How to Create the Ideal Kids Homework and School Work Station at Home

As parents head into another season of remote learning, many are wondering how they can optimize the at-home schooling experience. Round one was a little haphazard, but now we have a heads up to prepare and make at-home learning more effective and less stressful than it was during the beginning of the pandemic. One way to do this is to create a dedicated kids station for studying, school work, and homework. Parenting and education expert Karen Aronian, Ed.D., a former NYC public school teacher with an education doctorate from Teachers College, shares some great ideas about how best to customize your home for your kids’ learning.

Dr. Aronian’s advice comes from a central concept: “Homes are designed for adults. So, consider what amount of space you are offering to your child and their interests.” Every learning space should be intentional and inspirational, she says. “When the wallpaper gets old, it’s time to redo it.” The space should be an invitation to kids and should combine comfort, function, and interest.

Picking a Designated Homework and School Work Space

Any room can be the designated study hall, Dr. Aronian says. However, it’s very important to pick a quiet spot without any distractions like TV, devices of any sort, and toys. Dr. Aronian urges families in small apartments to consider unlikely spaces like an entryway or bathroom.

Make the workspace unique to the student.

“Tell your kids that it’s their spot to do their work,” says Lisa Sugarman, a nationally syndicated opinion columnist and parenting expert. “Giving your kids ownership of their homework area is a really big deal to a kid. Next, always make sure to help them get invested in the space by encouraging them to help shop for the items they’d like and then set it up and get it organized together.” Consider decorative items like a colorful accent rug, bookends, a funky desk lamp, paintings, pictures, and anything that may match your child’s personality. Dr. Aronian also recommends adding timers or fidget toys to the mix.

Another useful decoration: academic visuals—ask your kids’ teachers for specifics about the curriculum and then hang up learning tools such as multiplication tables or word lists. Other important visuals are schedules and calendars that can be on the wall or on a whiteboard. Feel free to tack up some teacherly tips or uplifting quotes, too. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way—both for the kids who are studying and the parents who are giving their all to make at-home learning work.

Dr. Aronian also emphasizes the importance of natural daylight and recommends kids to sit near a window (preferably open to let in a little briskness). She also recommends headphones, noise machines, or focus music, and lots of fresh air.

By hanging up a corkboard for your kids to pin papers, reminders, and a calendar, you’re keeping important information within sight. “This is a space that should be within reach of their desk so they can easily add [or] remove important items on a regular basis,” says Annie Draddy, a professional organizer and co-founder of Henry & Higby, a professional organizing company in New York City. “It can also give them a chance to decorate and personalize their space—and maybe even sketch out a dream board, which will hopefully inspire them to keep using it!”

Corkboard Pick: Zig Zag Cork Board, $12.99

Select a good desk chair.

The goal here: to select a desk chair that’s as comfortable as it is supportive. “You don’t want a lousy chair to be the reason that your kids are doing their homework in front of the TV,” Draddy says. “Ultimately, the goal is to get them to work in a proper set-up with a table and chair instead of doing their homework on the couch. This way they establish good habits and can properly work on their handwriting and other skills.”

Conversely, there is no one-size-fits-all model for studying. While all study spaces should have a desk and a seat, parents can get creative about what furniture to use. Desks can be on wheels, lap pillows, play-tables, or trays. Chairs can be floor cushion, balance balls, or wobble chairs.

Chair Picks: Rockin’ Roller Desk Chair, $149; or Wal-Mart Urban Shop Swivel Mesh Chair, $39.99

Desk Pick: Kids Navy Blue Campaign Desk, $399

Keep the desk organized and clean.

Although it may seem obvious, keeping a trash or recycling can near your child’s desk is a win-win. “Not only will this encourage him to throw out old papers, but also—perhaps with a little coaxing—purge the garbage from his backpack on a regular basis,” Draddy says. Bonus points if you encourage your child to routinely empty that trash on her own as part of her chores.