Hi everyone,
Having a good area to get homework and study done is not only important for their education but also for their time management, organisation, and concentration skills.
Today, I’m going to look at the different environmental factors that you will need to create a good place for your children to do their homework or study.
- The Desk
- Space
- Light
- Supplies
The Desk:
Let’s start with a desk discussion! Everyone loves the idea of having a desk in each child’s bedroom. And while that works for some kids, a lot of them – particularly younger children – prefer to work at the table so that they’re closer to the family. So if you’re thinking that a desk is the solution, think again. Will they really get more work done in their bedrooms? Would they need to ask questions to get through the homework? Will the desk become another surface to dump things on? I think the time for a desk is coming to Junior Cert year, I don’t think it works before then.
And if you do decide to get a desk, is the bedroom the spot for it? Perhaps there’s somewhere else in the house that would be more conducive to study. Where would the student like the desk? They are the ones using it after all!
Space:
Whether you decide to go with a desk or not, space to spread out is important to bare in mind. So if you get a desk, don’t fill it up with books, or magazines files, or pen holders. They need space to spread their books and copies as they’re working with them. This might seem really insignificant, but it’s not. Even from a posture point of view, a clear space to work is good ergonomically. If they are working on a computer, it’s best that their elbows are supported by the desk, so therefore the computer will be pushed out from them the length from hand to elbow. This prevents repetitive strain injury. So whether at a desk, or a table, factor in space.
Light:
Again a really important factor. Make sure that the table or desk they are working at has good light. It’s less strenuous on the eyes. It also plays a part in organisation. No matter where I’m organising – from a desk to a kitchen cupboard, I always check the light situation – it’s just less strain all round.
Supplies:
Having all the supplies to hand, for each child, will make getting through the work that much easier. It will also keep their paperwork, books and copies more organised.
The supplies can either be placed on or near the desk – within arms reach. Or you can create a supply caddy that can travel around the house with the student depending on where he/ she decides to do the work.
These supplies are for the student – not the family in general. Unless you have a super neat and tidy family, when multiple people are using the supplies then there’s a greater chance of items getting lost and not put back. Then you’re back to square one with your student hopping up and down looking for things. So have supplies for the family separate to those of the student.
There’s loads more Homework station and stationery caddy ideas in one of our Pinterest posts. If you missed it, check out the great ideas here.
Happy Organising!
