Lacy Sarwat, Grant Design Studio Consultant
It’s hard to believe that kids in DeSoto County, MS and Shelby County, TN are already back in school. Whether your children are just starting their school-aged journey or in their senior year of high school, creating a home study environment to help with their academic success is important, and a lot easier than you might think.
A designated homework area in your home is a simple way for children to get in a routine that promotes organization, productivity and good grades. Most children respond well to a set routine, so creating a regular time and place for homework helps kids to avoid distractions and helps eliminate some of the drama that can occur with getting kids settled in to do homework. According to the
US Department of Education, setting up the right environment for homework includes finding a fairly quiet location with good lighting and turning off the TV, video games and other media. Providing the right resources including supplies, books and computer access is essential.
Creating a specific place for backpacks and school supplies can also help tremendously when it comes to after-school organization.
Lacy Sarwat, Design/Selection Consultant at the Grant New Home Design Studio and mother of two very active youngsters, suggests keeping backpacks on a hook near the entrance of your home. “This way it is easy for kids to remember their backpacks when coming in or out of the home.”
Lacy agrees that having a designated area for homework is important. “Moving to different places to work on assignments may create distractions, but having a set place to do after school work sets the tone for good study habits.”
Lacy suggests keeping paper, scissors, pencils, and other supplies in one area to prevent from running all over the house to find things, which can cause kids to lose focus. Organizing the homework area with brightly colored containers helps prevent clutter, which can be a concentration killer. Adding artwork on the walls makes it a fun area, where kids want to be, and stimulates their creativity. Several Grant & Company home designs feature spaces that are ideal for creating a homework haven for children. Check out the
Waverly,
Chesapeake, and
Charleston plans at
www.grantnewhomes.com
If your homework area is in the living area of your home, the way to make this work when you have children of different ages is to set time aside as designated quiet time, when the school-aged kids can work on their homework, and younger children can be occupied in another room. Parents can help set a good example by using this time to read, check emails, pay bills, or do other tasks that require quiet thought and productivity. Parents should ask questions, look at their children’s homework and be involved in all aspects of their children’s school life.
Many schools have “homework hotlines” or websites that explain homework policies at their schools. Check with
DeSoto County Schools , the
Shelby County Unified School District or your child's school for details.
