Improve Remote Learning with Learn @ Home Sets
by David Mocton
With the challenge of remote learning continuing in late 2020 and extending into 2021, we need to support our children and students by giving them a dedicated and effective place to learn at home.
When the pandemic first started, home learning seemed like it would be a very temporary measure. But now it’s clear that children will need to learn remotely, probably on and off again, for some time. Even with a reduction in numbers, our social sensitivity to illness has risen to the point that a child with minor symptoms of a cold may need to stay home from school. With so many distractions available for kids at home, it’s vitally important to enable “focused schoolwork”.
What are some of the challenges?
- Working at the kitchen table can be very distracting - for everybody. It’s just too easy to get up and look for snacks or a drink. There may be a constant flow of activity from others in the room. Working all day at the kitchen table, and then having meal or snack breaks in the same place can create a stifling atmosphere, lead to boredom, and impact students’ long term ability to focus.
- Lying on a bed to do work is really not a healthy approach, not physically and not pedagogically. The very informal environment does not reflect the seriousness studying deserves. Reading may be easier but all other tasks such as writing, working on a laptop, and even focused thinking are more difficult. And, it is just way too easy to fall asleep or doze off.
- Studying, reading and writing on the floor are also not conducive to focused schoolwork. It may be “fun” for a short time but can quickly become very uncomfortable. It’s not healthy for younger or older. Working this way for prolonged periods can potentially lead to young children developing poor back and neck health.
- Distractions. No matter the location in the home, if there are familiar and fun things within view of the child, it’s just way too easy to get distracted. For many children (and adults) a momentary distraction leads to many moments of wasted time.
- Depreciation of education. Learning from home in a very informal setup has the psychological risk of appearing to be less important. It is crucial during this uncertain time to set the tone and ensure that children understand how important their learning is. And although it may be taking place at home, it requires their, and our, vested efforts to ensure its success.
What are some of the solutions?
- The younger the child, the more important it is to have their workspace in a centralized location; older children may want or need more privacy. In all situations it should be an area dedicated for schoolwork. This will provide a work area with less distractions and also help to enhance the importance of their temporary at-home education.
- A stable, flat surface for schoolwork will always be better than a bed or the floor. Using a desk that also has storage space (such as a bookbox) will ensure that everything they need will be accessible. A laptop, books, writing utensils, and other necessities will be nearby. And equally important, their toys, games, and other distractions will not be.
- An adjustable height desk will fit better for your particular child, and will grow with them. This is a much preferred approach to a one size fits all type of desk.
- An appropriately sized comfortable seat, preferably something ergonomic and/or active, will be good for their posture, energy levels, and focus. A stool can provide healthy movement. For example the active stool has an angled base that promotes continuous action, and is also tip resistant. This lets the child get their energy out, relax their body, and allow them to have better focus.
It’s a very real challenge for students to stay focused in the classroom. Now the challenge has become ever harder with so much learning from home. With all of these challenges in mind, Hertz Furniture has created new packages that will enable focused schoolwork at home. Our colorful new Learn @ Home sets have adjustable height, open front desks, and are packaged with Squircle active seating stools for fun and healthy learning for students of all ages.
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