Whether you live in a multi-million-dollar mansion or a studio apartment, the need for a space for your child to complete his/her distance learning is key. Your home no longer serves as just a place of residence. It is now a fully operational school as classroom, playground, art center, assembly room, computer lab and more. Thankfully you do not need the acreage of a physical school campus. But how and where on earth do you start in creating school space at-home whether you have ample or no space to do so.
Dedicated Space – I have seen many posts as school starts of personally designed, school-designated spaces. Some have converted full garages or backyard sheds into classrooms. Others have Pottery Barn inspired desks replete with shelving units and organizational systems. And others have bedroom corners decked out for study spots. No matter the size, it may work best to have a spot that is for schooltime only. Even to the point that it is exclusively for school hours only and that purpose alone.
School is Where You’re At – there is also the approach that school is wherever your child is at. If they are most comfortable sitting in the backyard at the patio table, awesome. If on the couch with laptop in lap works best, wonderful. Probably bed is the only no-no IF that means they’ll stay in their pajamas and have a mold of their bodies in the same spot from night into day. But truly, it may be best to allow your child “flexible seating” at-home in the sense of studying wherever they are most comfortable and able to focus which could shift from day-to-day and even class-to-class.
One Size Fits All – bottom line, there is NOT a one size fits all solution. It frankly depends on who you ask, whether they are a tried and true homeschooling family or an anxious, overwhelmed distance learner. Just as with any and all issues in this season, the stances are across the board. At the end of the day, you have to do what you find is most effective for your child. And that may mean different approaches even for each child within your home. There is just not a one size fits all answer for what your school space looks like.
Sorry this is not “the answer” you may have been looking for. At the end of the day you need to ensure whatever your space looks like at home that you have the “bare necessities” – computer, internet, required textbooks and school supplies. Otherwise, it is up to you and what will work best for each individual child entrusted in your care. Whether model home worthy or mobile inspired, find the best fit for you and your family. You got this!
