BACK TO HOME (SCHOOL)
School has resumed, on one form or another in most places by now. Regardless of the geographic location and cultural differences, chances are that in the current world context, many of us are doing it remotely from our homes.
The new “Quarantine” lifestyle meant that we’ve had to “bring” into the spaces of our homes, the places we would normally be venturing out to. We have been pushed to compartmentalize our homes further, creating new ‘corners’ or adding new functionality to existing ones - work and the kid’s school is probably at the top of the list.
Like in any project and endeavour, creating a dedicated area helps to set the mood facilitating a better immersion in the task at hand - It is no different for the little ones. Not to mention that having everything organised in one place it’s an absolute sanity saver!
If you’re unsure of where to start, here are a few ideas to help you get on your own track to make home learning a more enjoyable and hopefully a smoother experience for both Parents and little ones.
Get the little ones involved - Invite them to help you set the area up, ask them where they would like things to go, let them know you’re making a space especially for them where they will have a dedicated area to learn through study & play. We’ve set up a small area at our home, but If you have an entire room you can dedicate to this purpose, the principles are the same.
Remove distractions but not the fun & make it personal - Decorate with objects that speak to your child, something meaningful to them, something you built together - that jar of rocks/shells or other bits collected during a nature walk or on a trip; a piece of art they created; a family photo, or a special object.
At home, we’ve added a little plant my little one chose on one of our outings to the garden center, he loves watering it and seeing it grow so it gives him a sense of ownership and responsibility; we also added 2 playmobil figurines brought by his Dad from England, an English policeman and a Queen’s guard that he loves and it reminds him of the other half of his heritage.
The Basics - A kid’s size desk and chair, a bookshelf for their books & material, storage boxes, an iPad stand if you’re using one for the classes, and a trash can.
1. Flisat children’s table & stool | 2. Gray table & chair set | 3. Gray felt basket | 4. Life aquatic print bin | 5. Mika universal stand | 6. Plywood table stand 7. White stash multi desk organizer 8. White box organizer 9. Pastel Wall shelf 10. White oak stained bookcase 11 . Floor tall bookcase 12. Billy white bookcase 13. Magazine file set 14. Multicolor magazine file set 15. Woodrow trash can 16. Waste basket
Cherries on top
If placing the desk by a window isn’t an option, a lamp is a must! - Your kid deserves to appear in the best light on those zoom calls.
Other objects that Art easel; world globe; puzzles; a magnetic bar, metal wall grid or cable wire system with hooks to hang art for drying and display; kids size broom and dustpan etc
17. Grey modern dome touch table lamp 18. White bear table lamp 19. Globe table lamp pink 20. Uri portable table lamp 21. Paint draw easel 22. Day & night globe. 23. Cable systems. 24. Wood pegboard 25. Clean & play toys 26. Skadis containers 27. Fabric pinboard
Other tips
Line the table with contact paper. This won’t change the look of the table but will protect it from accidental paint spills and scribbles - the last thing you want is that the unavoidable mess to stress the little artist and hinder the creative flow.
Happy home learning! x