Parents' Guide to Transforming a Home Office into a Learning Space

 

However, some districts have chosen to move all instructions to a remote learning or hybrid learning environment until further notice. This is a tough decision that takes into account many factors — one of which being how well students are equipped to learn outside of the classroom.

 

As education boards in the States and across the map continue to determine the safest and most effective ways to go about the current school year and beyond, parents, like you, are preparing to assist in many different ways. Creating a comfortable “home classroom” is often the first step. If your children are transitioning to a remote learning environment for the first time, we’ve outlined 5 simple tips to turn your home office into a dynamic space that helps set them up for success.

 

 

Ensure Necessary Materials Are Available

 

The traditional supply list that teachers provide is undoubtedly going to be different compared to previous years. While some students may have already been introduced to new programs or apps to help accelerate their lesson plans, traditional school supplies offer less distraction and remain valuable in creating a classroom environment that feels more normal. Ensure your kids have the recommended number of notebooks, pens, pencils, and crayons in easy-to-find locations. Your home classroom may not be the same as a traditional classroom setup, but having the needed supplies on hand will make for a smoother transition.

 

 

Define the Workspace

 

Remove all non-school related items and equipment from the defined classroom space (or desk) prior to each remote school day. Encourage your kids to take ownership of their space much as they would their desk or cubby at school.

 

Having bins on hand to transfer non-school items from the desk or workspace will make this daily swap much easier.

 

 

Consider the Type of Seating

 

When schools first went remote in 2020, many parents placed their children at the kitchen table or in their home office. Neither of these locations have chairs that are designed to match their age/height, but rather, are typically designed for the average adult. Having the right seating can assist with attention throughout the day — not to mention, offer added comfort — so take some time to determine whether investing in a more appropriate chair is within your budget.

 

 

Add an Innovative and Collaborative Space

 

During a routine classroom lesson, students normally have access to a collaborative surface, such as a chalk board or dry erase board, as part of their daily instructions. Consider adding a dry erase board to your designated learning space to encourage your kids to design and create, try out new formulas, and test theories. Since remote learning requires no mobility to different rooms, the board can also be used as a platform to write on while standing up.

 

 

Don’t Forget Lighting

 

Take a moment to observe the lighting in the room. Is it too bright? Too dark? Does it cast a shadow on the workspace? Make sure the lighting supports the work and concentration required in a classroom environment. Remember, the space you’ve chosen to convert into a home classroom wasn’t built or intended for this use. But, something as simple as a desk lamp may be all that’s needed to give your kids the right lighting to conquer their remote learning day.

 

Stocking up on remote learning supplies? We can supply that.® Browse whiteboards, notepads, and other online education essentials.