How to organize a child's room for better homework conditions
Most children don’t come home from school each day eager to sit down at their desk and finish their homework. How your child’s room and desk are set up can make a big difference in helping them focus on the work at hand. Organization certainly is not the single answer to encouraging students to work diligently on their work, but it at least prevents the frustration of not being able to find what they need.
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Instructions
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Choose a desk that is the appropriate size for your child but also allows for growing room. Your child’s elbows should reach the desk when bent without your child leaning down. Decide whether shelves or drawers would be useful at this stage in his or her education. Children in lower elementary grades typically do not have extra books or notebooks to bring home with them. Older students require additional textbooks and materials for daily homework and projects.
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Find a chair that is compatible with the desk but also comfortable for your child. Most computer desk chairs will go up and down, allowing your child to choose the right height.
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Avoid distractions. Position your child’s desk so that it is not in the middle of the action. This doesn’t mean he or she needs to sit in the corner, but windows and doors may provide too many temptations that draw your child’s attention away from his or her work. Find an area that works well within the room, considering where your child will face.
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Minimize clutter. Desktops are magnets for extra papers and toys. Introduce a rule to prevent this unnecessary pile-up. Set aside a specific place for any papers or other materials, whether it be a separate drawer or a desktop tray. Keep a cup for pencils, sharpeners and rulers.
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Maintain good lighting around your child’s desk. Some overhead fixtures may emit plenty of light, while other arrangements may necessitate desk or reading lamps. Consider your child’s preferences here – some children may work better with the more focused lighting from desk lamps.
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Keep supplies at hand. Make sure there are plenty of sharpened pencils, working pens and other items your child might need within close reach of the desk.
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Tips & Warnings
Let your child help you choose the desk, chair and/or supplies. Choosing what they like will help keep them interested in using their study space.
