register has moved to have the place protected as a result.

It’s unusual not to know that your home is on the official list. However, your property doesn’t have to be on a register for this body to cause problems. It only has to be in the region to control what you can and can’t do regarding building work and home improvements.

If your house is in a historic district, any additions to buildings have to resemble the rest of the area. Not only is this inaccessible since few contractors are capable of taking on such projects, but it’s expensive. After all, there is no competition, so you have to pay whatever a company or individual quotes for the work.

As you can guess, anybody you sell the property to will want to consider this information beforehand as it impacts their ability to create their home. Places on the National Register list are more common than you imagine, so it’s using their database to figure out if your home applies.

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Missing Appliances

Depending on where you live, you’ll find that the law on specific household items differs from state to state. Mostly, it’s only Texas and Michigan that mandate sellers to inform anyone interested in buying a property of the missing appliances.

So, if you’re outside of these states, you might wonder why it appears in this post. The answer is simple – it’s about going the extra mile. Sure, you aren’t obliged to tell them that there is no tumble dryer as the buyer has to be liable for their mistakes. But, people who are open about what they do and don’t have are trustworthy.

You’re disclosing everything you feel is worth knowing, which makes you reliable. Others would keep quiet and hope the property sells quickly; however, the tactic can come back to bite. Should interested parties view a fully-equipped home, they’ll choose it out of necessity and accessibility.

Yet, if you inform them what’s missing and how much you’ve taken off the listing price, they could be more inclined to make a bid.

You don’t always have to disclose information, but it’s typically a solid move as it makes you appear legitimate.

If you are seeking cleaner and more tranquil Kissimmee apartments in which to nest and feel cozy in the winter, you need to consider going minimalist. Minimalism is one of those interior design concepts that has never gone out of fashion. People across the globe seek those straight lines, minimal clutter, and plenty of space. For many, this style is clinical and too sterile to be homely. However, many are now embracing minimalism and adding touches of creativity to create something more liveable and pleasant. Take a look at how decorating a small apartment with minimalism could work wonders for you.

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Colors

Minimalism often makes people think of white. For many interior designers, white walls can create the perfect blank canvas for the minimalist interior. White walls with stain finishes also make the light bounce around the room more freely, creating the illusion of space. If you are blessed with big windows, white walls frame them expertly and make them look even larger. If white seems a little too clinical opt for a beige or off-white to create that walled canvas. Here, you can put up some excellent artwork, black and white photography, or some family snaps. Minimalism doesn’t mean a cold and unpersonalized space. Mix it up and add your homely comforts.

Don’t assume you need to have white everything. Could you imagine a white sofa with kids? Instead, add accents of color through your soft furnishings. Consider cushions and throws to adorn your leather sofa and put up some damask or heavy flock curtains. The canvas should be blank but the interior can be colorful.

Flooring

Wooden floorboards or laminate flooring looks sleek and oozes style when next to the white walls of your minimalist interior. Consider breaking up the oak stained wood with one of the many modern rugs available. You could go for a plush shagpile, a vintage 1960s inspired patterned rug, or a Persian style carpet. These can add interest to your room without adding clutter. The clean lines will remain without adding too much fussiness. You could choose to investigate what is under your old carpet to discover some herringbone parquet. If this is the case, enjoy your discovery and think about sandblasting and varnishing them up.

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Clutter

Most family homes have a certain level of clutter. Without even realizing it, you can collect all sorts of knick-knacks, ornaments, and junk, and these trinkets are left without a form of storage only to make your home look messy. To combat this, you will need to commit to a decluttering mission. Go room by room and discard those items that haven’t been used in over twelve months. If you want to keep them, put them in the attic out of sight. Other items can be donated to goodwill or even sold on eBay to give you a little profitable side hustle.

Minimalism isn’t all sterile surfaces and bright white interiors devoid of personality and soul. The world of minimalism is rich and exciting. Follow this guide and enjoy embracing a more minimalist way of living.