If you’ve got school-aged kids, then you’ve probably had to deal with getting your kids to do their homework. Creating a successful homework station for kids can be a crucial part of their success at school.
With four kiddos of my own going to school next year and one starting high school (eek!), it’s an absolute must for me!
I’ve got some great tips today that will help you to create a homework station so your kids can develop good homework habits.
I taught elementary school for seven years so I’ve learned a few things along the way. I’m excited to share these practical tips with you!
How to Create a Homework Station for Kids
Location location location-
You’ll want to choose a place for the homework station that is quiet enough for your child to concentrate. Avoid distractions like the tv, or anything else that might take your child’s attention away from their work.
Knowing your child is an important factor in choosing location. If your child is easily distracted, then a quiet area in his or her room might be the best place for homework. If a little noise doesn’t distract your child, then they might be fine at a desk or work area in the living room or kitchen where there’s more activity.
You also want their homework station to be somewhat centrally located so that you can keep an eye on your child and make sure they’re staying on task. Be nearby so that if your child has a question, needs some extra help, or is getting frustrated, you can be there to help and cheer them on!
The Essentials-
A desk and a comfortable chair are all essential elements of a successful homework station.
With technology playing such a huge role in education these days, a computer is also crucial, especially for the older kids, since practically everything my older kids have to do for school is done online.
You’ll want a multi-tasking computer so your kids can conduct research for projects, check their grades, type up papers, create presentations, and so much more.
Keep it Organized-
A clean, organized work space is helpful and makes it easier for kids to focus on their work.
Use jars, trays, caddies, boxes, and more to organize school supplies. Kids will be much more likely to use their homework station if it’s neat and tidy and inviting… just like us adults, right? 😉
If space allows, installing a backpack hook or two is a great way to keep the backpacks from being tossed on the floor when the kids get home from school.
If the backpack hooks are near the homework station then it gives them easy access to their work and any supplies from their backpacks that they might need.
Comfort is Key-
If your child feels more comfortable and happy in their homework area, then it makes sense that they’ll want to stay there longer.
Add any comforts that your child may enjoy, such as a pillow for their back while working at their desk, a throw blanket if it’s a cold day and they want to be cozy and warm, etc.
If you use essential oils, a diffuser diffusing a scent that encourages concentration and productivity can also be helpful.
Make sure the homework area has enough light. Whether it’s natural light from a nearby window or a good desk lamp, lighting is crucial to avoid eye strain and to make it easier for your child to read and work and be successful.
Stock Your Space-
Think about everything your child will need to complete their homework throughout the year, and stock up the homework station with those things.
Supplies like pencils, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens, crayons, rulers, calculators, paper, and more are all on sale right now for back to school, so it’s a great time to stock up!
Brain Food-
My kids come home from school absolutely STARVING! It’s almost as if they hadn’t eaten ALL day, despite the fact that they ate breakfast and had a big lunch only two hours before. Please tell me my kids aren’t the only ones who do this?
Whether you let them eat at their homework station or not, be sure to give your kids a snack so they can focus on their work instead of how hungry they are.
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas on creating a successful homework station for your kids.
By choosing a great location, providing the right supplies, tools, and snacks, keeping their work area organized and comfortable, and displaying your child’s best work, you’ll be setting your child up for doing great work this year!
What are your best tips for getting your kids to do their homework and setting up a good work space for them? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear!
