How At-Home Learning Can Benefit Many Children

We all learn differently. This is why it is crucial for education programs to be accessible for those with varying academic, physical and social needs — including those who benefit from the option to learn from home.

While the COVID-19 pandemic initiated a shift to virtual learning in many cases, some families have found at-home programs to be beneficial for their children even after classrooms have once again opened.

At the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF), we want all children to have a comfortable, accessible and fun-filled experience while exploring hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in our education programs. This includes our in-person Camp Invention^® and at-home Camp Invention Connect^® K-6 summer camps.

Meeting Diverse Learning Needs

At-home education programs can be an ideal option for children with a variety of learning styles. Many children who commonly experience shyness and/or anxiety might find learning from home a more comfortable and confidence-boosting option. Others may find it easier to focus when they work independently or at their own pace.

Neurodivergent children include a wide range of learners who think, learn or behave differently than what is considered neurotypical. While an in-person camp experience is beneficial for many neurodivergent learners, at-home learning can also be a helpful method for inclusion and accessibility of programming. This includes children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children of all learning styles deserve equitable, accessible experiences, and for some, this means having the ability to learn from home, at their own pace and in their preferred ways.

This is demonstrated in an NPR story highlighting two students with ADHD who have shown success with online learning. Though one of the students had some in-school accommodations while learning in person, they have found that being at home has allowed them to accommodate their own needs — whether that means taking a break, channeling their focus without distractions or walking around to release some energy.

The American Psychological Association also discusses the merits of at-home learning for students with varying learning needs. Reducing distractions by working in an individual or small group setting can improve focus for some learners with ADHD, ASD and anxiety. As these children begin to manage their own learning time and pace, they can take control of their own academic success.

Offering Accessibility With Camp Invention Connect

NIHF’s nationwide, at-home Camp Invention Connect program is designed for all curious kids entering grades K-6.

Each summer, this program introduces children to four all-new, exciting experiences, each containing unique challenges intended to turn them into confident, creative problem solvers at a comfortable, individualized pace.

All camp materials are shipped directly to each child in their own Innovator’s Toolkit. Campers can enjoy a self-led experience with a step-by-step activity guide and Inventor Log and follow-along videos, or they can choose to join virtual sessions led by a qualified educator, held multiple times each day. If the online sessions become overwhelming, or if a child prefers more open-ended exploration, virtual participation is not required. However, kids who choose to join our online sessions enjoy the added benefits of having time to socialize, brainstorm and build friendships with other campers!

Learn More

To find additional information on Camp Invention Connect, and to sign up your own young innovator, we invite you to visit our website.