Volume 30 Issue 22 30 Jul 2021 21 Av 5781

Primary News

Roslynn Pardy – Primary Teacher and Year 3-6 Co-ordinator

7 tips to creating an amazing home learning space

Learning from home can be a challenge at the best of times. Creating an effective learning space can help turn a lesson from “Meh!” to “Yay!”. Here are seven tips to help create the perfect space to learn in.

  1. Choose a space they’re comfortable learning in. We all learn differently. The environments we like to learn in can be different too. Some people prefer absolute quiet with no distractions. Others prefer some background noise and the company of others while they learn. Choose a location that feels right. Siblings might enjoy working nearby, but they may also be a distraction to each other.

  2. Eliminate distractions. The learning space should be as free from distraction as possible. Social Media and other communication apps can be a major distraction from learning. Forging an agreement on when things like TV, videogames and social media can be accessed can help reduce distractions during learning periods. Things like TV and music should be minimised during learning times.

  3. Make it comfortable, but not too comfortable. Choose a sturdy, comfortable chair for your learner. Ensure that the chair is high enough for them to reach their books, devices and other learning needs. Their desk should be flat, tidy and large enough for their equipment. Avoid places like lounges and beds as they can lead to sleepy learners. Also, using beds as a learning space can cause sleeping problems later.

  4. Ensure the learning space has good lighting. Clear, natural light is the best for learning. Coloured or low light can lead to eye strain and difficulty concentrating.

  5. Keep supplies stocked and organised. Ensure the space has everything they will need. Keep it stocked with whatever they may require. Encourage your learner to keep the space tidy and organised.

  6. The learning space is for learning. Try to keep this space just for learning activities like lessons, study and homework. This can be tricky if they’re learning in a common area like a dining table. If this is the case, tidy away at the end of each school day. Encourage your learner to have a few small decorations, like a picture, some artwork or plant, that are only in the space during learning times. A box or tray could be used to pack away learning materials after a day of learning.

  7. Discuss, negotiate and listen. Your learners have a task ahead of them, regardless of their grade. Listen clearly to their needs and wants in regards to the learning space. They will be looking to you for some of the day to day things they would normally get from teachers, friends and classmates. Try setting some daily, or weekly goals. Negotiate a daily schedule that suits everyone. Discuss rewards for completing goals. Find ways to include breaks and physical activities into every day, away from their learning space.

The next few weeks will prove challenging to all family members as we adjust to the new normal this lockdown has brought. Having a space for yourself and your learners will help to keep you and your families feeling organised, successful and happy.