How to optimize your home space for remote learning?

As the pandemic is looming large on the horizon, reopening of schools and colleges is still uncertain. Until an effective vaccine for COVID-19 is widely available and distributed, going to school every day will pose a risk to students as well as the teachers. At this time, the world has embraced the concept of remote learning. Many parents are considering it safer for their children to attend online classes than travelling to school every day and sitting in classrooms for hours where maintaining social distancing all the time might not be possible. So, it’s important to create the best possible environment for remote learning within home where the children will enjoy learning without getting distracted often.

Arnab and Nandini Bose, parents of a 10-year-old, recently owned a 3 BHK Apartment near Garia where they plan to dedicate a room for their little champ where he can study and play without any distraction. Here are a few upgradations that you can do to your home to make it conducive to concentration, imagination, and exploration for your child.

1.    Separate the learning area:

Children associate home with relaxation, fun and family time and they tend to behave differently in this familiar and comfortable space as opposed to the more rigid classroom environment. Parents need to reset some boundaries at home and make them understand that they are expected to accomplish certain activities there. If you don’t have the floor space for a separate study room, pick a spot based on your child’s learning preferences and set up a functional desk to establish a specific place they would go every day. Children will find it easy to adjust if they have a structure of a separate area that they associate with school time.

2.    Make it comfortable:

Involve your kids and ask for their inputs while personalizing an area just for them. It will generate positivity and excitement among them about their new learning zone. Little children often prefer to be on the same floor or near a parent while older children want to have a more personal space where they can have some privacy. Some kids prefer silence or quiet nook to focus and concentrate. A spare room or a corner in their bedroom can be perfect for setting up their learning zone. If your kid enjoys some background noise, consider choosing a spot in the kitchen or near your workstation if you’re working from home. Incorporate a comfortable seat where they can sit still and focus for extended periods. But don’t make it too comfortable or they’ll goof off or take a nap often.

3.    Have proper learning set up:

While designing the remote learning space, keep it clutter-free to minimize distraction. Have a solid organisation system in place or look for a desk that features concealed storage or file storage that can accommodate their books, laptops, and other learning supplies. If your child is too active and likes to move around, consider an adjustable-height standing desk. Set up actual surface space for them to work on - that can be a table, a wall-mounted desk or a writing desk clear of clutter where they can sit upright. Include storage in form of cubbies, totes to accumulate schoolbooks, notebooks, writing utensils, and other pertinent supplies.

4.    Ensure good lighting:

Natural light has the power to increase concentration. It also supports the internal “body clock” that will keep them maintain a healthy schedule. The natural light will help them stay focused and they can get most of their work done earlier in the day and get sleepy in the evening. Combination of natural daylight with artificial lighting is perfect to help them stay alert. A directed task-light will be important after the sunset. It’s good to set up your child’s learning space near a window that opens up to natural surrounding like a pond or garden to support concentration and creativity. A residential project near Harinavi offers south-open and pond-facing apartments where a perfect set up for learning space can be incorporated.

5.    Ask them to decorate:

Encourage your children to decorate their learning space with their imagination. Help them to incorporate their artwork or anything else that might help them to stay motivated and be inspired. Know their interests before jumping into decorating. Large, brightly coloured numbers and letters are great for little children who are learning to read and count. For older kids, maps, poems, inspirational quotes, or pictures of role models can motivate them. Superhero imagery or stickers can cheer them up, spread the wings of their imagination and make them believe in themselves.