Tips for an Effective At-Home Learning Environment

Online Tutoring Now Available!

We are open and continuing to support North Dallas families manage the transition to e-schooling through distance learning. As a small business founded in Dallas, we appreciate your continued support and patronage!

Creating an Effective At-Home Work Routine

It's easier to change the environment than it is to change behavior. Get off on the right foot by optimizing your work space. These tips (from Attention Talk Radio) can help both adults and student working from home and are intended to improve Executive Functioning.

1) Externalize your thoughts. Stuck on a problem? Not sure how to kick off a paper or a project? Talk it over with a family member or a friend. This helps overcome what might appear like procrastination. 2) Find ways to replicate your "normal" day. Did you use to do homework with a study group? Meet up with them on Zoom or Google Hangouts. For adults, you can also keep your office-mates on screen throughout the day. 3) Remove distractions. Unplug the TV and game consoles. If needed, install apps on your computer and phone that prohibit accessing certain websites or apps. 4) Ask your family to respect your study / work space. Set clear expectations that when your door is closed, your are not be be interrupted because you are at school / work. Otherwise, you may be interrupted constantly throughout the day. 5) Keep a normal daily routine. Jeff Copper suggests getting up at the same time, getting dressed (no pajamas), walking the dog, and trying to be ready for school / work at the same time every day. He even suggests that if you used to make a bag lunch for school (or work), make your lunch in the morning and take it to your office. Interrupting your day to make lunch can be a huge distraction. 6) Invest in the right computer accessories. If you are going to be at a computer for 8+ hours a day, consider getting a full-size keyboard, Bluetooth mouse, foam wrist supports, and other devices that make your life easier. 7) Get a second monitor (including for students!). If you have to flip between different tabs or apps, you are taxing your working memory. If you have a second screen, you can have more information up at once which relieves your working memory. For example, you can have your e-textbook on one screen and your homework on the other screen - much easier than flipping back and forth. 8) Get a printer! Print out worksheets and notes. "Paper is high-tech for those with ADHD." 9) Have a big work space and spread out. Try to keep all of your papers and binders within arm's-reach. "If it's out of arm's reach, it might as well be on the moon." 10) You don't need to have a "pretty" office like you see in an model home. It's okay if you have your papers and binders out. "If you can find it, it's not disorganized."

Earn Free Sessions with our Referral Program

If you have any friends or community members struggling with academics or the transition to e-learning, please share information about Star Tutoring. As a "thank you," we will credit one free lesson for any referred family that starts a program with us - no limits!

Please let us know how we can support your and your students. We are available for free consultations if you have any questions or want to discuss ideas to help your student - we are happy to help!