The Importance of Setting up a Home Study Space
It’s miraculous that Australia is mostly COVID-19 free. Go us!
Of course we’re all hoping it stays this way, but the reality is that things can change in an instant. These drastic changes take their toll… not just on our friends, fellow parents, and teachers, but on our children as well.
Kids are remarkably adaptable, but only to a certain extent. When school is the place where kids find their routine, what happens when schools are forced to return to online learning? Or more likely, how can we adjust now that at-home learning is likely to become a regular part of life?
Accepting and adapting to this changing landscape is crucial, but of course it’s easier said than done! When thinking about creating a home study space for children, let’s remember that it’s not just for their learning needs - it’s for our own emotional health too!
Tips for creating a study space for your child
1. Work together to find a space.
Work with your child to set up a space that is designated only for study. Students are used to classrooms to create this sense of routine and study mindset. When they’re studying from home, the same concept applies! Find an area of the house and make this the space for studying. Ask your child where they would feel most comfortable doing their school work. Involving your child in the process encourages them to take pride in their workspace. And of course, find an area that is practical for the entire family.
2. Pop-up study space?
If you’re pressed for space, it’s time to improvise! You might use a coffee table, upside down laundry hamper, or bedside table for a desk - and a stool, yoga ball, or pillow to create a chair. Ask your child what feels most comfortable, and show them how to check in with their body if something feels painful. You might even create two spaces - one sitting desk and one standing desk (especially for active kids).
3. Work as a team to decorate!
Regardless of age, your child should feel they have created their little office with you! Paper, pens, markers, light, a comfortable chair, and good airflow are all basic necessities. Next step - decorate! Classrooms will often have colorful posters, sayings, photographs, and significant totems to inspire. Do the same at home. New plants, inspirational photographs, or handwritten quotes are all easy places to start.
4. Create a routine.
If your child is doing online school or tutoring, it’s important to create a routine. Just like they would do their morning routine before school, what could this look like at home? Rolling out of bed and onto the computer is not going to create the best learning results. Having a shower, eating a full meal, getting dressed, and finding time to exercise, are all beneficial before learning occurs.
5. Pay special attention to your child’s emotional health.
It’s likely that your child may need extra attention and care during this transition. Acknowledging their feelings, listening with empathy, and showing love and support will help make this transition less painful. They may have a difficult time adjusting to online learning. Plus, your child is likely tuning into the energy within the home and the world. Recognize this in them, and in yourself.
Takeaway
Online Education is rapidly expanding, and it’s very likely that this will become a permanent part of your child’s schooling - regardless of COVID-19.
These changes may feel foreign at first, so give yourself and your child time to adjust to the new normal. Trust that you and your family will find a way to make online learning a seamless part of life, even if it feels awkward now. Give yourself some credit! You’re doing fantastic!
The more you can be kind to yourself, the more likely that your child will take a page out of your book. You’ve got this! And your kid has got this too.
- Chandler (one of our amazing online tutors who takes students from Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and all other areas)
