7 important rules for parents to know
If the first grader is uncomfortable doing homework, he is unlikely to be willing to study. Nestling on the couch or in the kitchen is no good. The kid needs his own office, which will no longer be entirely childish and at the same time owned only by him.
“The child only has to get used to spending time at the desk. And for this he must like his new job. Try to take into account the tastes and preferences of the little student, but do not forget that the space dedicated to learning should be restrained and not reminiscent of games, ”advises Alain Podmasco, stylist at Leroy Merlin.
Start by deciding what you’re ready for on a scale from a simple furniture rearrangement to a complete kid’s room overhaul. Sometimes simple zoning is enough: fence off the workspace from the rest of the room with a rack or screen. This technique will help transform the atmosphere of the work area into a real temple of science. It will also help the child to focus and not be distracted by toys and household events.
If you have started a serious revolution in the interior of the nursery, plan the space so that the working area is closed by a niche or otherwise separated from the toys and the bed – it is advisable to completely exclude them from the sight of the child sitting at the table. By the way, equipping a workplace under the loft bed is a practical and interesting way out.
Lighting is almost the main thing that needs to be taken care of. If there is very little space, you can put the table right next to the window or even extend the window sill up to 60 cm deep and 120 cm wide. But it is better not to give the child the opportunity to count the crows behind the glass. The classic arrangement of the workplace assumes a window on the side: on the left for right-handers and on the right for left-handers.
Of course, you shouldn’t rely entirely on natural light. It is better to immediately provide for several light sources at different levels: soft ceiling light with a dimmer for dimming, ceiling spotlights, LED strips for bookshelves, wall sconces and table lamps. Your child will experience stress as they begin to learn, and proper lighting is the best way to create a cozy and relaxing yet work environment.
Ophthalmologists advise equipping nearby light sources with 60W bulbs. We recommend energy-saving frosted lamps with a warm light corresponding to this power.
When the space is ready, it is up to the selection of furniture, accessories and useful little things. And here you should not rely only on yourself and prepare surprises for the future student. Take your child with you and give him some freedom of choice.
“At the age of 6-7, a child is already ready to realize that learning is his job, his area of responsibility. In this case, the risk that you will have to force your child to do homework or constantly help him will be much less. It will be easier to psychologically prepare a child for such an awareness if he allows him to choose a table, chair, desk lamp, writing utensils for himself. By creating his workplace, he will gain a valuable experience of independence, ”suggests family psychologist Alina Shur.
But letting the process take its course, indulging all the whims of the future student, is not worth it. Compliance with the basic functional requirements for the workplace will allow the student to maintain efficiency and health.
The working surface of the table was at least 120 × 60 cm. Then everything you need could fit on it, and the child would not sit with his elbows pressed because of the cramped space. Ideally, the work surface should be adjustable in height and angle. On such a table it will be convenient to draw, draw and write essays. But in this case, take care of quality wall lighting, or opt for a table lamp that can be screwed onto the countertop.
Let the child choose the color of the countertop, but still try to dissuade him from too bright and glossy surface. Color will be distracting, and glare will spoil your vision.
Find a soft matte work surface under which you can place your schedule, assignment list, alphabet or formulas. It is safer than plexiglass and is not inferior in functionality.
Choose a chair that is height-adjustable but not swivel. The first point is important for posture, the second for perseverance. Pay attention to the depth of the chair: the backrest should support the child’s back, but without the need to lean back too much.
The classic 90-degree hip, knee and ankle seating angles are ideal, but it’s up to you to decide how much you want to go for it. The child will grow, and observing this indicator for a long time, without changing the chair, still will not work.
There are no rules that say what is better – the artistic disorder of shelving, the library precision of bookcases, a set of dressers and nightstands – and cannot be. This is a matter of taste and the variety of your child’s hobbies. But experts still give one universal advice: organize an open shelf above your desk. Let there be everything you need – notebooks, textbooks, dictionaries, drawing pads. That is, what should be at hand for work, and not for beauty. This can also include containers or tall, stable glasses for pencils and pens, brushes and rulers.
Yes, the child needs it, and nothing can be done about it. The main thing is that it does not divert all attention to itself, taking the central place on the desktop. Therefore, try to make it as mobile as possible – for example, give preference to a laptop that can be stowed away on a low cabinet under the table. Or place the monitor to the side of the main table and place the system unit on a mobile stand.
Share with your child the joy of choosing stationery and other little things. And take care of important additions. For example, a map of the world or a globe (whichever will please your student) is an effective way to develop in a little discoverer curiosity about the structure of our planet and openness to new experiences. And a timer or alarm clock is not only an easy way to visually keep track of time, but also an important foundation for future time management skills. Over time, teach your child to concentrate on one task for 20 minutes and then change the subject. This will help maintain a fresh perspective, curiosity, and strength as the workload begins to build.