Whether by choice or by necessity, more children in Hurricane are getting their education at home than ever before. If this is your child’s first experience with homeschooling or virtual learning, this can be a tough process for them. Learning online includes not only a set of unique academic challenges but may also exacerbate mental health or learning difficulties. Thank goodness, there are many great things that parents can do to make their homes more education-friendly for homeschooled children. By following these few easy tips, you can help set your child up for distance-learning success.
Create A Dedicated Learning Space
One of the most important things you can do to support a child’s learning at home is to set up not only a routine and a schedule but a physical workspace also. Routines and structures are the most vital part of staying focused and doing well in a child’s schoolwork. Yet there are plenty of distractions at home, some of which may interfere with your child’s work. Creating a designated space used for schoolwork sends a strong signal to the brain and helps children be ready to start right when they sit down. Find a quiet room and have all of the supplies, power cords, and essential items your child will need for their school day. By doing so, 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 the primary problems that children of all ages are facing more than ever right now. When making a virtual learning environment, do everything you can to minimize stimuli around your child. Too much to hear, see, or react to can result in a heightened state of nervousness that can make your child become agitated or tire easily. Instead, adjust noise levels, lighting, and other sensory aspects of your child’s learning environment until they feel relaxed and connected. Simply providing headphones, a soft blanket, or other things that may help your child focus and get their work done more quickly.
Focus on Wellness
Doing well academically is essential, but even more, creating a successful learning environment that focuses on overall wellness. Both emotional and physical health is the basis for effective learning. Parents can encourage wellness by creating balance, structure, and routine in the home and in relatives’ lives. When everyone is working and learning nearby, difficulties that affect one person can end up affecting others. To encourage ownership of their situation and give them a sense of control, include your child in creating and setting up their virtual learning space. It will significantly reduce anxiety and build your child’s confidence. Keep in mind that your daily routine must also include time to relax and enjoy fun activities together and engage in physical activity. For example, play sports at the park, go on a bike ride, or do yoga in the living room; incorporating physical and emotional wellness into your child’s day, is vital in helping them stay healthy and happy.
Every kid is different, and so no two learning environments may look alike. The necessary 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 Hurricane rental with space for virtual learning? Contact us online today or call us at 435-673-4242.
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