Standing Desks September 14, 2022
Mastering Your Virtual Schooling: A Guide
Before 2020, you probably didn’t think you’d be adding the word teacher to your resume. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all work, live, and go to school. With many schools opting for virtual schooling this year, it’s important to set up your home for success.
From the supplies to the schedule, we’ve rounded up everything you need to help your child learn at home. Here’s our go-to guide to a successful school year, no matter where your child learns.
Dedicate a Space for Learning
The spring left most parents scrambling to figure out how to manage remote learning. While your child’s classroom may have been the couch when the pandemic first hit, that’s not going to cut it for the long haul.
To help set up your child for success, you’ll want to make sure they have a dedicated workspace. Even if square footage is tight, you’d be surprised at what you can do. Using the couch or even the dining room table, could leave your child feeling distracted.
Give them a proper table or desk with plenty of room for writing, supplies, their tablet, or computer.
If you have more than one child learning virtually, make sure to carve out a separate space for each of them. You can use their bedrooms, the basement, or even the corner of the living room if space is limited.
Create a Schedule
One of the most important things you can do while virtual learning is to create a schedule. While some of your schedules are dictated by your teachers and school, there is usually space for independent learning.
Try and structure your day like you’re going to school in person. Have your morning routine where your child gets dressed, eats breakfast, and commutes to their new, dedicated workspace. This will help you all get in the mindset for school. You can also have your child write out their to-do list, homework, and conference calls.
Use a whiteboard or a piece of paper to lay out your daily schedule. This will help make sure your child doesn’t miss their meetings or remote instruction. You may also be juggling your own schedule and meetings so it’s important they take some ownership in this.
If you have more than one child virtual learning, give each child their own independent workspace, and schedule. Overlapping conference calls, meetings, and deadlines can be tricky without some order.
Get the Right Desk or Table
A standing desk or table offers your child the option to sit or stand while they work. Not only do they promote physical activity, but they also help to keep them focused. No matter how old you are, it’s hard to sit still all day. A standing desk will help your kids get their wiggles out.
These standing desk and table options also come with a whiteboard built-in. You can use a corner to write out the times of their Zoom calls, or the assignments they have due that day. Your child can also use them to take notes.
The School Supplies
School supplies aren’t just for in-person learning. Make sure your child has everything they need to learn at home. Keep your kid’s school supplies stocked. In addition to the staples such as markers, pens, pencils, and plenty of paper, give them somewhere to store everything.
The more you can mimic their school environment, the more productive they’ll feel. If they were bummed to be learning virtually this year, have them pick out some fun stationery, supplies, and folders.
Invest in Multiple Dry Erase Surfaces
Dry erase surfaces are great for kids. One of the best things about them is that they are more environmentally friendly than paper. You can purchase one once and use it over and over again. Dry-erase boards are great for teaching as well.
For younger children learning letters, numbers, or sight words, you’ll be able to use one to teach and one for your child to write. You can write out your lessons for the day, their schedule, to-do items, and homework.
These tables come with dry erase tops built-in. For multiple children sharing a table, you can also add panels between each kid that are also dry-erase surfaces. After each lesson, you can easily wipe the surface clean and start fresh.
Bump Up Your Internet
Virtual learning often comes with the need for screen time. Your child will need to connect with their teachers, watch lessons, and sign on for instruction.
With everyone in your house spending more time at home, you may have noticed your internet has slowed down. Set yourself up for success by increasing your internet bandwidth and speed.
Boosting your internet will help you work from home, teach virtually, and watch multiple zoom meetings in your house at the same time.
Take Breaks to Be Active and Get Outside
When you’re working and learning from home, you still need to take some time for a fresh air break. Give your e-learner some physical education classes outside to break up the day. After a few minutes outside, you’ll all come back in more refreshed and focused.
Take a break to go for a walk, walk your dog, go running, or just play a game. You can also take your work outdoors for a little while when the weather cooperates. A standing desk is also great for breaking up the day and staying active while your child works.
Virtual Schooling Like a Pro
With a few adjustments to your home, you can master virtual schooling like a pro. Even the smallest space can transform into a work area, your child is excited to learn in.
While you navigate the new normal of working and learning at home, keep these easy tips in mind. From creating a dedicated workspace to finding the right table or desk, just a few small changes will help set your family up for success.
If you’re ready to upgrade your virtual school or work from home space, fill out the contact form here to request a free quote.
