Did you ever think your Berks Home would be converted into a classroom? This year has been full of surprises, one being your new role as a homeschool teacher! 

Virtual learning can be a bumpy road for both children and parents. We want the 2020 school year to go as smoothly for you as possible. Here are our best tips and tricks for at-home learning!

Stick To A Schedule

Normal school has a regular daily schedule that keeps students on track. Your new virtual learning probably has a similar format. Routines are important for children and it’s crucial that you help them stick to their new schedule.

Set your alarms for the same time every morning. Make sure your child gets a healthy start to the day with breakfast and a fresh set of clothes (no pajamas during school time!). 

Check in throughout the day to make sure they’re in the right online class at the right time. And allow wiggle room in their schedule towards the end of the day for any forgotten assignments or last-minute tasks.

Create A Distraction-Free Environment

Even as an adult, getting work done at home can be a challenge. With people coming and going, phones ringing, and tv’s blaring, there are many things that can side-track you. 

Make sure your kiddo has a quiet space to focus for schoolwork. A guest room makes a great study space that’s removed from distractions. Provide your child with a desk, well-stocked school supplies, a good internet connection and an ergonomic chair to make the school day less tedious. When your little is in their study space, everyone should show some R-E-S-P-E-C-T—by keeping the noise levels down and interruptions at a minimum. 

Keep Energy Levels High

Sitting in front of a computer monitor for hours can be grueling. Help your child stay motivated and energetic throughout the day/ During the 5-or-so minutes between classes plan some physical or creative activity. 

Exercise breaks and brain breaks will keep the juices flowing so your student doesn’t get burnt out. Healthy snacks that are on-hand and ready to eat will also prevent brain-fry.

Stay Organized

With the new normal, you’ve basically become a personal assistant for your child. Step up your organization game by improving your time management skills. To-do lists, bite-sized goals, and firm deadlines really help with organization. Post a chalkboard or large calendar for yourself and your mini-me as a visual reminder of the weeks’ must-do tasks. Nothing feels better than check-marking each assignment off as you go! 

This will also help your child learn to prioritize and maintain workflows, which are useful skills throughout life. They’ll feel accomplished as they see how much they’ve completed each day, week and semester!

Staying organized comes down to your living space too. Keeping it tidy helps with focus, but this can be challenging in a home you’ve outgrown. With all the working and learning from home, it might be time to upgrade your space. Berks Homes has quick move-ins available right now in Pennsylvania—find your future home now!