Prepare your apartment for K-12 distance learning

Because of COVID-19, it’s still unclear when and how K-12 students in Arizona will return for in-person classes.

Whatever your child’s school decides on for the upcoming school year – whether it’s entirely online, hybrid or delayed in-person learning – chances are your apartment home is about to transform into a makeshift classroom.

Because distance learning may be a temporary measure, set up your athome classroom so it’s easy to break down when necessary. Consider attaching wheels to the bottom of furniture such as a small desk and chair so you can wheel it out of the way when class is over for the day.

Most distance learning requires internet access. Create a desk space for your child that includes a computer. If you do not have internet access, reach out to your apartment community’s management to see if they offer deals with the various internet providers.

Your child may need either a computer with a camera or a webcam to video chat with his or her teacher via Zoom or another video service. Talk to your community’s management team about setting up Wi-Fi in your home if it not implemented already.

Prior to the start of distance learning, make sure you gather all the necessary school supplies for your child so it’s at his or her fingertips by the first day of school. This includes a notebook, scratch paper, pens, pencils and art supplies such as crayons or colored pencils. Most schools post the list of school supplies on their websites.

Disorganization can be distracting and confusing to your child so make sure his or her desk area is clutter-free. Search your apartment home or go to your local craft store to purchase plastic organization chests to store your child’s school supplies so it is easy to find and even easier to put away during clean-up.

Consider placing a plastic carpet protector or machine-washable throw rug under your child’s desk area so they can color and create without worrying about spills and accidents.

Your child is likely used to a structured schedule when it comes to school so it’s important to do your best to create a similar level of stability at home. Consider investing in a large wall calendar, whiteboard, chalkboard or bulletin board so you can lay out your child’s schedule for the day as well as keep track of his or her progress.

Food fuels your child’s mind. Prepare for the “lunchtime rush” by meal prepping ahead of time. Begin by cleaning your fridge out so you have plenty of room for the week’s breakfasts and lunches. Look up easy recipes online and store the food in airtight food containers so you can pull them out of the fridge hassle-free whenever your child is hungry. Make sure to write the “meal of the day” on your wall schedule so your child can have something to look forward to each day.

Finally, encourage healthy breaks for your child to relax his or her mind and to get some fresh air.