Many parents ask themselves if the school they are signing their children up will be a healthy environment for them, and that is due to many social and educational aspects that have occurred in the last few years, such: bullying, phobias, stigmas, etc. For the previous reasons, many parents have opted Homeschooling as a strategy to avoid the mentioned issues.
However, many of them think that this strategy may turn boring and monotonous for students at some point, so how can parents take control of their children’s homeschooling environment? In the following texts, it will show some tips which you can have in mind if you are a parent who is eager to immerse your children in the homeschooling environment.
MAKE YOUR PLACE COMFORTABLE
How is the airflow in the selected space for studying? How about illumination vs temperature? You won’t want to choose a space that is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Please, you must make sure that you can control the temperature in the area to ensure that everyone is focused and not filled with discomfort due to weather issues
If the place you have chosen has some issues, you should consider investing in some quality equipment like a fan, AC, heater, etc. Those will improve a lot the focus of avoiding interruptions. For example, windows that allow natural light into the room, however, you shall evaluate installing blinds, curtains, and shades if the room is in direct sunlight.
Now it is time to check some seating options in the room to make the space more comfortable from sitting on the floor to a beanbag chair. Plus, sometimes noise can be a big distraction. Adequate the space according to what students like, for instance, some students may light quiet spaces for concentration while others prefer some background sound.
MAKE A SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACE
Sometimes, it might be difficult to create a dedicated learning space that can make it easier for children to concentrate on schoolwork. However, it is not as difficult as it sounds. Making a special place learning must have a room that is large and open. It is important to analyze first what all you will need in the room; you will need space for everything.
For example, you will need a place for students to work; usually, parents choose a table or desks. These elements have a huge impact on teaching environments, such as bookshelves, which are a great place to store reading and learning materials.
Continue with illumination. For instance, Windows are great for natural light, but it isn’t always bright. Make sure that you have lamps that will keep the room bright enough in dark spaces.
Once the place is selected for schoolwork, understand it is exclusively to it and not outside activities. You don’t want the room to double as a playroom, because some students will start to mix homeschool activities with playing.
ADD TEACHER ITEMS
Classify and specify a space only for teacher items. It is not necessary to carry your supplies all over the house. In case you want your items apart from the student’s area, designate an area like a desk where you can store them. Nevertheless, there is a reason that chalkboards and marker boards are placed in classrooms. They make life a lot easier for teachers and students alike.
KEEP THE ROOM CLEAN
Always, try to keep away distracting objects for young learners. Use only what you are using for the lessons; everything else can be stored until the sessions stop.
Organize lessons and activities selected by topic and age. This will help you take out only what you need for the lessons.
Pick up and put away everything as soon as possible sessions finish. Don’t organize items for your students, teaching your kids to put away items when they are done is a great way to make sure that your classroom doesn’t get messy. Plus, students will get committed to the classroom.
MAKE YOUR SPACE FUN
Most of the school environments behave the some in what it refers to decor, meanwhile, your home can be different, please. For instance, you can make your schooling space as colorful and fun as you like. You can even get your students involved in the decorating, helping them to create a unique environment.
Also, as an idea. you can incorporate color with furniture, a rug, and throw pillows. To add a minimalistic touch you can hang the artwork on the walls, to emphasize the learning process through time. Additionally, it is very important to not forget that learning should be fun and interactive. When possible, use toys as teaching tools. Not only will this make learning more enjoyable, but it will break the monotony.
CREATE A PLACE FOR SUPPLIES
Be organized; The worst thing you can do is forget to make an area for the basic school supplies, that could provoke a lot of distractions if things are not in a specified area. It is necessary to make sure that there is a well-stocked supply station in your classroom to avoid constantly searching for simple things throughout the day. For example, you can keep school implements like rulers, staplers, markers, and other items that might not be used as often in a cabinet or design some specific area to stock them.
LEAVE TIME FOR BREAKS
A break is necessary even when your kids start to get restless or hungry, it might be a fantastic idea to schedule a break. Sometimes a short snack break and some exercise or play break a couple of hours after lunch, this will help your student to regain attention as charging batteries again. Check first at what time does the break fits the most.
The daybreak may depend on children, some may require short breaks while others might like only one or two longer breaks.
DON’T FORGET TO GET OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
From time to time it is recommendable to stay out of the classroom. This will help your student to not feel bored all the time sitting in one place. Play with other environments and ambiances, maybe you can do class outdoors on a nice day. For instance, you can do a lesson in the kitchen or do some reading in the backyard under a tree. It is a key aspect to find ways to keep things interesting.
Parents can also take the time to plant a garden to use it as a lesson strategy and a fun place to go when it is just too nice to sit inside during the day. However, it is not a good idea to allow your students to relax completely doing their work in their bedrooms, due to it will cause a lot of distractions.
To conclude, parents should not worry about teaching their kids at home. If parents pay attention to offering a proper learning environment as giving students: first a comfortable space, where they can focus on their lessons and not be constantly interrupted. Second, a special school space that students can play with their creativity. Third, gather sufficient school items that are needed in the classroom. Fourth, always keep your space clean to avoid distracting objects in the sessions. Fifth, create an interactive environment to avoid monotonous courses. Sixth, leave some space to hang outside for stretching, plus profit from different spaces apart from the usual. If you follow these steps, you will create a successful environment for you and your students.