Between homework, projects and preparing for upcoming assignments, students spend a fair amount of time studying at home. This makes setting up an at-home study space a must. Before you get started, make sure you have a solid plan for addressing all the basics. Here’s how to create the ultimate study space for your child at home:
Choose a Distraction-Free Zone
The first step in creating an at-home study space is choosing where it will be. To ensure your child can focus, set it up in a quiet room with minimal distractions. If your child has to use a computer for school, make sure this is the only screen in the room. TVs, cellphones and tablets should be off and away from your child’s study area. You should also choose a space that’s not a common gathering spot or a walkway to minimize disruptions. The corner of a bedroom, office or spare room usually works well.
Prioritize Comfort
Once you’ve picked a good room to set up your child’s study space, make it comfortable! Place a nice-sized table at an appropriate height with a comfortable, ergonomic desk chair that helps them maintain good posture. Their desk should be large enough to fit all of their supplies without feeling crammed, and their chair should have a back to prevent them from slouching. If their homework involves heavy reading, consider setting up a reading nook with a comfortable chair, side table and overhead lamp.
Ensure Good Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects when designing a study space for your child. Poor or dimly lit spaces make it difficult for children to see, increasing eye strain and reducing focus. However, a bright, well-lit space enhances their focus and often helps them be more productive. Natural light is the best option, since it’s a mood booster. If you can, set up their study space in front of or near a window. If this isn’t possible, ensure the room is well-lit and that they have a lamp on their desk.
Keep it Stocked and Organized
What’s a study space without the right supplies? The supplies your child will need depend on their grade and what they prefer to use. As a general rule, keep plenty of paper, pencils, pens, erasers and highlighters. They may also need items like scissors, glue, markers and colored pencils for creative projects. Whatever supplies they need, make sure their study space is consistently stocked. The less they have to break their focus to get up and find a supply they need, the better. Don’t forget to keep a few healthy snacks nearby!
Along with having all the necessary supplies, your child also needs a way to organize them. Place pen cups, stackable trays, drawers or shelves near your child’s study space so they can keep their supplies tidy. To help them stay on track with their assignments, use whiteboards, bulletin boards or planners to write out their tasks.
Decorate and Personalize
Now that all of the necessities have been handled, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! This is the chance to personalize your child’s study space to match their style. Choose decorations in their favorite colors and themes to set on their desks, or fun posters and family photos to hang on the walls. This is also the perfect time to incorporate faith-based decor like statues and crosses. You can even set their Bible close by to encourage individual Bible study time.
Involve Your Child
When creating a study space for your child, make sure to involve them throughout each step in the process. When choosing the right area, ask them in which room they’re most comfortable and focused. When stocking supplies, ask them which supplies they need and use the most. Include them in picking and setting out decorations when it’s time to personalize their space. Involving your child in setting up their study space not only makes it fun, but it also helps them make it their own. When they have a choice in how their space is set up, they’re more likely to want to spend time there.
Thriving in school involves being set up for success at home. With these tips, you can create the ultimate at-home study space for your child where they can dedicate time and focus to their studies. St. Charles Borromeo is a Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando that’s committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
