Virtual Learning & Hybrid Learning
Ahhh, back to school time…virtual learning style. At this point everyone’s kids have started back to school in some fashion. It looks tremendously different this year for many families, but nonetheless it has arrived. Maybe your kiddos are doing virtual learning, or maybe they are doing the hybrid gig (in-person part-time and virtual part-time). Either way the gigantic wrecking ball we’ve all come to know as these crazy times (stress), has come crashing down demolition style for many parents and kiddos alike.
Kids are adapting to Chromebooks and asking their teachers questions over Zoom and email, and parents are navigating through endless emails while juggling work, virtual learning, their new hat as a teacher, and mask washing for in person classes.
I don’t think anyone can deny this is a stressful time, but we’ve gathered some tips to try to make this as smooth as possible for you and your kids.
1-Be Positive
Alright, I know this can be easier said than done. Some days Zoom links aren’t working, you realize your student missed some posted assignments in their Google Classroom the day before, or your teen needs help with algebra and that’s just not your jam. BUT, if you can muster up a few minutes in the morning to do something that puts you in a positive mindset, whether that means setting positive intentions for the day, reading for a little bit, meditating, praying, whatever resonates and works for you.
Also get your kids on board with this. Maybe they take the dog for a quick 10 minute walk to get some fresh air, or stretch, or set intentions. Whatever it is that will help them think positive and focus is a win!
2- Get Organized-Virtual Learning Space
One of the keys to success (not claiming this will handle all of your challenges, or melt away all the stress) is making sure your kids have the tools they need to be successful, and getting organized. I’m not talking about having Pinterest worthy workspaces for your kids’ virtual learning, but having a designated space for them to do their virtual work, if you’re able, can make things a tad easier on everyone.
Having your children take over your dining room table with Chromebooks, notebooks, pencils, pens and more is less than ideal. If you have an extra room, or even a larger room you could create some space in, getting them set up with a chair and a desk to leave all their class time belongings on can save at least one headache.
Desks for Kids
At Better Office Furniture in Bridgeton, we have some options that will help make things easier with virtual learning and give you back your dining room.
If space is limited in your home because you didn’t anticipate being a virtual learning center when you bought your house, the 5 Sided Corner Desk could be a fantastic solution for you. With this desk you can slide it into a corner of a room and have enough space for your student to place a laptop and keep a few supplies on hand. It comes in several colors as well, so if you choose something that matches your room decor you already have going.
If you do have a room designated to virtual learning, you could opt for something like the Modern Walnut Desk with Center Draw. It’s not too large if the room is smaller, and really you could still use this desk in a room that you’re just adding space for your student to their work and classes. It has a center draw as well that could hold writing utensils and paper, or whatever they may need to have handy while working.
If you’re able to have something slightly larger, you could also go with the Modern Walnut L Desk. This desk will provide plenty of desktop space and one full set of drawers that can be used to store supplies and papers; leaving a clean and organized desktop…hopefully, depending on your kiddo.
Workstations
Are you sharing an office space with your child? Maybe you need to be close by to help with assignments, but still be able to do your own work too? In this scenario, utilizing a workstation may be a good solution for you!
A workstation can allow plenty of storage space and enough desk space for working. It also makes it so your child can be sitting across from you if they need help with work, but also have a small divider to give you both some privacy while working on your own.
3-Brain Breaks
If you work in an office setting, you know how sitting in front of a computer for hours on end can drain you. You’ll find reasons to get up and move: getting a cup of coffee, refilling your water bottle, checking in with a coworker, etc.
Kids are no different. A young child may need a break after staying focused for even just 5-25 minutes, according to Linda Carling, an associate research scientist at John Hopkins University. Exercise is a great way to give them a brain break because exercise is shown to increase a child’s attention after they complete their physical activity.
4-Positive Reinforcement
Kids receive a ton of positive reinforcement when they are going to school in person. Without knowing they may crave this reinforcement when being all virtual, or even as a hybrid learning student. If you’re checking over their physical work, put stars or stickers on their assignments like their teacher would.
If everything is done through Google Classroom consider another reward type system. Perhaps you hang up a board by their desk where they get a sticker to add when they do well, or maybe they collect points for a job well done and get to pick an activity to go do with you when they collect a certain number of points!
Though this school year is non-traditional for many folks, there are upsides too! More time with family (maybe too much sometimes, lol), more involvement in our kids’ education that sparks other conversations we may not have had, and the tapping into our creative sides to balance everything out and make life work right now.
I hope these tips help you refocus and dump some of the overwhelm.
If you need help with desks, chairs, filing systems, or anything else office related, check out the rest of our site, or contact us today to ask for advice!
