Posted on August 14, 2017 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
As much as we don’t want to believe it, back to school time is almost here! You’re prepping for back to school shopping, end of summer parties, and trying to get rid of first day jitters, but is your home ready for back to school? As the little ones learn and grow at school, it is also important for them to have a space in your Miller & Smith home where they can effectively continue their education. Below are a few things you need to create a successful, distraction-free study space right at home:
A comfortable chair: You don’t want the kids to be fussing and fidgeting to get comfortable while trying to focus on schoolwork. Make sure to get comfortable chairs or stools for the area where they will be doing schoolwork so they can concentrate easily, but don’t make them so comfortable that they’ll fall asleep!
Good light sources: Dark rooms are not conducive to brain stimulation as they can cause anyone to feel tired. Pick a room with plenty of natural light for during the day and add some bright lamps for those late night cram sessions!
Plenty of surface space: Opposed to the small desks that children are used to in school, it is crucial to have lots of surface space to study. Lots of space allows materials like books, papers, notecards, writing utensils, and snacks to be spread out. This will allow the kids to study without feeling cramped or unorganized.
Backup supplies: Stock a cabinet or drawer with backup study supplies nearby the study space so there is no excuse for not getting homework done! Keep some classic organizational tools handy, like paperclips, notecards, highlighters, sticky notes, and anything else your kids need to be successful while studying.
No unnecessary electronics: While the kids may need to use a calculator or computer for their schoolwork, try to keep other things like TVs and cell phones out of reach. This will help them focus on the task at hand and they will have something to look forward to when they are done.
Simple design: While it is nice to have a study space that looks fun and playful, make sure to keep it simple enough that it won’t be distracting. We love using bright colors in study spaces with minimal decor. The combination of the two creates an enjoyable atmosphere while maintaining an aesthetic that is easy on the eyes.
A space with purpose: This may be one of the most important tips for creating an effective space where your children can get their schoolwork done. A study space should be separate from spaces where other activities, such as playing games, occur on a regular basis. If you have desks set up in a multipurpose or recreation room, make sure to distance them from a game table or entertainment center to minimize distractions.
Now that you’re one step closer to the kids going back to school, check out our list of tips to get your home ready for the occasion too!