Creating an Effective Home Classroom Environment

The classroom is often viewed as the best place for students to learn. However it is important to remember that the learning experience does not end when the student leaves the classroom. Kids will come home with projects, homework and essential studying to complete. A home study area or or homework station creates a dedicated and supportive space for your kids to learn while at home. Check out our school success webinar below for more great ideas.

Homework stations have multiple benefits for kids and parents who use them:

• A quiet area to focus, free of distractions (No Phone Zone for older kids!)
• Space to spread out work and tackle it piece by piece
• Easy to organize
• Helps to ensure communications from school are reviewed and homework assignments get completed
• Gives parents an area to keep and store items like backpack, books, paper etc.  
• Fosters organization and study habbits
• Keep an eye on your kids and monitor their effectiveness

Here are 3 key aspects you need to develop an effective study station or homework area. 

Organization

Organization is a key to success in any area. Having your materials properly sorted, and placed in their storage location makes sure they are easy to find when they are needed. Bins, trays and containers offer quick and easy storage to help keep your kids organized and effective. Organizers are available in a variety of types, styles and colours so your kids can customize their learning space to meet their personality. 

Tiny Tub Caddies (left) are great for desk top organization while organizers like the Chalkboard Bright basket and book bin (right) are useful all over the house. 

Schedule

Keeping kids heads up with their schedule is great to keep them focused on the tasks at hand. Pocket charts (right) and calendars are great for weekly and monthly tasks, and can be filled up with projects, field trips and special day reminders. 

It is important to remember that even too much of a good thing can have a negative effect on productivity. Timers (left) offer a heads up solution to help kids manage their study and play times through out the day.

Environment

One of the most important things to remember when creating a homework station is creating a positive environment that is conducive to focus and work.  Proper lighting and comfortable furniture is important, but it is also important to allow your kids to decorate their space and make it their own. Posters and bulletin boards give your kids a chance to express their own personal attitude, or showcase their accomplishments. The addition of your kids favourite fidget tool like some Thinking Putty (below) is also a great way to allow for self expression, while helping them to improve their focus during study time. 

And there you have it! By considering these three key areas you can help create a fun and effective homework station for your kids!

Set Your Children Up for School Success Webinar

With back to school behind us, it is time to get organized. Make your young children’s transitions to new environments, classrooms, teachers, or first time attending school less stressful. We will explore strategies that you can use to manage your children’s busy schedule and get their homework done without a fight.