How to Set Up A Portable Homeschool Space: 5) A Note on Environmental Print

Wow, thank you for still reading! As I wrap things up, I just wanted to leave a final note about environmental print. These are the eye-catching wall decorations and reference materials you often see set up in classrooms. When I first started teaching, I had visions of how amazing my classroom space would, and my walls were COVERED in this vision. However, I soon learned, brain-based research found that having unnecessary “visual distractions” in the classroom environment was not only NOT helpful to student learning but could be counterproductive. That is not to say all environmental print is bad. Resources that reinforce new skills and concepts your child is learning can be a great help. However, keep in mind that some drawbacks of environmental print include distracting children and causing them to become off task and offering too much scaffold by helping them in areas where they do not need help. While we may see a beautiful surrounding, the child’s growing brain might only see a lot of distraction and clutter. Here are some tips when deciding what environmental print to put up in your learning space.

• Less is more: Only put up what is relevant and necessary. Avoid putting up information about things they already know (e.g., the alphabet and numbers if they have mastered those). You want them to access that information from their brain, not the wall.
• Let Purpose, not Aesthetics, determine your choices. Remember the resources are there to HELP your child build a stronger understanding of concepts. They are not there to give them all the answers, nor are they there to simply make the space look pretty.
• Not sure? Check In and see if your child references and uses these resources. If not, take them down.
• Add as you go. Think of it as an ongoing project. If you are not sure what to put up, follow your teacher’s lead. Best things to add are materials the teacher gives you, so that you are using the same references to reinforce their learned skills and concepts. Also consider just printing out the teacher’s materials and keeping them in a file folder. This can actually be more helpful for your child’s learning, while making things easier for you.
• Avoid placing visuals directly in front of their sight line. Place them to the side, so your children will only access them when needed.

You Got This!!
It's been a week of distance learning for us, and I would be lying if I said it has been all smooth sailing. However, what has been helpful is reminding myself things are not fixed. All of this is new territory for everyone, teachers included. When something is not working or feeling unnecessarily stressful, I try to think of what changes I can make to help things go more smoothly. I admittedly am coming at this from a place of privilege, where we have the flexibility and resources to make these modifications. My heart goes out to everyone out there who is struggling. While I definitely don't have all the answers, if you're ever needing someone to spitball some ideas, feel free to shoot me an email, and I would be happy to talk about some ideas with you! Good Luck!!  

Use these links to reread another section of "How to Set Up A Portable Homeschool Space":

1. Choosing the Room
2. Furniture and Technology
3. Staying Organized
4. Actual School Supplies
5. A Note on Environmental Print