Now that the kids are back in school, are you struggling at homework time? Perhaps you need a game plan for after school studying. Here are some tips on how to get started on setting up a homework station.
PICK THE RIGHT SPOT
Choose a location in the home for work and study. It needs be a quiet escape. Ideally, it could be their room, a study, basement office, attic office or even a secluded kitchen nook. Ask your kids for their ideas and incorporate as many of them as possible. This will help get their buy-in so they’ll use it more. Include favorite colors and posters, as well as educational items like maps, globes, books, art supplies, computers, printers, chalkboards/dry erase boards and calendars.
GET IT TOGETHER FOR COMFORT
Clean up the clutter. Remove toys and items they’ve outgrown. Paint the study area their favorite color. Up the comfort by putting down an area rug. A blanket rack for displaying cozy throws is another great idea, so they can keep warm during long winter nights. Providing adequate lighting is important, too. Use floor lamps, pendant lights and desk lamps to brighten things up. These help prevent eyestrain and headaches.
FURNISH IT
Set the scene with a desk or table. The bigger the better―kids need lots of room to work. Add bookshelves, file cabinets and storage bins for keeping supplies organized and within reach. Decorate the walls. Include a wall clock, decorative canvas prints and a corkboard for pinning A+ work, photos and more. You can accent the work surface with a small plant, photo frame and a favorite souvenir. Finish it off with a comfortable chair with ergonomic features.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Once the homework station is ready, turn your focus to an area where you can keep organized and up-to-date on their progress. That will be the next project!