Set aside workspace. Parents should delineate a space that is reserved for studying. For younger children, parents need to be able to closely supervise the lessons, and able to reach the children easily to offer assistance. A large table in the kitchen or dining room works well. Older, more independent children can study in space that works best for their needs such as individual desks.
Arrange your workspace to hold all the necessary items you'll use. If you are using a space that is utilized for other purposes like a kitchen or dining room table you'll want to be able to quickly remove all your school items when it's time to eat. Use a cabinet to hold all of your craft and art supplies and a bookshelf to hold all your books. Also consider using a filing cabinet labeled with each child's name to hold their specific work and projects. All of these furniture pieces can be arranged in one corner of the room or along one wall. If space permits, also include a computer desk and PC. If you have a room dedicated to only schoolwork, consider lining one wall with bookshelves to hold resources, research materials, curriculum, and supplies. Each child could also have a shelf dedicated to their projects. Use a small rolling dresser (plastic ones from discount stores work well) to hold pencils, pens, crayons, paper, and other various school supplies.
Devise curriculum. Parents should decide whether they will make their own curriculum organically by picking and choosing books and subjects that meet their children's needs, levels, and interests or whether they will be following a state mandated curriculum or will be buying an entire curriculum package from an outside vendor. If the student has special needs, a pick-and-choose curriculum that addresses the child's needs may work best, while if a child has special interests such as the sciences a parent might create a program tailored to the child's interests.
Create schedule. Most children benefit from a daily routine, especially when it comes to education. While parents should keep things flexible, children need to know what is coming next. A large whiteboard with the weekly schedule written in a different color for each child, or a different color per subject, is one way a child can know what to expect. Special events or flexible activities can also be noted on the board.
Read the curriculum. Parents need to know what is expected in all of the subjects their children will be studying. Parents need to take the time to review the study materials beyond what they did initially when choosing the curriculum. Reviewing the material on a weekly basis will help the parent tailor any lessons to the subject matter and help them be able to assist the student with areas in which they may struggle.