Everyone needs a space to call their own. As an adult, you have a spacious master bedroom, a “man cave” or “she shed,” and perhaps your own home office, too. But when you’re a kid, it sometimes feels like you’re a guest in a world designed for grown-ups.
Carving out a space in your home where your kids can learn and explore their interests is a wonderful way to empower your children to pursue their passions.
Essential Home Office Supplies explains that a learning space for children should be three things: distraction-free, diverse, and designed to feel like theirs.
Distraction-Free
There’s a lot that can pull your child’s attention away from learning. From the chatter of siblings to the exciting noises of TV and video games, outside noise breaks your child’s focus and tempts them toward less engaging, but easier pastimes.
Promote full immersion in your child’s studies and hobbies by locating the learning space away from the busiest and noisiest areas of your home, especially if you have other children who might interrupt.
In addition to a quiet learning environment, a secluded space gives your child privacy so they can pursue their interests without a hint of self-consciousness. If you can’t find a space with a door, use a curtain or room divider to separate the space. A little privacy can make even a small space feel like a personal sanctuary.
Aim for a room with ample natural lighting. According to Edutopia, exposure to daylight promotes concentration for improved learning outcomes. In addition to boosting learning, exposure to sunlight promotes quality sleep, which comes with a variety of important benefits.
Diverse
While a quiet place to do homework is important, homework shouldn’t be the only purpose of your child’s learning space. Stock the space with supplies and equipment for a variety of activities. If your child is passionate about a specific extracurricular, this is an easy call.
A budding scientist will adore supplies for experiments and shelves to display creations and collections. If music is your child’s passion, outfit the space with the instruments and accessories your child needs to take their music to the next level.
If there’s not a particular hobby your child is passionate about, provide supplies that allow them to explore potential new interests.
In addition to basics like arts and crafts supplies, consider purchasing an educational subscription box for your child. Self-Sufficient Kids recommends a variety of subscription boxes for kids, from book subscriptions to science- and geography-themed boxes.
If mom or dad are going back to school, consider creating a family-focused learning space. There are flexible, accredited programs from institutions like University of Phoenix that are perfect for busy parents, and with a space you can share, everyone can meet their needs.
Well-Designed
A kid’s learning space isn’t just a miniature version of an adult’s office. If you want your child to crave spending time in their learning space, it should be an area they feel ownership over.
Decorate the space with your child’s interests in mind and allow your child to offer input, especially when it comes to choosing wallpaper or other decorations. Have fun with it!
There are even wallpaper companies like Spoonflower that allow you (and your child!) to design your own pattern. Of course, you can always pick from their virtually countless patterns instead, and order a sample pack to test drive your favorites.
Better Homes & Garden suggests allowing for bright colors, fun patterns, and kid-friendly storage solutions, even if it doesn’t fit with the design of the rest of your house. This is your kid’s space!
Make sure desks and seating are appropriately sized for your child. Start with the chair: Your child’s feet should rest flat on the ground when sitting with their back against the back of the chair.
Next, find a desk that’s tall enough that they can rest their arms comfortably without slouching. The right sizing is important for your child’s posture. If you want to avoid purchasing a new desk when your child grows, shop for an adjustable-height desk.
If you want your kids to spend less time in front of the TV or wandering aimlessly around the house, give them the tools to make better use of their time.
A space dedicated to educational activities does just that. Whether you live in a large home or a small apartment, it’s worth it to find a nook your child can call their own.
