5 Ways to Make Your Home a Learning-Friendly Zone

Kids need a place to soak up all the knowledge of the universe without distractions. Here’s how to make your home a homework haven for even the youngest learner.

Keep It Neat and Organized
Just like it’s difficult for you to work in a cluttered environment, your children’s productivity will also suffer with disorganization. Their workspace should be clean and tidy. You can achieve this by adding a cable holder to corral any wayward cords, keeping a trashcan within reach, and adding a few fun decorations that your kids will want to see and hence will be more inclined to keep their view free and clear of clutter.

Create a Reading Nook
Encouraging your child to read is the single most important thing you can do to bolster their academic skills. Not only does opening a book expose children to new things, but it will also help them refine their understanding of the world. Reading further boosts creativity and imagination, which are important components for problem-solving. Give your child a dedicated “reading nook” where he or she can retreat with a good book. According to HomeAdvisor, this space should feature natural light as well as ample room to relax and get comfortable. Privacy is also important, so make sure your child’s reading corner is sectioned off from the rest of the home. If space is a premium, you can always use curtains or room partitions. A small bookcase will ensure everyone has ample room to store their favorite literary masterpieces. Check out The Children’s Book Review for ideas on reading materials for kids of all ages.

Ensure Your Child Has Access to Everything They Need
When it’s time to settle in for classwork or homework, make sure your child has the tools they need to succeed. It is not simply enough to have a few notebooks, a box of crayons, and a handful of pencils, although these items are certainly important. Scholastic recommends keeping an arsenal of supplies for regular school work, a calculator for math assignments, and plenty of supplies on hand for arts, crafts, and science projects. If your child does work online, provide them with high-speed internet access and a color printer.

Choose Your Space Wisely
When it comes to where your child will do the work, location is key. Pam Myers of the Child Development Institute explains that some kids thrive in the middle of the action, such as the kitchen table. Others will need a place where they aren’t bothered. If your child is easily distracted, it may be best to keep them pointed away from the window so they can’t see their friends playing outside when they are supposed to be finishing their homework. Make sure their space is large enough to spread out and encourage them to work independently.

Ask for Your Child’s Input
Once you’ve decided on a location and have taken care of organization, don’t neglect to ask your child for their opinion. After all, this is their workspace. Giving your children the power to make some decisions will teach responsibility and encourage self-discovery. Giving them choices will build confidence and ensure they know their voice is heard. You never know what insight your child will bring that will make his or her workspace better for their needs, and that’s the entire point of providing a dedicated area for learning.

With a few minor tweaks to your space, you can make a distraction-free zone where your kids will be able to focus on the task at-hand. Academic success doesn’t take a huge investment, just some time, planning, and an out-of-the-way corner.

guest post by Susan Good from retirededucator.org

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