How to Create an At-Home Learning Space for Kids

If you’ve suddenly found yourself teaching your kids at home, you’ve probably discovered that finding the perfect place for your kids to work is essential to them being productive. But creating a great learning space for your kids at home takes a little more effort than simply clearing off the dining room table. Whether your kids are homeschooling or they just need a place to focus when they’re doing their homework, you’re going to love this guide to creating an at-home learning space for your kids.

What is a Learning Space?

A learning space is a designated area in your home where your kids do their schoolwork each day. And while this space may be a spot for your kids to tackle their online learning curriculum when they’re away from school, it also makes a great homework station for when your kids return to the classroom.

No matter how you plan to use your home’s learning space, the area will consist of a few basic elements aimed at helping your kids focus on their schoolwork each day.

An effective learning space should include:

• A quiet and calm environment without any distractions
• An uncluttered workspace big enough for them to write, draw, or rest their computer or tablet
• A comfortable seat where they can sit for an extended period of time
• All the supplies they need to complete their daily work

How to Set Up a Learning Space

While setting up a learning space in your home may seem like a big task, it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can create designated space in your home in just a few minutes and with just a handful of supplies, you already have at home. Follow these five simple steps to create the perfect at-home learning space for your kids:

1. Pick the perfect location.

One of the most important parts of creating an at-home learning space is picking the perfect location. And while it may seem like you need to designate a room to the at-home learning space, you probably have a variety of great options throughout your home to choose from.

The perfect at-home learning space should include:

• A space without distractions and noise
• A work surface
• Seating

Wherever you plan to place your learning station, make sure the televisions and other electronics are turned off. It’s also a good idea to place the station in a room with a door that can close or in a spot that isn’t accessible by other younger siblings who may interrupt learning time.

2. Gather all the supplies your child will need

When planning how you’ll organize your learning space, it’s important to get your child’s input regarding the supplies they’ll need to finish their daily work. If they never color, there’s no sense in including crayons in their workspace, for example.

Before you start gathering the supplies, sit down with your children and ask them what school supplies they use to complete their assignments each day.

If your kids need a little guidance when deciding what supplies to include, consider these common learning station supplies:

• Writing paper
• Drawing paper
• Graph paper
• Pens and pencils
• Drawing tools, like crayons, markers, and colored pencils
• Painting supplies, like watercolors and paint brushes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Ruler
• Highlighters
• Index cards

3. Organize the space

After you have a list of the items your kids will need, gather up those supplies from around the house and organize them in a way that makes the supplies easily accessible to your kids.

If your plan on placing the learning station in a common room of your home, like the dining room or family room, consider placing the supplies in a portable bucket or rolling cart to make it easier to move them to and from the workspace.

Otherwise, organize the supplies in your child’s desk to ensure they have everything they need to work.

4. Make it fun

Just because your kids will be doing their homework in the space doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Spruce up the space by incorporating some fun colors in the décor, hanging kid-friendly artwork on the walls, or adding some uplifting quotes to their desk.

It’s also a good idea to provide plenty of lighting in the area – either by opening the blinds to allow natural light into the space or placing a desk lamp on their table. If you’re not sure what type of décor your kids would prefer in their workspace, ask them!

Getting their input on the décor is a great way to be sure they enjoy their time in their new learning station.

5. Stay consistent

When your learning station is set up, make the most of it by consistently using the area each day. Setting a learning routine in the new learning space will not only help your child improve their study skills, but it will also help them stay focused and productive each time they sit down to learn.