It's time to consider some practical back-to-school matters. Well, more accurately, back-to-learning, as we enter uncharted territory this school year, with many districts going completely virtual and plenty of others prepared to do the same should there be a COVID-19 outbreak in their area.
Childcare concerns aside (which we realize is no small matter for many parents), one of the first challenges you might come across is arranging your home to positively facilitate learning. This location should be both practical and enjoyable and free from too many distractions. The goal is to create a comfortable space that accommodates and supports focus on the tasks at hand.
Bear in mind that you are entirely in charge of creating your perfect home classroom. The options are limited only by your particular home space and budget. The location you choose may vary based on each child’s age. While teens may prefer a private space with a door that closes behind them, such as a guest room or corner of their bedroom, younger children may benefit from being more integrated into the household, say in the living room or kitchen.
So, let's dive into some ideas on making home learning more comfortable, productive and fun!
Posture is important
First, some practical matters. Comfort is critical, but not in the ways you may think. Your child may feel perfectly comfortable lounging on the couch, neck bent over their Chromebook. This (and other seemingly comfy positions) however, can cause physical problems ranging from neck, back and wrist pain and to headaches and backaches. Many healthy kids can shake it off in the moment but are often headed for ongoing aches and pains down the road.
Ergonomics, in short, are an important consideration when setting up your child’s learning space. Here are some tips:
Create an ergonomic work area. Your child’s positioning while doing school from home is an essential part of an effective learning experience. At school, students aren’t staring at a screen for long periods of time. They’re able to change positions and move their bodies while transitioning between classrooms. When learning from home via Zoom, Google Classroom or Schoology, they tend to be in one location for several hours a day -- especially those on block schedules.
Because of these differences, it’s particularly important to provide an ergonomically balanced work area. This Mayo Clinic article is a good place to start and you’ll find lots more information by Googling “workstation ergonomics.”
Key considerations for long-term comfort include:
• Position the keyboard slightly below resting elbow height.
• The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level; for Chromebooks without an added monitor, this usually requires propping on a shoebox or laptop stand.
• Many students will benefit from a box or other solid object to support their feet.
Consider the seating arrangement
Ergonomic considerations don’t stop with the desktop. Your child’s chair plays an important role in maintaining physical comfort and supporting the ability to focus while working “on screen” for a full school day.
Adjustability is key to the right fit. Ideally, a highly-adjustable office chair will let students find their own customized positions. If a new chair isn’t in the budget, try matching your child’s measurements with available seating in your home and choose the one that best enables ergonomic positioning. From there, add lumbar support with a rolled towel - one of physical therapists’ favorite diy hacks for those with low back pain.
Many students (and adults) enjoy sitting on an exercise ball. This can be a great solution, when used correctly, especially for children with ADHD or simply loads of energy. In fact, studies have shown that using a yoga ball for seating can improve both comfort and performance.
Think outside the box
Beyond equipping the space for long-term comfort and providing the usual school supplies, don’t get bogged down in thinking that your child’s at-home school area needs to be anything like their school setting. Here are some ideas:
Mix it up. Depending on your child’s age and the type of work they’re doing, changing locations may help may the day go more smoothly. Another benefit: studies show that learning in different locations enhances a child's ability to remember information. So, for example, you could set up your kitchen table as a primary working area, while a cozy corner of another room could be designated as a place for reading or drawing. A small mattress with several oversized cushions can be an excellent solution for short, passive learning sessions. Just keep in mind that using a solid flat surface is best when using Chromebooks and laptops, both for physical comfort and keeping the machine cool. For the same reasons, avoid using pillows, blankets (or stomachs) as surfaces for these devices.
Not enough space? Consider a wall-mounted (or “floating”) desk to keep floor space clear while providing a solid surface for your child’s Chromebook and materials. Floating shelves can be a great organizational addition. Lighting can likewise be wall-mounted to conserve space on a small desktop. Other hacks include using a collapsible table you can stash away as needed; setting up one end of the dining room table during the week; or likewise making use of a breakfast bar, vanity desk or patio table -- weather permitting!
Banish Mess. Try to create a daily or weekly routine to keep your child’s work area from becoming too messy. Children focus best if the space around them is tidy. Teens, too, though they’ll probably deny it! Provide places for them to store learning materials. Keeping it simple and frugal? Food storage containers and shoe boxes work like a charm! Cups and mugs are perfect for holding writing and drawing tools.
Add some charm.Paint a wall, tack up some posters or put up a corkboard. Tailor the environment to your child’s interests, or mimic the look of a classroom with teacher supplies from a dollar store or an online teacher supply store.
Protect your child’s learning tools
These days, your child’s Chromebook, laptop or iPad is more critical than ever -- it’s truly their lifeline to learning. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Plan for protection. Your home learning space should be a safe space for delicate devices. Chromebooks should be used on a flat and dry surface, away from liquids. If you’re repurposing part of your dining table or kitchen bar, make sure everyone knows that it’s off limits for anything but learning during the times you designate.
Avoid leaving devices on a floor, bed, chair or couch.A one-second mishap or clumsy step is all it takes for a family member to damage a laptop or tablet. Using an always-on or custom-fit case is a great way to prevent damage and the need for repairs or replacement.
Food and bev have their place. And guess what? It’s not on the desktop! Spilling food or beverages on the keyboard happens more often than you can imagine. When lunchtime comes, coach your child to enjoy their meal in the kitchen or dining room instead of eating while using their Chromebook. If the device is nearby, make sure it's protected by a case and fully closed.
