Student desks are the new toilet paper! Here’s why they’re running out—and what we recommend for your family this fall.
Today, I want to share three practical tips for creating an ideal virtual learning space in your home. This will set your entire family up for success as you navigate the semester ahead. (By the way, if you find this email helpful, don’t miss our upcoming free parent webinar with more virtual learning tips! You’ll find all the info at the bottom of this email.)
If you’re like many of the families we serve, the sudden switch to virtual learning in the spring didn’t go so well. As a result, you might be feeling nervous about this upcoming school year. But we’re here with some good news how to Create the Ideal Virtual Learning Space: If virtual learning was a struggle for your child in the spring, that doesn’t mean it has to be a struggle again this fall!
Tip #1: Create a Dedicated Work Space
If your child was easily distracted in the spring, consider setting up a space that’s dedicated to just virtual learning—no video games or other activities! Having a dedicated work space helps their brain differentiate between work and play.
I recently spoke to a mom of four. Without dedicated work spaces, she found it really difficult to keep her kids organized and on task with virtual learning. Now, she’s setting up a space in her basement for school where each child will have their own desk. This will help her kids make the mental switch to “work mode” when they sit down at their desks.
As I’m recommending that you get your child a desk if possible, I should mention something: Desks have become the new toilet paper! With so many parents preparing for at-home learning this year, many stores are running out. I believe Overstock and Wayfair still have a good selection, so you can check there if you need one.
If getting each child their own desk isn’t feasible, consider using a card table or old folding table. If all else fails, you can absolutely use the dining room table. In that case, we recommend purchasing or making study carrel dividers to turn that table into a dedicated work space when it’s time for study mode.
Tip #2: Get Quiet (But Not Too Quiet!) and Organized
As much as possible, ensure your child’s learning space has reduced distractions (not in sight of a TV or video games) but isn’t too quiet. For most students, the isolation of their bedroom is inherently distracting. One parent told me she went to check on her child and he was sleeping in the middle of a teacher-directed lesson! This isn’t all that uncommon, because working alone in a silent bedroom room for six hours simply isn’t doable for children.
To get organized and make the “back to school” transition feel a bit more fun, let your child set up their learning space with school supplies and any decorations they’d like. This can help them feel more excited and prepared.
If you find their space is getting too cluttered, use their backpack to store books, folders, binders, and other supplies. Using a backpack reinforces the idea that kids are back “in school” while also keeping their dedicated work space clear and organized.
Tip #3: Equip Your Child for Success
In addition to a desk or other dedicated work space, there are three tools we recommend to set your child up for success in virtual learning:
- Password Card – Many students struggle to remember their passwords, especially when they’re using multiple devices and accounts. Keep an index card handy with all of your child’s logins, and they’ll be more prepared to work without your help.
- Headphones – If you have more than one child—or need to do some work of your own—consider getting your child some comfortable headphones. This will ensure their online lessons aren’t distracting to others (and cut out any noise that could be distracting to them).
- Chair – Ensure your child has a comfortable place to sit and work. If your child is fidgety, consider one of these options that allow your child to discreetly bounce and wiggle while they learn.
Bonus Tip: Get Help If You Need It!
If you’re nervous about this school year and don’t want to be the “School Police,” remember that you don’t have to do this alone. We have expert tutors available for virtual or in-home tutoring. Click below to schedule a free consultation to learn which solution might be best for your family. We’re here for you!