Getting your child to put down the video game controller and take out his homework can sometimes turn into a battle of epic proportions.
He will do it later; he is too tired; he can’t find his pen…
An inviting study corner can help jumpstart an afternoon homework habit. Here are tips on how to create a perfect study nook for your child:
Try it out for size.
Make sure the chair is just the right height of your child. It should be comfortable, but not too much that he will end up napping. Some tables are sold with matching seats, but it is still better to try it out for size before making the purchase. Your child should be able to read and write on his desk comfortably.
Make a well-lit study area.
Good lighting is very important. The lack or excess of it can harm the eyes. If it is already well lit, it is not necessary to have a lamp. In this case, make sure your child is not sitting against the light while studying.
A place for everything.
Assign a desk drawer or a storage bin specifically for school supplies. Labeling these helps remind your child where things should go. Also assign a reference area where books and school handouts can be stored. For papers, have a folder or envelope per subject. Don’t forget to label each one and arrange them alphabetically.
Time’s Up!
Experts say that students retain more information if they take a ten-minute break after every 30 to 40 minutes of studying. An alarm clock will not only tell him it’s time for a snack, but will help keep him focused and alert while studying.
Use your planner to mark important school activities.
Tack up a planner for both you and your child. Mark parent-teacher meetings. Use a different-colored ink for his report deadlines and exam schedules. Mark vacations and long weekends too so there is something to look forward to besides schoolwork.
Improvise.
If your child does not have a permanent desk, you should not worry. If the dining table does double duty as a study are,just place the reference and supplies containers nearby. This way, your child doesn’t have to get up every time he needs something. When it is time for dinner, put back the study things into their respective containers and set them aside for the next round of studying.
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