Back to school. Whether you’re a parent who loves or loathes this time of year, it’s inescapable. Beyond back-to-school shopping, creating a study-friendly environment in your house is important to your child’s academic success.
Since most households with school-age children were forced to homeschool in some form or another during the pandemic, you probably have gotten a head start, but even though your children may be returning to an onsite classroom, retaining some form of homeschool space shows the value you place on their education. Here are some ways to create designated study spaces.
1. Choose a spot and stick with it. Depending on the layout and size of your home, this could be a corner in your kitchen, a desk in your bedroom, or a home office. Make sure the area is quiet and free from distractions as much as possible.
2. Keep noise-canceling headphones or earplugs nearby to minimize disturbances.
3. Make sure the desk and chair are compatible and are both at a comfortable height to avoid fatigue and/or pain. Keep in mind that your child’s laptop, keyboard, and mouse should be ergonomically set up. Teach your child (and remind yourself) about healthy workplace posture.
4. Lighting should be bright so your child can focus. Natural light from windows is great, but not always available. Overhead lighting should mimic daylight but shouldn’t be the only form of light in a home office environment. Task lighting should also be available and always be direct, intense illumination.
5. Stock up on school supplies and keep them plentiful to avoid unnecessary delays in getting to work.
Here’s a list to get you started.
- Paper
- Notebook
- Graph
- Poster board
- Printer
- Cardstock
- Post-it notes
- Binders
- Paper cutter
- Hole punch
- Stapler and staples
- Glue sticks
- Paperclips
- Binder clips
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Colored pencils
- Highlighters
- Magic markers
- Crayons
- Pens in different colors
- Sharpies
- Tape
- Printer ink
- Rulers
- Scissors
- File folders
- Calculator
6. Keep supplies organized. Cabinets, shelving, wall-mounted organizers such as storage pockets, over-the-door organizers, under-the-bed storage – choose a clear system and make sure you and your child stick with it.
7. Mount a calendar to the wall. A large wall calendar can also serve as a family communication center, keeping everyone informed of important deadlines, meetings, practices, events, vacations, etc.
8. Decorate the area with a few inspiring pieces of artwork based on what will be appealing and motivating to your child.
9. Create a snack station and keep it supplied with healthy choices. Water bottles, juice boxes, fruit, crackers, etc.
10. Keep a bulletin board and/or refrigerator space open for prized student work. Rotate out the celebrated achievements so they know you are supportive and aware.
11. Keep a charging station available in the kitchen or other “public” spot. Establish limits on phone use. During study and sleeping hours, make sure your child’s phone is in your sight and charging.
12. Check your internet connection and make sure it’s particularly strong in your home’s designated study area.
13. Limit screen time (watching television, playing video games, using social media). Encourage your child to find other activities to do such as playing outside and spending face-to-face time with family.
14. Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule. According to the American Optometric Association, for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a digital device – including a computer screen – you should look at something else that is 20 feet away for a period of 20 seconds.
15. Establish good bedtime habits and a consistent sleeping schedule.
Improving your child’s productivity and focus at home will help with their success at school. By making it clear that you are working to create a space that is both comfortable and conducive to learning, it will be clear to them that you highly prioritize their academic achievements.
