The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major changes in most people’s lifestyles, from business owners and professionals, to educators and laborers.

Whatever industry you are in, and no matter what your position is in your company, you have likely experienced some of the ripple effects from business shutdowns or lockdowns.

However, the demographic that may experience lasting consequences is probably students.

So much of their development is hinged on their personal interactions with other people; their practical skills, social skills, and technical knowledge is just one part of the whole equation.

As long as there are mandates for everyone to stay home in order to ensure society’s safety and health, we have to continue with remote learning.

However, there are many ways we can make the home environment as conducive to learning as possible.

Here are some ways you can optimize your child’s environment in order to provide the best education in these uncertain times:

1. Create a specific space for school work and other activities

Carve out a section in the home where your child can physically assign where tasks for school are to be accomplished.

This compartmentalization will help instill boundaries and clearly designate where work ends and home life begins.

If you can, choose a room in the home with a lot of natural light. Apart from the energy-saving technique this will provide, the sunlight will also help boost your child’s mood as they go about their day.

2. Design the workspace for efficiency

Provide a table that can accommodate your child’s computer, notes, and other items.

Invest in chairs and desks to increase productivity – make it comfortable enough so that spending all day at the workstation won’t be taxing on their body. Keep the area clear of clutter and other unnecessary items.

3. Provide additional equipment if necessary

Your child may need ancillary equipment such as a printer, speakers, a monitor, an electronic pen or pencil, or other gadgets that may enhance the learning experience for them.

If this is something you can afford, it would be best to do so, as it will contribute to overall efficiency.

4. Decorate tastefully

A plant here, a painting there, or an inspirational quote up on the wall will be good additions to an otherwise drab workspace.

Don’t be afraid to make the room pretty in order for your child to enjoy their time in “school”.

5. Set some time away from the screen

Your child will be in front of a monitor for most of the day, and this will definitely take a toll on them physically, mentally, and emotionally if left unchecked.

It is important to ensure a balance with physical interaction with other people – and to be strict about it.

Make sure that they are able to engage in physical activity, socialize with you and other family members, and be present in the non-virtual world just as much, if not more, than in their online classes.

Remember that it would be good to keep a set starting time for school and being strict with ending it as well.

This, apart from the physical boundaries that are established via the designated workspace, will help your child recognize that school and home life should still be distinct from one another, and that there is a set time and place for work and for play.