“Virtual” Learning Supply List 2020-2021

By Nichole Richardson

As kids and parents gear up to begin this new school year at home (at least for awhile) there are still supplies needed to make it go as smoothly as possible. While new tennis shoes or a better wardrobe may not be high on the list this year, the “virtual” supplies named below are in high demand, and even a few of the old traditional items should still be included on your shopping list.
1) Obviously the list topper for this school year is a reliable computer that operates at a good speed in order to log into classes. Your computer may not need all the latest and greatest programs, or even Java or Flash, but at minimum it must be a Windows or Mac based model and be able to support this new immersive learning experience. Cell phones cannot be used to access courses. Chromebooks are being distributed to every child in Ferguson Florissant and Hazelwood has them available for those who may need them.
2) In a close second place on the supply list is a strong internet connection. Many district schools, including Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood, have purchased “hotspots” to make it more likely that all students will have equal opportunity to participate and learn. Internet pages need to be able to load quickly and efficiently so students are not stuck waiting around and lose their focus.
3) Supporting software is recommended for students this year, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. These capabilities may not be used often, or at all depending on the child’s grade level, but certainly doesn’t hurt to have installed in case it is needed. Earphones or earbuds are a must though so students can minimize distractions and not disturb others around them, such as siblings who are also in virtual school.
4) It may seem questionable as to if a student actually needs a printer since many, if not all, assignments can be completed and submitted online, but it is a good idea to have in order to print items for your records or to access offline. Some students who are more visual learners may really benefit from being able to see and take their work anywhere they go. On that note, a flash drive may also be handy so students can save their work to a backup just in case any unforeseen technical issues arise.
5) A comfortable chair may be one of the most overlooked necessary supplies for this new way of schooling. Kids are used to moving around a lot more in
regular school settings and a comfortable chair that is adjustable to fit the student will allow them to see their computer easier and therefore engage in online learning easier.
6) Another easily overlooked need is that of a dedicated and separate workspace. This area should be as free from distractions as possible and “activate” the child’s brain to become as alert and as focused as possible. Thinking that your child can just take their laptop to the couch to work or go lie on their bedroom floor is probably not a good idea. If you don’t have the space available to set a “classroom” up, this can also be achieved by using a simple tri-fold partition (the kind used for science fair projects), desk shield, or room divider can be a great and cheap way to achieve this.
7) While traditional school supplies are definitely not on the top of the list at this time because much of the work will be done on a computer, there are always some oldies and goodies such as plenty of pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, and binders. Notebooks for every subject are still a must-have on this list because students will still be taking notes and having a separate notebook for each subject will aid with organization for individual classes and save time, energy, and frustration when looking for certain notes for that class. Having a backpack could seem futile but it may make it easier to contain all these needed supplies and allow the student to move to another location easier if necessary.
8) A planner or desk calendar. This last item may help some immensely or may not be necessary at all depending on you and your student’s learning and organizing styles. For someone such as myself, it actually needs to be at the top of my list but to each their own. Planners and desk calendars can be very useful to keep track of what assignments need to be completed each day, deadlines, and even phone numbers or “office hours” of your student’s friends, teachers, counselors, and administrators. These planners can also be used to schedule other activities or events during the week and help the whole family to stay on track and achieve both short and
long-term goals with a visual reminder of what is expected or upcoming.
We are all in this new and somewhat challenging time together (I know for myself, personally, VERY challenging time) so try and remember to cut yourself, and your child, some slack as we all try and figure out what works best for each of us. As always, stay safe out there my friends, and best of luck to you and yours.

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