Although it sounds simple, schooling at home can be difficult for young learners.
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
A lot of families choose to enroll their children in virtual classes or distance-learning programs as the 2020-21 school year begins around the globe. Some will continue to attend school on campus as usual after it, some will continue distant one. It doesn’t matter what situation, it is worth setting up a home school where your children can easily and comfortably complete their schoolwork every day.
How do I set up a home classroom?
Your children can technically use any space in your home to complete assignments or participate in virtual activities. But uncomfortable space may lead to worse posture, need of buying custom essays instead of writing them, and weaker sight. Unsuitable environments can make it easy for students, especially young learners, to become distracted and lose focus. The best solution is to transform a spare bedroom or multi-use area such as a basement into a designated home school or kid-friendly room. Here are some home-schooling ideas that will help you plan a home remodel.
1. Make an enclosed area
It’s possible to create a study space at home if you have enough space. You can give your child the space they need to concentrate on their work, without being distracted by family members or other non-school-related electronics. Some people may choose to convert their homeschool classroom into a multi-functional space like the bedroom, attic, or family room. A large closet or alcove is sufficient. Consider putting curtains or screens up if the classroom will be integrated into larger spaces. You can also use large furniture to separate from the study area. Although it won’t reduce noise, it will visually reinforce the idea that your children can play where they want and where they should study.
2. Add shelves and storage space
A home classroom serves two main purposes: it allows your child to store and access the supplies and books they need, as well as engage in school-related activities via their tablet or laptop. Make sure that your homeschool room layout ideas address your child’s storage needs. You can add shelves to the wall next to your desk, but still leave enough space for photos, calendars, whiteboards, and bulletin boards. To add storage, you can build an additional closet or bookcase.
3. Select a color carefully
Although it may seem minor, the wall treatment you choose can have a significant impact on the atmosphere in a classroom or home office. Avoid bright, bold colors that can overwhelm young children. Choose a neutral or soothing color. Consider that the wall could be used as a background for instructors and students during virtual gatherings. Therefore, you should avoid distracting prints. You can also paint one wall of your homeschool with magnetic chalkboard paint. This allows students to add notes or assignments to the wall and hang up photos and projects.
4. Create a simple background
Backgrounds for Zoom meetings and virtual hangouts via Houseparty and Facetime require that you plan the background. You can place the desk in a corner or alcove. Your student will be able to sit with their back against a wall, bookcase, or any other simple structure if you have a sidewall. By doing this, others won’t be able to see your student’s movements or get distracted by the background. Even if your spare bedroom is being converted into a homeschool study area, you need to be aware of the space in front of you.
5. Ensure lighting is good
It is important to provide your child with the best possible natural and artificial lighting. This will help improve their health and productivity. Your remodeling project could include the addition of a window, depending on how big your space is. To make your space more welcoming and bright for young learners, you may also want to add light fixtures.
6. Double-check power connections
A bedroom-turned-schoolroom or home study needs to have enough power points to plug in a laptop or computer, a phone, and potentially other electronics and appliances, such as an Internet router, printer, scanner, or second screen. You will need to ensure that you have enough power points for this type of operation during your home remodeling. This may mean having an electrician lay new lines.
7. Get the perfect seating
Your home classroom must have seating. But what kind of seating should it be? It all depends on the number of children who will use the space and their ages. A built-in table or bench can be used as seating in a kitchen nook. Flexible seating is required for elementary-aged students. This can include a low table, stools or bean bag chairs, and/or mats on a floor.