How to Create an Effective Home Study Space for Your Kids
It can be challenging to keep kids focused when they are engaging in e-learning or homeschooling. To support their learning, creating an appealing and efficient home study space is essential. A dedicated home study space will not only help provide an area where focused learning can take place, but it will also increase productivity.
Here are seven tips to help you create a practical home study space for your kids.
Find an ideal location
One of the most critical aspects of creating a learning-friendly study space at home is choosing a location that is conducive to learning. If you have a spare room, this could be an ideal space. Alternatively, consider converting an area of an existing room into a study space, preferably away from couches and beds. Wherever you choose, it should be a space that can be dedicated to studying and is away from noise and foot traffic in your home.
Invest in suitable furniture
If a study space is to be effective, it needs to be comfortable, but not so comfortable your child falls asleep. Choose a desk that has enough space to meet your kids’ study needs. It should be able to accommodate a laptop/computer, as well as notebooks and other study supplies which they might require. Equally important is a suitable chair.
“The chair should fit the height of the desk,” says Anthony Cort, a writer at StateOfWriting and OXessays. “Ideally, the desk should be at waist height; your child should be able to place their feet flat on the floor and rest their elbows on the desk without needing to hunch over. A good chair will also help to support their posture and prevent back pain.”
Use adequate lighting
A useful study space should be well lit, preferably with as much natural light as possible. However, if the study area is near a window, make sure that this doesn’t become a source of distraction. Proper lighting is essential, not only to prevent drowsiness, but also to reduce strain on your child’s eyes.
Ensure that there is a small desk lamp nearby to help better light their immediate study area. A larger lamp or an overhead light can then be used to light the rest of the room. It’s also a good idea to adjust the screen contrast and brightness on the computer/laptop screen.
Equip the space with all the necessary supplies
A home study space should be equipped with all the things your kids might need to complete their studies with minimum disruption. Ensure that they have all the equipment they might need close to hand. This includes notebooks, pencils and pens, highlighters, calculators, and so on. With so much learning online, it’s also imperative to ensure that there is a charger nearby so that your child’s study isn’t suddenly interrupted by a dying laptop battery.
Come up with an organization strategy
A tidy, clutter-free study space will be more inviting and effective. Keep the area organized by investing in some drawers, boxes, or organizers. Involve your child in choosing these and use it as an opportunity to bond. If space is an issue, consider vertical storage options, including shelves. Add some color to the area by allowing your kids to choose colorful organizers or pencil holders, making the space feel more engaging. A bulletin board with a wall calendar can be a good idea for keeping track of due dates.
Limit distractions
Even if the study area has been well designed and all the necessary supplies are close to hand, study can still be impeded by distractions, particularly from the TV and other devices. Make sure that the study space is a dedicated study zone. Avoid letting your kids do anything other than studying when they’re in the space to help them get into the learning mindset.
“To minimize distractions, ensure that the TV is turned off and that all devices are either off or set to silent or airplane mode. Similarly, make sure all phones are put away during designated study time. You can install app blockers on kids’ phones to prevent social media apps from being accessed during their study time,” says Kimberly Eaton, an educator at Essayroo and Paper Fellows.
Personalize the space
Even though the home study space is for dedicated learning, adding some personal touches can help make it feel much more inviting and will help your child feel motivated. Together with your child, choose some inspirational quotes, photos of family or friends, or even a poster or some artwork that they like. Make this an area they enjoy being in to help encourage them during their studies.
Conclusion
Studying from home requires dedication and discipline. However, a well-located, well-lit study space that’s free from distractions and well stocked with all the necessary supplies can help to increase your child’s chances of success. Personalizing the space will allow them to feel motivated, and the study space will become an area where they enjoy spending time learning.
Don’t forget that we also have a resource dedicated to creating the perfect home office.
Katherine Rundell is a successful remote writer at Custom Essay and Personal Statement Writing Service, where she regularly shares home design tips and suggestions with her readers, including ways to maximize small spaces. She is also a manager at Boomessays. When not writing, Katherine enjoys spending time reading and attending writing conferences.