A Space for Learning From Home
Distance learning, virtual learning, homeschool, alternative schooling. Whatever you call it, our kids used to leave every morning and go to a classroom and now many need to learn from home.
What is the best way to set up a space within your home so your child or children can optimize their learning experience?
1. Designate a space to be used for schoolwork
This doesn’t have to be a traditional looking classroom, doesn’t have to be closed off from the rest of the home and doesn’t mean they never leave that space from 9 – 2. It is just the “home” for all items school related and the space where kids can get productive work accomplished. Additional spaces that may be needed include a comfortable reading area, a crafting area and a movement area depending on the activities of the day.
Why have a designated space and not just work on the counter or kitchen table? It demonstrates a priority for school, allows students to know when they enter the space, there will be expectations of focus on learning and keeps your supplies in a known location so you aren’t searching all over the house when your daughter needs a ruler!
2. Setup Requirements
The learning space should have a flat surface for writing and working, a comfortable chair right sized for the desk, storage for supplies and a wall space for posting schedules and reminders.
Traditional desk in the appropriate size for your child and the space you are using or sharing.
Table that can be shared with multiple students or used for both work and craft projects.
Wall mounted desk that can be especially useful when you have multiple kids or you have limited space.
Traditional wooden school chairs are durable and come in a variety of sizes.
Adjustable desk chairs
Desktop storage for everyday use items like pens, pencils and markers. I also like magazine racks to store daily papers and activity books.
Portable drawer units allow for storage of everything from glue backstock to paper and books.
Wall shelving uses vertical space in a room to maximize storage.
A traditional bookshelf or cube shelf can provide ample storage for supplies.
Use bins to keep items separated or corral loose items. Remember to store like items together in categories to be able to find them most easily.
Desktop storage for everyday use items like pens, pencils and markers. I also like magazine racks to store daily papers and activity books.
Portable drawer units allow for storage of everything from glue backstock to paper and books.
Wall shelving uses vertical space in a room to maximize storage.
A traditional bookshelf or cube shelf can provide ample storage for supplies.
Use bins to keep items separated or corral loose items. Remember to store like items together in categories to be able to find them most easily.
Desk Options:
Chair Options:
Storage Options:
Walls Space:
3. Work as a team
Whether you have teens or littles using the space, let them be involved in deciding what will make up their environment. They may have some great ideas and will be more excited about where they are learning if they get to participate. Additionally, it is a great learning opportunity to develop some of their organizing skills.
4. Multiple Students
Designate separate storage space for each child’s materials and supplies. If there are shared supplies they can have an additional shared supply area. This will allow kids to have ownership over picking up their own items and allow them to know where their things are.
Invest in headphones so that when kids are on zoom calls or need quiet for work, they won’t be disturbed by their siblings.
Invest in headphones so that when kids are on zoom calls or need quiet for work, they won’t be disturbed by their siblings.
5. Maintenance
This is not a “set it up and forget it” situation. At school, teachers designate time within the school day towards tidying up. Be sure to build this into your own schedule so that all supplies and items are returned to their home after use or by the end of the day. At the end of each week, take a few moments to determine what work is still needed for reference and what can be discarded.
6. Adapt. Assess as you go.
You likely won’t find the perfect solution for your family on the first try. Ask any teacher and they will tell you they have spent years perfecting the flow and setup of their classroom. If something isn’t working, try a different solution.