If you have a school-aged child, then homework is likely a part of the nightly routine. As kids get older, the homework load only seems to grow and get more intense. As a parent, you obviously want to set them up for success, which means providing them with a study space that allows them to be productive.
Here are some tips you can use that will help you to create the perfect study space for them.
Designate a Quiet Area
If the kitchen table or coffee table in the family has been acting as your child’s study space up until this point, it’s time to re-think your set-up. The problem with doing their homework in the common areas of the house is that there are so many distractions. Studying takes focus, and if you want to set them up for success then you need to give them a quiet area where focusing is possible.
While a spare room can work great as a study space, not everyone has that extra space. Instead, look for a quiet nook in your home where you can set up the essentials. Some people even convert closets into a study space that is tucked away. If there is no door to the study space, then everyone in the home has to be respectful that when it is in use, they must not cause distractions.
An Ample Sized Desk
One of the key essentials in the study space is the desk. Likely your child will have textbooks and notebooks for their homework assignments, so be sure to pick a desk with plenty of space. The desk may also need to house a computer or laptop, which means you'll need even more space. Now, if you happen to be working on a tight budget and a desk just seems way too pricey, you can always make your own. You can visit the diyformula.com website for all kinds of ideas and instructions on how to make your own unique desk that can be customized.
Provide Plenty of Lighting
Because kids won't always be studying during the daylight hours, you also need to be sure to provide enough light. Overhead lighting and task lighting are both good ideas. Make sure you go for natural light over fluorescent lights, as it causes less eye strain.
Don’t Forget Storage
Of course, no study space is complete without storage space for books and supplies. You can go with a typical shelving system, or do something a bit more creative such as floating shelves or cubbies. Giving kids a place to keep all their supplies will help them to be more organized and productive.
You’ve Set Them Up for Success
By taking the time to create a designated study space that is well thought out and comfortable, you will be setting your child up for success. Not only that, but you will have created a space your child actually wants to use, making them all the more productive.