Providing your child with a dedicated space for schoolwork will go a long way in supporting their academic progress, particularly as it will show them how much you prioritise their education. If they know you care about their schooling, the harder they are likely to try. What’s more, having a special place for studying will help them get into the zone and truly concentrate on what they are doing. While we’re not all lucky enough to have a home office or spare room, there may be a nook or corner somewhere that you could utilise. Here are some tips for setting up the perfect study space for your child, from a secondary school in Bristol.
First of all, you should consider the lighting. Natural lighting is best for productivity as human beings are innately wired to work during the day, so try and set up near a window if possible. This will also help reduce the likelihood of things like eye strain and headaches. If artificially light is the only option, encourage your child to take regular breaks to rest their eyes.
As well as the lighting, you should carefully consider the furniture. The desk and chair should be an appropriate height so that your child is comfortable. Their arms should be at a 90-degree angle from the chair to the desk and they shouldn’t be hunched over. If you’re not careful with your furniture selection, your child could end up with some serious aches and pains. You should also consider the storage; does the desk have drawers where your child can store their books and stationery? If not, you should consider installing a shelf or perhaps just investing in some plastic boxes that can be stacked neatly. If your child isn’t able to clear away their clutter, they’ll find it difficult to focus and may even misplace things.
Try to add some personal touches to the study space and perhaps even allow your child to join in with some of the design elements, if they’re old enough. You should also make sure that the space is free from distractions so that your child can truly concentrate. If they can see their PlayStation from the corner of their eye or hear someone watching TV in the next room, they are more likely to race through their schoolwork so that they can get back to the fun stuff, but this will not benefit their education.