How to Set Up a Designated Homework Area

It's back to school time. The school routine has started again and with each grade level comes more homework.
Homework is additional learning time for children. Through homework, they practice what they have learned at school. This additional exposure to the topic or concept helps them learn it and remember it.
A child's learning environment at home is just as important as their environment at school. Setting up a designated homework area ensures that they have what they need to complete the homework and will be free from distractions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basket or container
• Pens and pencils
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape
• Crayons
• Markers
• Plain or loose leaf paper
• Ruler
• Calculator
• Eraser
• Pencil sharpener

1. 
    

   First, find a place in your home to be the designated homework area. It should be mostly free from distractions but close enough for you to help when needed. The kitchen table, dining room table, or a coffee table in the family room may work well.

2. 
    

   Next, use a basket or plastic container for the homework supplies. We often buy supplies for school but forget that kids need those same items to complete homework. Put the basket or container in a place where kids can get it when they need it.

3. 
    

   Set up the rules. Be clear when explaining the expectations for homework time. You may include designated homework times, distractions, TV and music use, phone use, noise level, and break times.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up homework times according to you and your family's schedule. Many kids have after school activities; however, these should not interfere with homework completion.
• Explain the expectations for homework time to all family members. Most students complain about distractions from siblings when they are trying to do homework.
• Remember homework time is learning time. Many kids do not like homework. Showing kids it is important may give them a positive outlook on it.