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Back to school used to be a joyous occasion. We bought our kids new backpacks, filled them with supplies from a list provided by the school and sent our children off in the care of their teachers. But now, with so many of our kids in virtual school due to the pandemic, we'll have to make some adjustments — and that includes updating our back to school list for a virtual learning environment.
Checklist for traditional supplies that are still necessary in a virtual learning environment
Even if your child will be in a virtual learning environment this school year, they'll still need some supplies that have been carried over from a traditional classroom.
Stationery products
Even though it's basic, you can never have enough pens, pencils, printer paper, notebooks and notepads, erasers, correction tape, staplers, tape, paper clips, folders, and binders. You can buy a desk caddy or a clear box for them to store and organize their supplies.
Art supplies
Even if your child is older, art can be a welcome and soothing break. “I've stocked my two 10 year old boys' school table with drawing paper, pencils, and age-appropriate puzzle books,” digital creator Jill Robbins told Mom.com. “They can do something quiet and constructive while waiting for the other child to catch up or wait for me to come to them if they need something.”
Dry erase boards and pens
Mini dry erase boards are good for practicing handwriting and math. “These are useful because they save paper and visually show up clearer on screen during zoom meetings than handwriting on lined paper,” shared entrepreneur Candice Straughter.
Large erase boards can keep track of important projects, tests, meetings or schedule changes. They’re also good for doodling and leaving each other funny messages and notes.
Sports or outdoor equipment
Even if it’s as simple as a playground rubber ball, jumprope, or pogostick, sports and outdoor equipment for virtual school activities are good ways to give your children a break from the screen to rest their eyes and brains. “Taking frequent breaks can relieve long-term issues that may be associated with eye strain and blue light,” Benjamin Na, OD told Mom.com.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson Dr. Steph Lee agrees that children need some sort of physical activity during a virtual school year. “Remember that physical education is still important, even when they’re home – the AAP recommends at least 1 hour of physical activity several times a week to get the body really moving, sweating, and loosening up bad postures from sitting all day,” Lee told Mom.com. Physical activities “can help with school focus as well,” she continued.
These are unique to virtual learning and can enhance your child's learning environment
A virtual learning environment will require some specific supplies and tools to make your child's school experience at home an effective one. Inquire with your school to see which items they may be providing — many are providing students with digital devices and software.
Upgraded equipment
Budget permitting, you may want to consider a newer and more powerful computer, tablet, or webcam to handle streaming and any additional school software your child may need. You may also want to upgrade your internet service package or main router to accommodate additional people and add wifi boosters which extend your wifi network range and increase signal strength.
Check also to see you have the necessary power or charging cords, and all laptops and tablets are fully charged — if your laptop is older it may need a new battery. Kids may also need mouse pads, tablet stands, or styluses.
Ergonomic desk, equipment, and chair
Consider adjustable height desks (perhaps even standing desks), adjustable computer stands, ergonomic chairs or supports in case your child experiences back pain, bad posture, and even carpal tunnel syndrome from the extended hours in front of a screen.
Headphones or headsets
A good set of headphones can block out background sounds so your child can focus on the teacher instead of everyone else at home. Headsets can provide a more sensitive mic than the built-in mic on many laptops and computers, thus also picking up less extraneous noise.
An inexpensive tripod to hold devices
This will be useful if your child needs to use a phone or tablet for virtual assignments such as presentations or filming science experiments.
Blue light blocking technology
Anitra Durand Allen added blue light blocking technology to her three children’s glasses to protect the degradation of their eyesight, which was already bad. You can buy special blue light blocking glasses for kids — or download programs that can adjust the blue light of your screens.
Unexpected supplies to make your virtual learning environment more efficient
Ring light
A ring light is a circular light often used in portrait photography and YouTubers, lighting a person evenly. While this level of lighting is not necessary for your average student, Allen said, “I got one for my performing arts kid who has to do auditions and dance classes virtually.”
Snack or food station
Mom of two Angie White assured us she wasn’t kidding when she recommended a dual dry food dispenser like they have for cereals at buffets and hotel breakfasts — it makes her life a lot easier. While it's not neccessary to get the dispenser, you can set up a cart or snack station in your kids’ virtual learning environment for easy refueling during class and breaks.
