Creating Your At-Home Classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to adapt quickly and efficiently, from working remote, cooking more at home and having our children learn virtually! As parents try to find the perfect place for their child or children to attend school from their home, we take a look at five steps that will help create the best at-home classroom for your family.

1. What Inspires the Student?

Adults and children are alike in that if you are doing something that you think is fun or brings you joy, you are more likely to want to continue to do that activity. So when it comes to your child’s best way to learn, ask them what activities they like most. This could be baking, playing sports, or gardening. Take their answer and turn it into an opportunity to teach. Math time could be moved into the kitchen to practice fractions. Or gym time could be spent outdoors playing their favorite game. Although as parents, you may already have an idea of what your child’s chosen activity will be, go ahead and ask anyway, to make them feel a part of the process and get them excited.

2. Practice Consistency

Learning from home will already be an adjustment for many kids so it’s important that you try to make your classroom similar to a school classroom, in that they have set areas for specific items like backpacks, books, computers, etc. Although you want your family to have fun and like the space they will be spending much of the day, it’s also important that they understand and can recognize this space is meant for focus and education, just as it is in a school building.

3. School Supplies

Don’t feel like you have to run out and grab everything that your student’s teacher may have provided throughout the year. You can find many craft supplies, books, writing utensils and more just by searching around the home. If you need special supplies for a project, this may be trickier, especially with older children who often have larger science or art projects, but you can find plenty of items that work for all ages just by doing a quick online search or by shopping at retail stores.

4. Natural Light Works Best

If you didn’t already know, as humans, we focus better and have more energy if you are able to use natural light throughout the day. This is a great tip for your at-home classroom! If you are able to find a quiet space with windows for your child to sit, they will be less likely to get bored and go ask to watch TV or play games. This isn’t as easy for all homes, especially if most of your natural light comes from busy rooms in the home, but don’t worry, just take some outside breaks instead!

5. We’re All in This Together

Having kids home at all times while you may be trying to work or get things done around the house is not an easy task. But everyone is also facing the same problems you are! We have all had to adapt in these unprecedented times, so try to cut yourself some slack if you begin to get overwhelmed. The best thing you can do is provide a safe learning environment that allows your family to keep connected to educators and have fun while learning from home.

Virtual learning and having to stay at home for a long period of time can be tough, but take this checklist as your guide to ensure your kiddo is getting the most out of their home school experience.