Educational institutions have closed and your preschool or high school children’s brains are (perhaps!) going numb. Or maybe they have received homework from their school. How can you optimize their learning at home?
You can start by creating the best possible study space. It must be functional, practical and stimulating. You don’t know where to start? Follow our guide!
1- Pick a Quiet Spot (If You Can!)
Favour an area far removed from the hustle and bustle. But this can be difficult, especially if you have young, active preschool-aged children. If you can, isolate the little scholars from those who play (and shout!), for example in a closed room. Focused attention is the key to learning effectively.
2- Fill Up on the Sunshine Vitamin
If your home’s configuration allows for it, install the study area near a source of natural light such as a window, patio door or skylight. Or move what you need outside! Taking advantage of the daylight hours and enjoying the sun’s rays will let you soak up those vitamins. If this is not an option for you, just make sure there is enough light to facilitate focused attention, whether it’s a ceiling fixture or a floor lamp.
3- Decor: Colours that Help Them Concentrate
Is your child easily distracted? White, cream, grey, beige and taupe tones are neutral shades that promote concentration since they do not attract the eye. Is your kid lethargic and wants to sleep instead of studying? Dark reds, yellows and greens will help increase their energy level. Conversely, blue is calming. If none of the rooms in your home are in these palettes, you can customize a space with the desired colours by setting it apart with curtains or painted wood panels, or by accessorizing vertical and horizontal surfaces.
4- When Physical Clutter Leads to Mental Clutter!
Some people aren’t bothered by mess, while for others, visual clutter is stressful and distracting. Your little one may be part of that second group, whether they are aware of it or not. A clean, tidy, streamlined room will motivate them to apply themselves to their work.
5- Scavenge a Temporary Work Surface
The kitchen table is not always the ideal place to set up a study area. It is often a turbulent space! If you do not have a work surface in a quiet corner, why not make one that you can install in the perfect spot? And it doesn’t have to be complicated! It can be a wide board fixed onto the wall or an unused bedside table. Walk around your home to see what you can find.
6- Make Ergonomics Your Top Priority!
No matter where you set up your child, the most important thing is that they can adopt an ergonomic body position. They should sit with their legs ideally at 90 degrees, with their back straight or slightly tilted and their elbows at right angles on the work surface. Here’s a tip! You can adjust the height of a chair or table using solid boxes or thick books.
7- Easy and Fun to Use Tools!
Add fun accessories to create an inviting homework area: a cute pencil container, a frog-shaped stapler, storage baskets in various textures, rainbow hooks, etc. It is also important that work tools (pencil, ruler, compass, marker, calculator, etc.) be close at hand: this allows the child to feel that they have access to all they need to successfully complete their assignments. For teenagers, a well-designed area with trendy elements will make them want to get to work.
Everything is now ready for pleasant and successful study sessions!