Online learning is challenging, and I say that as an adult trying to complete a graduate degree over Zoom. It's even more challenging for school-age children and their caregivers, whether they're on a hybrid school model, entirely remote, or some other variation of our new normal. Thankfully, it’s possible to set yourself (or the students you live with) up for greatness.
These 11 products make remote learning a little easier — and, dare I say, tolerable — and are must-haves for school in the era of coronavirus. They're fun, functional, and help students of all ages keep their spirits and grades up.
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Magnetic calendar
This dry-erase magnetic calendar helps students, teachers, and anyone else at home keep track of assignments and special events.
It’s also the perfect place to leave words of encouragement and record achievements, because acknowledging the positives is more important during 2020 than ever.
Doctor Who Notebook
Keep spirits up with a timey-wimey notebook that's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.
Star Wars Mousepad
Your computer’s mouse is getting a workout in 2020. Show your hardware you respect its hard work with this classic Star Wars design that will remind you to use the Force.
Motivational Water Bottle
Staying hydrated improves cognition and mood, so it’s essential to remember to water yourself during class or homework. This bottle gamifies hydration, and makes it a little easier to remember to drink up.
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Lap Desk
If you anticipate members of your household studying on the couch or in bed (I’d be lying if I said the bed wasn’t my #1 study spot), this sturdy lap deck keeps the lava-hot computer off your lap and helps organize notebooks, writing utensils, and any other study tools.
Home Science Experiments Book
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Science Experiments At Home
If you’re a caregiver, chances are you’ve probably been thrust into a new role as teacher/lunch monitor/public health expert, in addition to juggling countless other obligations.
This fun science book aimed at kids ages 7-11 will help you easily explore science with your kids from home, for maximum bonding time and minimum stress.
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Wizard of Oz Cowardly Lion Motivational Poster
Spruce up your study space, and remind the student — whether it’s yourself, or a special kid in your life — that they have what it takes to get through this difficult period. They don't even need an assist from the wizard himself!
Bigfoot Mug
Baby Groot Flowerpot Pen Holder
Students need any excuse to smile right now. This encouraging Baby Groot desk companion can be used as a pen holder, a flowerpot, or just a super-cute study buddy.
Unicorn Headphones
On most video-calling applications, you get the best sound quality if you're wearing headphones.
End the last-minute dash to find your headphones before class with these sparkly, can't-miss foldable and tangle-free headphones.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
I can't recommend blue light blocking glasses enough for preventing eye strain, headaches, and other aches and complaints that arise from spending an entire school day staring at a screen.
The glasses pictured above are super-light so they won't pinch or hurt ears, and are suitable for kids ages 3-12. You can also find plenty of blue light blocking glasses for older kids and adults on Amazon.
Let's face it, considering how long we're all spending staring at our various glowing rectangles and squares these days, blue light glasses are a good investment for pretty much anyone.
