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5 Tips for Making the Perfect Remote Learning Space

5 TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT REMOTE LEARNING SPACE
 September 14, 2020 |  Home Decor, Just for Fun, DIY |  bedroom, office, organization

Back-to-school season is now in full swing, but classrooms look much different than they did last year. As schools across the country adjust to social distancing guidelines, many are moving courses online to help keep students and teachers healthy. While remote schooling means you won’t need to pack lunches or rush your kids out the door in the morning, it does come with its own unique set of challenges. Designing the perfect study spot will help keep students of all ages on task and ready to learn.

1. What space is the best?
When you start out designing your new “classroom,” it can be hard to narrow it down to one single spot, especially if you have multiple students at home. Lounging comfy beds all day may seem perfect, but just about anyone might be more inclined to take a nap than to read that next chapter. Natural lighting is good, but it can take willpower not to stare out the window all day. To avoid students constantly moving around and losing focus, make a list of what you need to best replicate their classrooms at school. In the end, after a little trial and error, it’s important that you pick one final spot and stick with it since constantly setting up shop in new corners of your home can lead to disruptions.

2. Move any distractions out of the room.
Wherever you end up making your new study spot, you need to get rid of items that may compete with concentration. TVs, game systems, tablets and any other electronics that aren’t being used for school should be removed, if possible. Consider implementing a phone-free zone during school hours except for during breaks. If you can’t move TVs or other devices, cover them up or hide the remotes or controllers so no one is tempted to use them.

3. Gather the essential learning tools.
To ensure that you are well prepared for the upcoming academic year, double-check that you have all the right tools. This includes textbooks, notebooks, writing utensils, calculators and any additional items provided or recommended by your school district or program. Once you’ve gathered everything, keep it together in a storage bin or bookshelf so you don’t lose track of it. For multiple students, keep supplies in separate bins or shelves, one for each student. Neatly arranging items for easy access will save you time searching for what you need and help guarantee no one is late to their Zoom meeting.

4. Decorate to brighten up your new space.
Sitting in one area for hours on end can get dull to say the least. If you have the luxury of devoting a whole room to learning, liven it up with colorful artwork, educational charts and your favorite photos. You can even add a few small houseplants and incorporate taking care of them into your school day!

5. Get ergonomic for your health and learning.
In addition to getting bored sitting in one spot, it can actually affect your health. As the day wears on, backs begin to tighten, and you may notice everyone hunched over desks or fidgeting to get comfortable. To prevent any aches and that mind-wandering that comes with them, make your study area as comfortable as possible. Some things you can incorporate into your space to stay focused and healthy are:

- Supportive chairs with a pillow or blanket for extra padding
- Wireless mouses for laptops with cushioned mouse pads
- Desk lamp to relieve any eyestrain from late night study sessions

You should also encourage stretch breaks during the day to recharge, and give students a break from their screens when possible.

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