After a full summer of fun and freedom, it can be hard for kids to settle back into routines and desks, even harder still when it comes to focusing on homework. We know from Building Homework Habits that setting up a spot to work on homework is key. Even if your kids are just starting kindergarten, having a functional space to work on projects, printing, and even colouring is a great idea.
By using a peg board and containers, your creative homework space doesn’t even need to take up much room:
Or, if you already have a play space, incorporate small work areas within it, like the little table and paper roll in this room.
If you already have a home office space, why not incorporate the homework area within it. Set-up designated areas for your work and your child’s homework area.
A long workspace can be flexible to your needs also. This long desk can either function as two work areas as shown, a collaborative area (should your child need help on a problem), and even a larger workspace, taking over the whole desk area, for larger projects.
If your child is easily distracted by others, you can create some separation between workspaces by setting the desks on opposite sides of the wall, with a common storage area in the middle.
Perhaps you don’t have room for a dedicated homework area. If you have your dining room doing double duty, create a storage area in the space where kids can get the supplies they need and store the work they’re not completed. This keeps your dining room area clean while still providing a fun and organized work pace for the kids. This simple wall space for the kids’ school supplies has been tied together with a scholarly map theme and would look great in any room in the house.
Whatever your storage solution for the kids’ supplies, you can make it fit within the feel of your multipurpose room, like these simple wire baskets shelved against the wall in this room. Each child can have their own basket with the contents are hidden and the central caddy can hold supplies everyone will use. You just need to remove it when you’re setting the table for dinner.
Fitting a homework space in unused nooks and crannies of a room is also a great idea. Just remember, these nooks can be dark so ensure there is enough light to work in. Natural light is always nice to work in, near a window or under a skylight as in this homework area, but artificial light will be needed, as the days get shorter.
You can also create separation between a living space and the homework area without the use of physically walls. These sliding doors keep the room looking airy when the homework space isn’t being used but can easily be closed to allow your child to focus and avoid distractions from others. The opaque material also allows light to filter into both rooms.
Siblings can present a problem when it comes to adding a homework space. Ideally you want everyone to work on their homework together, in a room where you can monitor their progress and be handy to help as needed. But each child has its own study and storage needs. Creating separate areas enables them to create their own personalized space, not to be touched by siblings.
Children may not love the fact that they have to do homework, but creating an inviting and organized homework space makes the task easier.