Whether by choice or by necessity, more children in Ramsey County are getting their education at home than ever before. If this is your child’s first experience with homeschooling or virtual learning, it tends to be troublesome process. Learning online presents not unique academic challenges but may exacerbate mental health or learning difficulties as well. Luckily, there are numerous things that parents can do to make their homes more education-friendly for homeschooled children. By following these basic guidelines, you can help set your child up for distance-learning success.
Create A Dedicated Learning Space
One of the main things you can do to support a child’s learning at home is to set up a routine and a schedule and a physical workspace. Routines and structures are a critical element of staying focused and doing well in a child’s schoolwork. However, there are countless distractions at home, some of which may interfere with your child’s work. Having a designated space utilized for schoolwork sends a strong signal to the brain and helps children start right when they sit down. Make a tranquil room and have all of the supplies, power cords, and essential items your child will need for their school day. That way, there will be no need to interrupt the flow of their lessons to scrounge for something they forgot.
Offer Support
Your child will probably need help managing their anxiety, loneliness, and sadness along with academic support. These are typical challenges that children of all ages are facing more than ever right now. When establishing a virtual learning environment, do your best to minimize stimuli around your child. Too much to hear, see, or react to can bring about a heightened state of nervousness that can make your child become agitated or tire easily. Preferably, adjust noise levels, lighting, and other sensory aspects of your child’s learning environment until they feel great and associated. Simply providing headphones, a soft blanket, or other things may help your child focus and get their work done more easily.
Focus on Wellness
Doing well academically is vital, but creating a successful learning environment that focuses on overall wellness is even more beneficial. Both emotional and physical health are factors in effective learning. Parents can encourage wellness by creating balance, structure, and routine in the home and family members’ lives. When the whole family is near each other, things that affect one person will eventually affect everyone. To give them a sense of control over their own situation, include your child in setting up their virtual learning space. This can reduce anxiety and build your child’s confidence. Your daily routine should also involve time to relax and enjoy fun activities together and engage in physical activity. Some of the ideas are playing sports, going on a bike ride, or doing yoga at home; incorporating physical and emotional wellness into your child’s day is critical to helping them stay healthy and happy.
Every individual is different, and so no two learning environments may look alike. The important thing is to create the structure and space that your child needs to feel calm, supported, and engaged throughout their distance-learning experience.
Are you in the market for a Ramsey County rental with space for virtual learning? Contact us online today or call us at 612-442-8850.
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