Last year, life as we have known it changed dramatically thanks to the pandemic. We were all sent home to work and learn but most didn’t have any idea where to even begin. No one was prepared to have our children abruptly sent home to e-learn in kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms. Unless you were already homeschooling your children, most households did not have a designated virtual learning space.
Factors to Consider When Setting Up A Home-Learning Environment
This year, as teachers and school districts become better at providing e-school, virtual learning looks like it’s here to stay. Parents are designing permanent home classrooms and educational spaces. Creating a designated learning space gives online students the opportunity to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of education. Designing and setting up a learning room at home should follow these three key points: comfort, organization and no distractions.
No Spare Room? No Problem!
Not every household has an extra room or unused space available to convert into a full-time classroom. To accommodate your e-learners, get creative. Repurpose a formal dining room into a learning area that provides space for multiple children to learn at the same time. Set up individual workstations, shelves and storage bins so each child has their own school supplies handy. If your dining room has pull double duty, use the existing table for classwork and put supplies on a rolling cart that can be stashed elsewhere after school.
Homes that don’t have an extra room can easily transform a corner of a larger room into a remote learning station for one or two children. Make sure there is a table or desk, a comfortable chair and ample lighting. You can add shelving above the desk to help keep supplies and homework organized.
Transform an Unused Closet into a Student Workstation
Give your children a “cloffice” in a room that has a closet that can be easily emptied or has been sitting empty. It may be a small space but with kids on video calls most of the school day, a transformed closet can block distracting daytime activities. To create a closet office, you can remove the doors, put a desk inside with shelving for books, bins and decor. Your child will have an Instant study space that is tucked away from noise and distractions.
Eliminate “Classroom” Distractions
Since virtual learning appears to not just be a temporary solution for some students, do your best to create a permanent learning space or room that is comfortable. Make sure that the desk and chair that you choose is not only comfortable but the proper size for the child that will be using it. Being uncomfortable can cause children to lose focus, fidget and have trouble staying seated for video lessons. Eliminate other distractions such as TVs, pets, toys, electronics and younger siblings. The less interruptions they have during their school day, the more successful this academic year will be, especially for students with learning and attention issues.
Remote Learning Success with a Great At-Home Classroom
Whether you are homeschooling your children or they are currently attending school from home, having a designated learning environment will help your kids succeed. You don’t have to run out and buy a brand new workstation. Recycle furniture and supplies that you already have on hand. Repurpose used furniture finds with a brand new coat of paint and new hardware to give your child’s workspace an updated look. However you choose to set up your child’s learning center, make sure they are set up for success with all the supplies they need and organizational bins to keep their online classes moving smoothly all school year.