I feel really lucky that my daughter has been able to go back to physical school full-time and so far it has been going well. I know a lot of people are struggling with choices around back to school and whatever you decide that is best for your kids and your family is definitely the right choice.
One of the difficulties of having kids at home for learning is setting up a virtual learning center at home. Kids really need a dedicated space for learning to help them stay focused and give them the feel of going to school, but it can be hard to set up such a space in an already full home.
I’ve been reading up on the subject and here are some great tips and resources for setting up a virtual learning area at home.
Pick a dedicated spot for virtual learning where their stuff can live all day long. It shouldn’t be a space you need for something else like meal prep or eating dinner. If you don’t have space for all learning activities to take place together, Parents magazine recommends carving out different zones for different tasks, which also gets kids moving around a little more during the day.
If you have space, separate kids if you can to limit distractions and sibling squabbles. Check out Mama Cheaps’ cool setup and list of must-haves for virtual learning.
And if you need something more portable, try a study station made out of a trifold board, like these from Mom Advice.
Make sure there’s a power source and charger nearby, and pay attention to what can be seen in the background during calls with teachers. Not Quite Supermom has more great tips on how to set up your space and what you need.
When it comes to meeting etiquette, Mrs. Richardson’s Class reminds that it’s a great idea to have snacks and a bathroom break before getting on calls, and to test audio and video to make sure they are working. Keep a spillproof water bottle
nearby, as well as all the supplies you might need for class.
The Bossy House has a great post about setting up a low-key homeschool that has helpful tips for virtual learning as well. I love the idea of setting intentions for what is most important for you as a family to fit in around school time (whether those lessons are coming from a teacher outside the home or a parent) and making sure those things are on the schedule.
Need help getting organized? The dollar store is your friend. Check out the tips from Happy Mom Hacks for setting up an inexpensive homeschool room. It seems obvious, but think about what kids will need in their learning space and make sure it is there. Organizing Moms notes things like a trash can and a calendar can be a big help in keeping the space and the kids organized.
Do you have any tips for setting up a virtual learning space for kids? Let’s all help each other through this weird time!
[Photo: Mrs. Richardson’s Class.]
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