5 Must-Haves for a Virtual Learning Space at Home
Your children may do a lot of learning at home this year. Here’s how to create the best learning environment for them.
Now, more than ever, parents and teachers alike are becoming more flexible and resourceful when it comes to creating classrooms and learning spaces in their homes. They're getting more hands-on by improving these rooms in order to accommodate new distance-learning needs in fun and inventive ways. Whether it's an entire homeschool classroom for multiple students, or a quiet corner for one child, here are 5 must-haves for a high-quality at-home learning space.
1. Provide a Designated Space
Whether the at-home learning takes place in an entire room or a small space in their bedroom, make sure your child has a suitable surface area to learn and work from. Start with the basics, such as a writing desk and a comfortable chair. For a meaningful activity, be sure to allow them to be a part of the process in choosing and decorating their educational area with things that they like. In a world with little control these days, it helps to give kids options in decorating, and in turn, allows them to take ownership of the space. Start simple with basic finds to build the perfect area just for them.
The key to maintaining the home learning area is to encourage neatness. As a parent, it is possible to provide your child with valuable educational activities that are not curriculum-based. Organization and cleaning their own space is a form of self care, which is important for young kids who participate in at-home learning. It manages stress, assists them with work, and helps them keep school things separate from their everyday life. It's a great way to help them develop and learn great life long habits that they'll carry with them into adulthood. From drawer organizers, to baskets and containers, these fun elements not only encourage kids to keep their home classroom neat, but to also keep items off the floor. Little additions can make a big difference.
It is important to stock up on the essentials that help keep the education space functioning well. An electrical outlet for all devices with online learning and all the tools and educational resources readily available, it helps to have access to power. A power strip keeps multiple devices organized and out of the way. Adequate lighting, no matter where the at-home classroom, is also essential. Make your child's space feel like a sanctuary with special novelty lighting. Everyone could use a little more fun right now, and one is never too old for string lights.
Not all work has to take place at the desk. Even at in-person school, learners spread out for activity time. Quiet areas for reading and working on various projects can be a great option. It helps for students to stretch those mental and physical muscles by diversifying where they work. Everyone has spent a lot more time together this last year, so encouraging little areas of retreat is always a good idea. From curling up behind the sofa, to sitting in the quiet corner of their room in a bean bag, make sure they can explore different options for some alone time.
Invest in an extra bookshelf to hold books and lesson plans, or storage for school activity essentials in something simple like a rolling cart. These kinds of storage options are all great additions for the at-home learning environment. Use these ideas help create a smoother transition into learning spaces. They help to keep things neat and consistent, all while reinforcing the learning space options covered above.
By applying these simple ideas, you can help to encourage a safe learning space for your kids. One that will last long beyond the online learning phase of this year. From homework to growing with them through the rest of their school years, these are fun ideas to encourage great learning habits in your kids. Happy learning for the rest of a safe and happy school year, and beyond!
Jamin and Ashley Mills are the design duo behind The Handmade Home design studio in Nashville. They help clients locally and nationally achieve realistic, attainable homes while living by their mantra of "we don't believe in the dream home we believe in your home." They've been recognized nationally by numerous TV and media outlets as well as named as two of the most creative people in the country by Country Living Magazine. Check out their designs and creations at thehandmadehome.net as well as on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
