How to Set Up a Student Workspace

Hello!

Junelle Mallari

jmallari@nhusd.k12.ca.us

Kimberly Petitt

kpetitt@nhusd.k12.ca.us

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Learning Preferences

Choosing a location based on

your child’s preferences

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Choose a location based on learning preference

• If they prefer silence, a spare room or their bedroom could be good options.
• If they enjoy some background noise, consider choosing a spot in the kitchen or near your office if you’re working from home.
• If there are several location options, you can have your child try each one to see which works best for them. Offer choice where possible.

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Focus

Removing Distractions

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Removing Distractions

Turn off phone, social media access, TV

Instrumental music to break silence, block other sounds

Headphones can limit noise and improve focus, particularly if others are working nearby

Possible Tools: freedom.to, Stayfocusd, Dewo

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Removing Distractions

Consider creating signage for your student to indicate whether they can be interrupted. A color-coded clip chart can indicate availability.

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For example, if a clothespin is on a green card, that means it’s okay to talk; yellow means come in, but quietly; and red means your student needs complete quiet and cannot be distracted.

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Using Post-It notes or taping a sign to the door or workspace can also work well

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Comfort

Comfortable but not too comfortable!

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Comfort

• Select a chair that one can sit in comfortably for long periods of time.
• It’s okay if your student alternates between sitting on a bed or a couch, standing at a countertop, or lounging on a beanbag chair, but remind them to change positions and vary their posture often.
• Use a desk that can accommodate books, laptops, learning supplies.
• Limit Beds during synchronous sessions (If possible, the learning space should only be used for learning.)

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Comfort

• Multiple dedicated spaces are okay. Use a desk for writing and creative tasks, but allow quiet reading or research to be done in an alternative area like a playroom, bedroom, or even outside.
• Use books, trays, binders, and pieces of cardboard as “lap tables” for students who don’t have access to a physical desk or tabletop.

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Lighting

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Lighting

• Natural lighting from windows

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• If near a window, make sure the computer monitor is not facing the window, to reduce glare on the screen or shadows on a video conferencing platform

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• Lamps

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• String of lights

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Materials

Access to learning materials

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Access to Materials

• Pencils, paper, calculators, crayons, sharpeners, whiteboard, whiteboard marker, erasers

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• Organized, clutter-free (maybe weekly reward for this)

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• If a common area is the only option, use a plastic bin or tote to collect school items so the space can be easily cleared for multi-purpose functions, and so school supplies can remain accessible and organized

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Access to Materials

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• Usernames/Passwords (QR Clever Badges)

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• Choose a location near an electrical outlet

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Routine

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Create a Routine

• Create a routine that includes breaks and opportunities to get up and stretch.
• Post a copy of the school schedule for your student and other family members to reference.
• Create a schedule for the week that has routines, such as reading time each day after lunch, or math each morning, so your student knows what to expect.
• Schedules—even if created the night before—can help limit distractions, especially for older students whose parents and caregivers are working outside the home.

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Safety Issues

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Safety Issues

• Notebook computers can produce heat and can get especially hot when placed on a student’s lap. Be sure to use a lap desk or barrier when possible.

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• Using a notebook computer or tablet all day can be hard on the hands and wrists.
• If available, consider connecting to an external keyboard and mouse to minimize any discomfort. Many devices accommodate dictation to eliminate or reduce the need to type.

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Safety Issues

• Prevent eye strain by encouraging breaks from the screen every 20 minutes. Advise your student to look at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes to adjust their gaze. Younger children can play “I spy” out the window.

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• Eye strain and poor posture can occur when using a small screen. If available, a larger monitor or a cable to connect the small device to a TV screen for easier viewing can be used.

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Personalize

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Personalize

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• Encourage your child to personalize their learning space by adding decorations, artwork, or anything else that might help them to stay motivated and be inspired.

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Re-evaluate

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Re-evaluate

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• Re-evaluate your student’s workspace periodically. Changes should be made as needed to support student learning.

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Additional Resources

Seven tips for setting up a productive learning space at home (article)

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Creating a Virtual Learning Workspace

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Tips for Creating a Virtual Learning Workspace

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NHUSD Family Learning Series

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Thanks!

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Credits

Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free:

• Presentation template by SlidesCarnival
• Photographs by Unsplash

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