The upcoming school year is approaching fast, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it looks like many students will still be schooling at least partially at home for the foreseeable future. As such, parents and caregivers will need support and a plan for making schooling at home easier for everyone. While some school districts made a smooth transition to at-home learning in the spring, most of us struggled to learn new programs and to help our children meet all the requirements. With no end in sight to COVID-19, I’ve put together four helpful tips to make schooling at home easier this fall whether you follow the guidelines of your child’s school curriculum or decide to entirely create your own curriculum and homeschool fully, which is an option many people are taking.

Create a Designated Learning Space

My son used a desk in his bedroom to complete his schooling in the spring, and while it worked okay, there are definitely improvements I plan to make should his school decide to continue with complete or partial online learning this fall. It makes homeschooling easier when you have a designated learning space away from common areas. If children are near their televisions, video games, phones, and beds, they are likely to utilize them. Set up a bright, engaging space in your home with limited distractions and all needed materials handy. This will help your student stay focused and motivated during Zoom classes and school work.

Create a Visual Schedule

A consistent routine is going to help your child develop the skills for independent learning, so it’s a good idea to create a visual schedule that your child can easily follow without too much prompting from you. Plan out your child’s educational day, both in time schedule and in day’s work. Visual supports are beneficial to prevent challenging behavior, enhance memory, and support communication. Determine your child’s “visual stage.” Do they need actual objects, photos, drawings, or just text? Present visuals from left to right, and remember to give choices when possible. For example, perhaps from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, they can choose between art or physical education. Allowing children control where possible helps both in accepting it where not possible and in growing toward independence.