How to Set-Up a Practical Homework Station at Home for Kids
Back to school means….back to homework!
For some kids, completing homework is natural and effortless.
For others, well, not so much.
Either way, we can do a few things to make homework a little bit less chaotic. Parents often ask, “How can I help my child focus on homework?”
One of my biggest recommendations is that you and your child work to set up a practical homework station.
A homework station is a designated (or portable) spot that your child knows that they can go to work without interruptions. They have everything they need waiting for them so they can get to a focused mental-space more quickly.
This simple trick eliminates the built-up stress and decision fatigue of looking for supplies each night, finding the right spot to work, and so-on-and-so-forth.
Here are some ideas for setting up a homework station TODAY before the work starts piling up!
Create the space
A kids' homework station can be a dedicated “homework room” in an office, bedroom, or some other designated space. Some kids prefer this! Children who get easily distracted, or need to immerse themselves in the work before checking in with a grown up can benefit from this method.
Other children prefer to be close to a parent, grown up, or sibling when doing their homework. After a long day of school, with bedtime on the horizon, who can blame them?
In this case, you create a portable homework station by using a caddy, basket, and a lap desk. I love this method because you can then have a homework station in the living room. The next day, you can have your homework station in the kitchen. On a nice day, you can take your homework station outside!
2. Gather supplies
When gathering supplies, think about your audience. Supplies for a kindergartner might be different than the supplies you need for a middle schooler.
Think not only about standard paper-and-pencil homework assignments, but also about projects. Even high schoolers break out the crayons and markers from time to time.
Some go-to supplies:
Paper/notebook
Pencils, pencil sharpener, and eraser
Post-its
Markers, crayons, colored pencils
Folders
Glue, scissors, tape
Some undermentioned supplies:
Technology charging cords, mouse, and passwords handy
Headphones
Mini-whiteboard for quick notes and brainstorming (they are highly motivating!) Don’t forget dry-erase markers!
Sheet protectors (great for putting worksheets or printable games in for repeated practice)
Checklist or planning page (see my free resource here!)
3. Organize
You COULD spend hours pinning aesthetic homework spaces on Pinterest. But if you are anything like me you will save a bunch of gorgeous pictures. Then you'll get overwhelmed, and likely not do anything about the homework situation.
Instead, focus on having an organized and practical homework station that works for your family and learner. No drilling or major purchases involved!
Use a simple caddy for a portable homework station. Or, find an available surface or desk for a permanent homework station. Gather all the supplies, and then find some simple baskets, cups, and organizers.
I recommend a simple lap desk and clipboard to take learning and homework on the go. If you homeschool or need a lot of supplies, a 3 drawer cart is also an amazing tool!
Teach your child the organization system so they can own the tidy-up process.
4. Think practically and check the environment
Go through the motions of homework and make sure you have everything your child might need. This will eliminate the up and down that often happens when a child realizes they need a password, charger, water, or anything else.
What will they need available? Headphone? Put them in the caddy. Computer and website passwords? Print and tape them to the caddy. Cords? Caddy. Maybe print a copy of their sight words or multiplication facts.
Does your child work better with fidget tools? Have them ready, too.
Every student will need something different based on their learning needs and classwork. Think through it and adjust as needed, and again as school gets going.
Remember, the goal is to make starting and completing homework easier and more enjoyable. To help kids find that "flow state." What will make your child comfortable and at ease? Some kids like to decorate their own space with favorite pictures and items (be sure to keep it minimal to avoid distractions.
5. Check-in often
If you want the homework station to stay stocked with nice supplies, teach the expectations of cleaning up and treating the supplies respectfully. This can go a long way, but don’t forget to review this often. Kids are kids. They forget. I’m not a kid…and I forget. Give grace and just review it again.
Be sure to clean this homework station out often. Get rid of old and broken supplies, and refresh as needed. Having a clutter-free workspace is very important for productivity and frees the mind for more important work. Avoid having anything that is not homework-related around.
It might be a good idea to take a picture of the homework station when it is clean and tidy, and post it nearby. This is a great visual aid for your cleaner come clean-up time.
I hope these tips help get you and your family ready for another great school year! If you liked this post, be sure to check out my other post: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Child’s Focus.
And don’t forget to download my free checklist packet here to help get your kiddo organized.
I have created a packet of sample checklists in Canva. I would love to share those with you to get you started! Simply use the one that makes the most sense for you and adjust it as necessary.
Canva is SUPER easy (and FUN) to use - if you need any help with it please reach out!
Want these templates for yourself?!
