Mandel Library Of West Palm Beach Offers Tips For Setting Up A Home Classroom

From the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach:

August 20, 2020

By Ms. Filardi and the Homework Center Team

How do we best help our children make the most out of virtual learning? Parents are being called upon more than ever to provide learning opportunities. We know keeping young children engaged can be challenging, and the Mandel Public Library Homework Center is here to support you throughout the school year. Here is some advice for setting up your home classroom.

Getting Prepared

Establishing daily routines can help: Getting up with enough time to get dressed and eat breakfast can set up your child’s day for success. Eating while in class can be distracting. It is best to take breaks from learning to relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks in between lessons.

Learning spaces: Does your child have a favorite spot at home to do homework? Learning is done best out of the bedroom and away from electronics. Finding a common work space that is not their bedroom will help children differentiate between play time and school time.

Reduce distractions: Having multiple children in a common space can lead to distractions. Try using a tri-fold poster board or folders for privacy dividers. Each child can decorate the inside of their privacy divider with skills that they are learning. Think about it as the classroom walls. The dividers help to minimize distractions and help children focus!

Supplies: Back-to-school supplies are always exciting. By setting up a home classroom with your child, they are taking ownership of their workspace. Be sure to think about where your child can find pencils, paper, and other art supplies during the school day.

Daily checklist: Having a visual checklist can be very helpful for children to stay focused. The child can check off each task with you as assignments are completed throughout the day.

Provide feedback: Immediate feedback is encouraged and can be in the form of a checkmark, special note, sticker, or star on the assignment. For digital assignments, feedback can be provided as you complete the daily checklist. Feedback goes a long way in helping to motivate your child.

Communication

Plan for a variety of learning experiences. Provide feedback to your child’s teacher about what is working as well as areas of difficulty so that additional support and modifications can be provided. Be sure to have the daily schedule posted for you and your child to reference throughout the day.

Synchronous learning: Offers live, real-time interaction with faculty.

Asynchronous learning: Offers flexibility with pre-recorded videos.

Office hours: Find out when your teacher has office hours. During office hours, parents and students can contact the teacher to answer any questions and get extra help on content.

Goal setting & rewards: Celebrate success! When a goal is met by your child, praise them with specific feedback. Rewards can be established by you and your child based on their interest.

The Mandel Public Library Homework Center

Virtual Elementary Homework Help, sponsored by a grant from the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, launches on Tuesday, September 8 and is open Saturdays from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and Mondays – Thursdays from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Students in grades K- 5 can receive help in all subjects with the library’s certified teachers via Google Meet. To reserve your spot with a teacher, please fill out our Google Form. Questions? Call 561-868-7703.

Virtual Teen Homework Help, sponsored by a grant from the West Palm Beach Library Foundation launches on Tuesday, September 8. Students in grades 6 – 12 can sign up for free math and reading sessions through Google Meet. Students will get the chance to ask questions from their homework, work on projects, and prepare for exams with the help of certified teachers. Reading sessions are available Monday – Wednesday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Math sessions are available Tuesday – Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. In each session, homework help will be provided on a first come, first served basis. To sign-up, fill out our Google Form. For more information, please call 561-868-7703.

Are you a Teacher needing classroom resources? Fill out a request form and our Children's Librarians will select great materials for you.

This press release was produced by the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.