How to Create a Study Space at Home [Guide for Parents]
- Swarnim Sinha |
- August 29, 2024
Updated By
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In today’s generation, we can access almost everything online or via the internet, and with this recent shift of remote learning, children spend half their time at home.
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child gets a quality education outside the traditional classroom environment.
There are multiple online courses and tutoring platforms to serve your child’s learning needs and preferences that might not be fulfilled in schools. To enhance and upgrade your child’s learning experience, you should know how to create a study space at home. It should be well-equipped, and distraction-free.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Why an own study space important for children?
It is observed that many students like to study in bed in their comfort, but contrary to popular perception, it is not advised at all by experts.
According to Brian Robben’s article “Never Do Homework In Bed: 3 Reasons Why,” published Oct. 1, 2016, a bed is not conducive to starting your child’s study session.
Your brain responds to different spaces differently. For example, your brain, for instance, will work in sync with your tasks when you are at your office desk, but when you are home on your couch, your mind is relatively more relaxed.
Similarly, when you design your child’s study space. Make sure that has enough space and add elements that will encourage them to learn and focus more.
Having specific spaces assigned to activities assists your brain’s ability to draw clear boundaries between different actions of yours, such as working, playing, eating, and relaxing.
Every child has a unique way of learning. For instance, John, a 13-year-old uses electronic devices primarily for learning and completing his homework. On the other hand, Steven, the same age as John, uses them for games and chats.
As a parent, you can try to understand your children’s learning preferences to set up a study space. You can use their color of choice or any color that accelerates learning and productivity for the wall aligned to the study space, the curtains attached to the window, etc.
“Workweek productivity, visual complexity, and individual environmental sensitivity in three offices of different color interiors” authored by Nancy Kwallek talks about how color is related to productivity.
It is not stereotypical to have only one study space in a home. Many learners want a shift in environment while studying, and hence, head outdoors to coffee shop, parks, or any other place of their choice. You can provide your child with more than one study space for a change of mood.
Basic prerequisites for a study space
- Quiet location
- Good lighting
- Desk and chair
- Drawers and shelves
- Minimal distractions
- Stationary (pen, pencil, notebooks, crayons, paper, etc.)
- Temperature control
- Easy water access
How to create an effective study space at home?
Here is a comprehensive list of the top 10 prerequisites for creating a study space for your child:
1. A good table and chair set
Give your child a comfortable and suitable chair and a table to maximize learning. Make sure it is not too comfortable and cozy which can make them feel sleepy. In an online learning setup, students are required to sit for long hours in front of the computer screen or laptop.
The best design for sitting in an arrangement like that is ergonomic chairs. These chairs are designed to support your back and provide comfortable seating.
The table should also be at an appropriate height that ensures your child does not slouch while studying. Make sure the table you choose fits your child’s study supplies. If the child learns online on a laptop, the table should have a steady, sturdy surface.
2. Select a quiet place to eliminate distractions
Find a separate room in your house or any quiet area where you can dedicatedly create a study space. As mentioned earlier, there isn’t a steadfast rule of having only one study space for your child. A child can get exhausted studying in the same space every time.
A quiet place refers to a space aloof from any distractions from household chores, television, and conversational noise. Building a study space in your child’s bedroom is the best option but you can also explore other quiet spaces in and around the house. Discuss the idea with your child and include their suggestions to make the right call.
3. Optimum lighting
Proper lighting is one of the major elements of establishing a study space. It reduces eye strain and improves visibility preventing issues relating to eyes. Make sure to install a bright light that directly throws light on desk space. You can also install a warm-lighted table lamp if necessary.
Make use of natural light as much as possible. If the study space is near a window make sure to have translucent drapes so that your child does not get distracted by the outside views.
4. Arrange the right study materials
Study materials generally include stationeries like a set of pens, pencils, a few notebooks, and other reading materials. Study supplies vary depending on the grade of your child.
If your child is in elementary school, they would require color books and some art supplies. You can also add some flashcards, puzzles, and short story books for basic math and vocabulary.
For middle schoolers, you can get highlighters, notebooks, graphs, a geometry box, and more. For their class projects, you can have binders, and for English classes, give them a dictionary.
A high schooler will also need all the study materials mentioned above with some college preparation books. You can also ask your child before providing supplies if they need them or not, to avoid crowding their study space.
Homeschooled students would require an entire classroom curriculum at home including whiteboards, markers, private tutors, and so on.
5. Personalize the setup
Let your kids add inspiring and motivational things to their study area, such as artwork, motivational quotes, or posters to their liking. Pick stationery that your child will truly enjoy using, such as notepads, pens, pencils, and markers.
The tools your child uses can add a little motivation to learning, even though it might not always be enjoyable. If your child prefers to listen to music while learning rather than in a completely silent environment, then buy a headphones set for them. Customize the study space to reflect your child’s personality so they feel proud to call it their own.
6. Introduce a calendar and a scheduler
An organized routine every day might be monotonous but it keeps you focused and on track. Developing discipline at a young stage will be advantageous for their future prospects.
A calendar gives children a direction and a planner for the whole week or month. This will systematically help in time management.
Young children tend to get disoriented from the tasks assigned to them in school and end up not completing them. Here, parents can help them by creating a scheduler/planner or a timetable. They can prioritize each task based on submissions and the length of the work that is aligned with the school curriculum.
7. Add a plant to your desk
As per the research done by the National Library of Medicine, indoor plants are beneficial for human health functionalities. Moreover, it helps reduce mental health hazards. Introducing aloe vera, snake, and spider plants, on or around students’ desks in a study space will be the best way to reduce stress and anxiety.
If your child experiences challenges while studying for long hours, help them by planting flowers, and greenery around them.
Growing indoor plants also increases productivity while studying. They keep you serene and peaceful so you can do your tasks, schoolwork, or coursework with ease. As a result, putting plants or flowers that fill the space with a pleasant odor will aid your children’s growing minds.
8. Tidy up the desk
A cluttered desk disapproves of learning and gaining knowledge. You do not want your child to waste time searching for their lucky pen to start studying for the day in a heap of other items that are not necessary.
You can provide additional lofts and storage space for them to keep other study supplies off the desk.
Similarly, keeping multiple tabs open on your laptop or computer is equivalent to littering your study desk. Advise children to maintain hygiene while they are working on electronic devices or in dedicated space.
9. For homeschooled students
Dedicated study spaces are one of the most essential parts of homeschooling. Students growing up in a homeschooling environment spend most of their time in a study set-up. They complete their course through online or offline tutoring services, web tutorials, and more.
For homeschooled students, a study space should be designed as their personal classroom. Parents can add different elements important for their learning and productivity, and a strong internet connection. Because of poor internet connectivity, your child can end up missing an entire class, which can lead to a significant lag in the offline and online learning pace.
Some online tutoring services like Wiingy and Khan Academy provide self-paced learning for all school curriculum subjects under one single platform. You can customize your sessions with Wiingy at your convenience if you face any internet issues.
10. Consider technology as an enhancer
A laptop, computer, or mobile phone is a basic necessity for online learners. Most online tutoring services like Wiingy, Wyzant, and Chegg use video conferencing tools, and direct messengers to conduct classes. To have quick access to the best online tutors, technology comes as a boon to students for instant results.
Your child can use an online dictionary, a digital clock or planner, and online notes. This practice enhances your learning experience overall.
Students who study well with music can opt for white noise or classical music. Some music streaming services have stations dedicated to ambient sounds for working and learning.
Parents need to keep a check for young children to not misuse the accessibility of mobile phones or any electronic devices.
Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!
Conclusion
Creating an ideal study space for students and learners is more than just setting up a desk and a chair; it’s about fostering an environment that promotes focus, productivity, and a love for learning. By
considering factors like ergonomics, organization, lighting, and minimizing other distractions you can provide the best study space for your children.
You can help them develop good study habits and a positive attitude towards their education. Incorporating technology wisely can further enhance their study experience, providing access to a wealth of resources and tools that support their learning journey.
Other parent resources
How to Deal with Exam Stress [Guide for students and parents]
Transition from Middle School to High School
Benefits of Afterschool Tutoring
Transition from High School to Middle School
Frequently Asked Questions
How to convert a room into a study room?
To convert a room into a study room, start by choosing a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions. Set up a comfortable desk and ergonomic chair, ensuring the desk has enough surface area for books and a PC.
Add shelves or storage units to keep materials organized and within reach. Use proper lighting, like a desk lamp, to reduce eye strain. Personalize the space with inspiring decor, such as motivational quotes or calming colors, to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages focus and productivity.
Does creating a study space actually help children focus?
Yes, creating a dedicated study space can significantly help children focus. A well-designed study area minimizes distractions and provides a structured environment that signals it’s time for learning. With organized materials, proper lighting, and a comfortable setup, children can concentrate better, develop consistent study habits, and improve their overall academic performance.
What items should be kept in the study room?
A study room should include essential items such as a comfortable desk and ergonomic chair, proper lighting (desk lamp and natural light, if possible), and organized storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and filing cabinets for keeping books, supplies, and papers.
Additionally, it should have necessary study tools such as a computer or laptop, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Personal touches like a bulletin board for important reminders, a clock, and motivational decor can also enhance the study environment.
How to modify the existing space into a study space?
To modify an existing area into an effective study space, start by removing any clutter and organizing the space to create a clean and distraction-free environment. Position a comfortable desk and an ergonomic chair in the area, making sure there is sufficient lighting, whether from a desk lamp or natural light.
Incorporate storage options such as shelves or drawers to keep books, supplies, and papers neatly arranged. Add personal touches with motivational decor like posters or inspirational quotes. Finally, ensure that all essential study tools, including a computer, notebooks, and pens, are easily accessible.
How to maintain your study space?
Maintaining your study space involves regular cleaning and organization. Keep the desk clear of clutter by only keeping essential items within reach and storing other materials in drawers or shelves. Wipe down surfaces and equipment regularly to ensure a clean environment.
Organize supplies and papers in designated areas to avoid disarray. Set up a daily or weekly routine to tidy up the space, and periodically review and remove unnecessary items. Additionally, ensure proper lighting and a comfortable setup to keep the space conducive to focused study sessions.
References
Brian Robben’s article “Never Do Homework In Bed: 3 Reasons Why,” published Oct. 1, 2016, by the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
“Workweek productivity, visual complexity, and individual environmental sensitivity in three offices of different color interiors” authored by Nancy Kwallek from the University of Austin, published in 2007.
Int J Environ Res Public Health by NIH, the US government. Published online on Jun 17, 2022.
