A positive learning environment is one where children feel safe, supported and motivated to learn. A child’s learning environment can have a huge impact on their academic and personal development.
When deciding on a schooling environment, parents should consider their child’s unique needs and choose a learning environment that best harnesses their strengths and preferred learning styles.
When children feel comfortable and supported, they are more likely to engage with their learning, ask questions, and take an active role in their education - which can in turn improve academic performance.
In this article, we will look at why a positive learning environment is important and explore some examples of how to create a positive learning environment.
Create a dedicated workspace
Creating a dedicated learning space can help create a sense of structure and routine for both the parent and child. It can also help to create an environment that is more conducive to learning and retaining knowledge.
Here are some practical examples of how to create a dedicated space for learning:
- Choose a room or corner of a room that is quiet and free from distractions, such as loud noises or TV.
- Make sure the space is well-lit, either with natural light or artificial lighting. Poor lighting can make it more difficult to concentrate.
- Furnish the space with a desk, chair, and any other necessary equipment, such as a computer or stationery.
- Keep the space organised and clutter-free. A cluttered space can be distracting and make it difficult to focus.
- Consider the ergonomics of the space. Make sure the desk and chair are at a comfortable height.
Establish a consistent routine and schedule
Having a consistent learning schedule can help to manage time effectively and ensure that all necessary tasks and activities are completed.
Here are some practical examples of how to establish a consistent routine and schedule:
- Create a schedule that includes dedicated time for academics, as well as breaks for physical activity, relaxation and fun!
- Allocate time within the daily routine for tasks such as meal times and bedtimes.
- Use a visual schedule or planner to help keep track of tasks and activities. This can be especially helpful for younger children who may benefit from visual cues.
- Make sure the schedule is realistic and achievable. It's important to allow for flexibility, but having a consistent routine can help to create a sense of structure and stability.
Use a variety of teaching methods
Using a variety of teaching methods can help keep children engaged and motivated, and can also help support different learning styles.
Here are a few examples of different teaching methods for homeschoolers:
- Hands-on activities: These are activities that involve actively doing something, rather than just listening or reading about it. Examples might include experiments, art projects, cooking, or building models. Hands-on activities can help children learn by doing, and can also be a lot of fun!
- Multimedia resources: These are resources that use a combination of text, images, and sometimes audio or video to present information. Examples might include online video lessons, educational apps, or interactive games. Multimedia resources can be a great way to add variety to your homeschooling routine and can also be a good way to support visual or auditory learners.
- Group work: Group work involves children working together on a project or activity. This can be a good way to encourage collaboration and communication skills, and can also help support children who learn best through discussion or interaction with others.
Encourage independent learning
Independent learning refers to the process of children learning on their own, without the direct guidance of a teacher. It can be a valuable component of online schooling, as it allows children to take ownership of their education and can help them develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-motivation.
Here are a few ways you can encourage independent learning in your homeschooling routine:
- Provide a variety of resources: Make a selection of books, videos, websites, and other resources available for your children to explore on their own. This will give them the freedom to choose what they want to learn about and how they want to learn it.
- Set goals and allow children to choose how to achieve them: Rather than telling children exactly what they need to do to learn a particular subject, give them the freedom to choose how they want to achieve a specific learning goal. For example, if the goal is to learn about a particular historical event, children might choose to read a book about it or watch a documentary.
- Encourage curiosity and asking questions: Encourage children to ask questions and explore topics that interest them. This can help to foster a love of learning and can also help children develop critical thinking skills.
- Provide opportunities for self-guided projects: Give children the chance to choose and complete their own self-guided projects. This could involve researching a topic of their choice, creating a presentation or completing a hands-on activity.
A positive learning environment can have a huge impact on a child’s academic and personal development and can help to foster a love of learning. There are many ways to create a positive learning environment but first parents must consider their child's unique learning needs and choose an environment that best harnesses their strengths and preferred learning style.
