Learn

image ORGANIZING A HOMEWORK CENTER

By Professional Organizer Lea Schneider

Homework is just that - a lot of work on parents at home. I certainly don't argue that it is necessary and that it is important our children receive a good education. You can gain some peace at home by coming up with good homework solutions.

One solution is to establish a homework center. This eliminates many issues that cause family struggles. It removes the negotiation over where they can sit and stops hopping from table to kitchen countertop to den coffee table to their bed. It limits distractions. It also limits interruptions by halting them from hopping up to find this and find that needed item.

Here are some good tips for creating a study center or area in your home.

Consider a location outside of the child's room. Even if they stay in their seat, there are toys and games in the room distracting their attention. It is also hard on the parents to supervise homework unless you want to plant yourself in their room for an hour. A corner of the den, living room, kitchen or your home office would be better choices.

A desk or tabletop provides a more serious environment for written work or study than a couch or more casual area. You want to foster good work habits. You do want to make reading fun and comfortable so they will enjoy it so you may wish to allow reading in a comfy chair or favorite spot.

Add some inexpensive organizing essentials: a clock, a file drawer or plastic file crate with folders to hold completed work in various subject (which they are responsible to file- not you), a half corkboard and half wipe-off board to note assignments or list things like spelling words and basic supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, markers, ruler, calculator and so forth.

If your child uses a computer for homework, there is a bonus to getting it out of their room and into a more public space as it helps you keep tabs on what they are doing on it.

In addition, do yourself a favor by stocking up on supplies that are occasionally in demand such as poster board (large and small), report covers and back-up supplies, like extra paper, pens and crayons, to take to school as needed. If you don't stock up, you'll find yourself running out at 9 p.m. some night wishing you had done so.