Charter One Realty Blog

Due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 school year will kick off entirely virtual for students attending public school in Beaufort County. This means thousands of families are embarking on a new kind of schooling beginning September 8th. With many parents working from home, the need for workspace has increased exponentially. For essential workers, creating a “schooling” space for after-dinner-assignments is just another overwhelming part of the transition to virtual learning.

For those with older children, simply setting up a virtual learning space in their room may be sufficient. Younger children will need hands-on guidance through Zoom sessions and play breaks. If you are able to be home with your child, you may be wondering how to create a space that empowers learning without letting your house turn into a mess of paperwork, devices, and chargers.

We gathered 5 examples of virtual learning spaces for students of ranging ages below. Before we dig into the examples, let’s review some basic ways to help your student thrive in this brand new learning environment.

Why Do I Need a Virtual Learning Space for my Child?

First and foremost, creating a special place for your child(ren) to learn empowers them to build a sense of ownership in their schooling. Here are a few other reasons creating a virtual learning space will help your child this:

• This space helps children build confidence in the virtual learning experience over time. Many kids (and parents, and teachers) struggled with the abrupt switch to virtual learning in March. Armed with months of preparation and planned curriculums this time around, our schools are in better shape to deliver virtual schooling that helps the kids even from a distance. Having somewhere “special” to do school work (paired with a more streamlined delivery process) will help kids thrive.
• One perk of virtual learning spaces is that students develop more independence. For parents of young children, this can seem like an impossibility, but it’s inevitable that even the youngest students slowly acclimate to the “new normal” by becoming even more tech-savvy and capable on their tablets and laptops. Providing them with their own virtual learning space furthers this transition to independence while also allowing the parent to have some space of their own.

Now, let’s look at some creative ways to give your student a space of their own to learn and play!

Elementary School Virtual Learning Spaces

The little ones need much more than a desk, and parents of children in this age group are probably already used to toys scattered throughout the home. Here are a few designs that marry “playtime” with “school time”.

1. Create a tiny desk at the end of the media console (in a corner) and use some shelving to display books and toys.
   
   
   Photo: Pinterest

2. Use strategically-placed shelving in your living room. Fill the area with a flat surface for the computer, and lots of play items to encourage creativity for when Zoom isn’t in session.
   
   
   Photo: Pinterest
   
   
3. Is your child a bit older and able to work on their lessons without your full attention? Take a look at this virtual learning space that’s actually a bunk bed! This set up allows for desk space underneath making it functional and in their room - double win!
   
   
   Photo: Decoist
   

Virtual Learning Spaces for Older Kids

1. Families with kids in Middle School and High School can achieve the perfect virtual learning space in a few hours with some inspiration, the right desk, a can of paint, and some decor. How inspiring is this workspace? And guess what: ALL of these items are available online from Target.
   
   
   Photo: Lucie’s List

2. Short on space but want to make sure your teen has all they need? Check out this tiny desk that offers everything a student needs to excel - available on overstock!
   
   
   
   

Conclusion

With the demands on parents and students at an all-time high, finding ways to reduce stress is crucial. Creating a comfortable virtual learning space for your student will drastically improve their experience - and yours - in a number of ways.

• Kids with a private work area are more likely to build confidence quicker as they adapt to this new process.

• Additionally, a private workspace helps kids of all ages enhance their independence.

• Lastly, it allows parents to reclaim the rest of the house!

Which of these virtual learning spaces best fits your situation? Did we miss any great ideas?

Share with us in the comments below!