Each year students grow and change. Their homework space needs to keep pace. It may mean a taller chair and a larger desk, new reference materials or situating the workspace closer to the family computer to accommodate more online tasks. Regardless, now is a good time to start looking around and honoring your child’s changing needs.
Desk, Chair and Such
Homework usually lasts 30 minutes to several hours an evening during the school year. Comfort is key for prolonged time spent seated and working. Remember a good lamp or light, a stack tray for keeping projects that last more than one evening and reference books (dictionary, atlas, thesaurus).
Sales
August is typically ‘back-to-school sales’, a good time to stock up and save money at the same time. Make a list now to avoid being swayed by sale hype. Remember, that if your child needs notebook paper now, it will be needed throughout the year so buy it while it is dirt cheap.
Reminders
Homework time needs to be a quiet time for the family. Institute a family homework hour during which electronics are turned off and everyone engages in homework and quiet activities such as bill paying, reading, or handwork. You could start now and ease into family quiet time.
Involvement by Kids
Throughout this process of getting ready to get back into thinking about school, include the kids. Let them be an active part of selecting a new chair, school supplies, the location of the ‘school place’ and planning out their own to-do lists. Buy-in is vital. It’s their education so include them as much as possible in decision-making.