In March, when schools closed in our area, we turned our dining room into a makeshift classroom. We would setup our classroom in the morning, which consisted of a basket of supplies, and would clear it nightly for dinner. Less then ideal but it worked in the short term. However, when our district announced that we would be starting the first half of the year in a hybrid model I knew this setup was not sustainable. Virtual learning work spaces became a top priority!
4 things to consider when setting up your virtual learning workspace
Find your dedicated learning location
For us, we needed two dedicated virtual learning work spaces. One for each girl and nowhere near each other since they are easily distracted by each other. We carved out a workspace for our older daughter in her bedroom by taking over a corner. For my younger daughter, who will require more support, we found a spot in the playroom so that I can help her and watch our 17 month old.
If you can, consider creating your virtual learning workspace in a corner facing a wall. It will help minimize distractions.
Create a fun learning environment
Create a learning environment that has functional storage but most importantly full of fun inspiration by incorporating some of their favorite things. For my older daughter this meant having her prized Lego creations, books and trinkets on shelves above a vintage school desk we found on Facebook Marketplace. It was easily updated with a little spray paint and stores her laptop, notebooks and pencil box perfectly.
For my younger daughter, who is starting kindergarten, it was important to have visual aides on the walls. We also wanted a workspace with ample room so she could spread out and make a mess!
CHECK YOUR VIRTUAL View is free of clutter
Be aware of what’s in the background. For us, that meant moving a play kitchen so that our youngest daughter’s classmates wouldn’t get distracted. We also moved an overflowing hamper and simplified the top of our eldest daughters dresser to remove any distractions for classmates.
Find good Lighting
We’ve all been on a Zoom call with a poorly lit individual. It is so important for the workspace to be in a well-lit location. If you can, find a location with a window that is front or to the side of the workspace. Backlit by a window is your worst case scenario and natural light is your friend!
SOURCES:
- Vintage Desk (not ours but similar style)
- Desk Chair
- Wooden Shelf Brackets – Natural
- White Shelf
- Girl’s Puffin Classic Book Set
- Piggy Bank
- Lego Frozen Arendelle Castle
- Cuckoo Clock (we bought ours while living in Germany but similar style)
- Carolina Craft Play Table
- Poster Frames
- Desk Chairs
- Days & Months Poster
- Rainbow Numbers Poster
- Colors Education Poster
- Alphabet Poster
- Unicorn Clock
- Backpack
