How to Organize A Kids' Homework or Study Area in a Small Space

Living in a small home or apartment can pose some challenges when considering the unique needs of every family member. For kids and teenagers, carving out a space all their own to study or to do homework can pose a conundrum for parents who want to create the best study or homework environment that promotes a place to succeed. There are a few options when living in a small space, to create a study or homework area for your student.

Finding A Place

Setting aside a separate homework or study area for your child can be tricky, especially if your kids share a room or there is no room for a desk in a common area. Consider a small table instead of a larger desk, if you have the room. Another idea, is keeping the dining room or kitchen table clutter-free, and ready for your kids to set up their own homework area after school. If you choose to set up a homework area in your child's room, make sure that they won't get distracted by a TV in their room, or by toys or video games. If your kids share a room and space is limited, consider a sturdy folding card table to slide under their bed, that can be pulled out to work on a school project or homework assignment, then put away when they are finished.

Keeping Supplies Contained

A good idea is to shop the back-to-school sales at the beginning of the school year and get one extra of inexpensive school supplies your child will most likely be using on a regular basis while studying or doing their homework in their study area. Small spaces can look cluttered very quickly, so it is important to keep your kid's homework area supplies contained and organized. Also, keeping items needed for homework or studying organized helps your child remain focused and helps them be better equipped to finish school projects or homework with ease. Contain all the item's your child will need in their homework or study area in a small, Tupperware or Rubbermaid container, so they can easily transport them from room to room if their study area happens to change. Items you can put in their mobile study area box can include: pens, pencils, a calculator, a protractor, a pencil sharpener, highlighter, loose leaf paper, rulers, and folders. Teach your child or teen to put their study items away after they finish their homework.

Limiting Distraction And Noise

If you don't have separate space to dedicate to a kids' homework or study area, there are ways to limit distraction and noise for a child or teenager who needs time to study or do homework that doesn't involve extra furniture or space. Earplugs can help silence the noises of the home, such as TV, people talking, or appliances running. If your child doesn't like earplugs, noise canceling headphones, or even earmuffs made for target shooting (they look like headphones, but are much cheaper), are a great option. Make sure your child's study or homework area is not facing the TV, and if they use the computer for their homework, make sure you put parental controls on gaming or social networking sites (temporarily) so your child doesn't get distracted when they are supposed to be doing their homework.

With these helpful ideas for organizing a kids' homework area in a small space, your child is sure to bring home straight A's on their next report card. Well, at least we can hope!