Creating a Homework Nook

Just mention the word “homework” and parents (and children) all over the land let out a collective groan. But getting a handle on homework doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little thought and preparation you can turn the homework woes into productive home study time by creating a unique homework nook in your house.

Historically Speaking
Homework areas have undergone significant changes in recent years. In the past, a desk placed in the corner of basement or the dining room table was considered a “perfect” homework spot. Today, computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and the Internet are dramatically changing the face of where children do their homework. Because of advancements in technology, that little desk, with its chrome lamp and single file drawer, isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Your child’s homework space depends on the size of your home and your child’s particular requirements. Do they like a stiff chair or a comfy one? What type of desk best suits their needs? And what location would minimize distractions and maximize productivity?

“When it comes to creating a homework area, experiment to see what type of set-up works best for your child’s homework habits,” says Stacy DeBroff, chief executive officer of Mom Central, Inc. and author of The Mom Book Goes To School. “Most importantly, make sure your child’s study area is free of distracting clutter,” DeBroff says. “A neat workplace sets the tone for serious studying and allows your child to spread out their work.”

Let There Be Light
Unless the need for a family computer draws them out, many kids prefer to do homework in their rooms, although not necessarily at a desk. Some kids like to snuggle into pillows to study; others prefer to spread everything out on the floor. Wherever they study, a prerequisite should be good task lighting.

When selecting a desk lamp, make sure the arm is long enough and flexible enough to shine light where you need it and out of your way when you don't need it. Consider lighting products that feature "full spectrum" capabilities, which provides illumination that is very close to natural lighting, and helps to reduce eyestrain when reading.

Use Bold Color
Adding color to a space makes it more visually interesting and engaging: for example, EXPO dry erase products allow kids to write in color and conceptualize in color. Also, bright paint on the walls or colorful seat cushions can make the space more desirable for kids to hang out in.

Organization Is Key
Regardless of the size of your homework space, it is important to pare down the clutter and keep only the basics on hand. Adding personal “cubbies,” hooks and shelves for kids will keep them organized and keep your space clean. Creating filing areas for new assignments, paper, books and reference materials really makes a difference in the look and feel of the space as well as your child’s productivity.

The homework nook should also include an easy to use, brightly colored calendar system for long-term projects. Science projects and term papers can’t be done overnight. Help children set up specific goals for such long-term assignments.

Personalize the Space
One of the easiest ways to help engage a child in a learning atmosphere is to make them feel like they are contributing to it. Be sure to create a place to showcase great work—adding a bulletin board or magnet board—and allowing kids to decorate with their favorite assignments and artwork. You can also paint their names on their chairs or bookshelves.

[BOXOUT] Homework Shirt
Ken Haller, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and a pediatrician at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, suggests kids start the school year by picking out a homework shirt—a simple item of clothing to wear that gets them in the mood to hit the books.

“There are a lot of examples in life when you dress a certain way to tackle a given task. You frequently dress formally to go to a wedding. Athletes wear uniforms to play their sport. As so many kids are on the run, putting on a special shirt to do homework is a concrete reminder that it’s time to hit the books, even if they’re sitting at their sister’s soccer game,” Haller says. Haller first heard of the idea of wearing special homework garb during a psychology class in medical school.

He suggests selecting one homework shirt to wear during study sessions for the entire school year or until the child outgrows it. Wash it on weekends.