How To Optimize A Homework Space

Now that the new school year is starting up, children across the country are getting back into the swing of studying and homework after school. The environment in which they complete their work can make a huge impact on their academic success, so it is important that the space where they are going to be working is set up accordingly. Whether they are a kindergartner starting school for the first time or a high school senior finishing up, here are some best practices so that they can make the most of their homework time. 

• Minimize distractions: In today’s technology-centered age children are surrounded by more electronics than ever before. It can be easy for them to be sidetracked by phones, tablets, TV's, and more when they are trying to study or complete their homework. To help them stay on track it is important to minimize distractions as much as possible by implementing methods like keeping the study area away from the TV and setting up a quiet area away from speakers or phones. This isn’t always possible because more and more learning is happening on phones and computers, but parental controls are a great option for limiting what children can access during homework time so that they can focus on what they need to do. 

• Get your children’s input: If they feel a sense of ownership over the space then they are much more likely to feel comfortable and productive there. An empty desk in a corner with a stack of books on it can feel dreary and make them want to spend as little time there as possible. To make it more inviting and appealing you can ask them if they have a poster they want to hang up, a favorite plant to add life to the space, or even a fun calendar with their favorite characters on it. These little things add up and will help your children dread homework time less. 

• Be adaptable: As the school year progresses your children’s needs might change. Younger ones may need room for art supplies to do projects while older ones may need room for compasses, calculators, and textbooks. Be sure to reconfigure and revise the space as the year progresses and as they get older from school year to school year. 

If you find that you need more space to accommodate a growing family or if your housing needs are changing, be sure to give us a call! Our team would love to find you a new home, and can even work with you to find a new place in the same school zone so that there isn’t an interruption in your child’s learning.  

For more information about optimizing a homework space in the home, take a look at this article from Forbes.