Creating a Learning Space for Your Keiki
Creating a space dedicated to your child’s learning keeps things neat and organized and helps your keiki focus while hitting the books.
Having a learning space doesn’t have to mean a dedicated room or even a desk. If you are small on space you can use the breakfast bar or dining room table.
If going this route, use a bin or basket to keep homework and school papers tidy. Have two folders: one for keeps and one to return to school. Re-use a can covered in wrapping paper and fill it with pens, pencils, rulers and any other utensils your keiki may need. With these close by, children will be focused on completing the work rather than being distracted with searching for supplies.
When that special container comes out, children will know that it is time for homework. Along with the other homework signals (t.v. off, music off or low, lights bright), children will transition into homework mode right away.
Once finished with their homework, they can store their basket on a shelf in the living room or in their room.
If your kids are sharing a desk, use the same basket or bin idea and set times for them to do their homework. Hang a corkboard above the desk, divided in half by masking tape and write their names on either side. Here they can house any important papers.
Many study desks or other tables are too high for a child to write at comfortably. If they are sitting at the kitchen table, use phone books so that their elbows can rest on the table at a 90 degree angle. If their feet don’t touch the floor, they will need a foot rest of some sort.
No matter where your keiki are studying, dedicate a wall in the house to showcase their art or A+ papers. Hang them in frames, on a corkboard or just use tape and rotate them each week or month.
