By Sean Galway

Creating a distraction free working environment is so important for your kids. No matter what kind of work they’re doing, it’s critical that your kids have a working space where they can focus.

Set up a homework station the same way you would set up your office - motivating, engaging and distraction free! Regardless of whether you’re working/schooling from home full time, or it’s just a homework station for after school it’s creating a productive environment is essential.

So here are our top ten kids desk ideas for a positive and productive working environment:

1. Reduce Distractions

   
   If you wouldn’t have it in your office, don’t have it near the homework station. Having things like TVs or too many toys can be distracting for the little ones. If they can see something that seems like more fun, they’re going to want to do that instead.

2. Comfort is key

   
   Make sure it’s a comfortable environment to work in! Whether it’s a comfy chair and table, or cushions on the floor, ensuring an ergonomic work environment will make them stay in one spot for longer.

3. Positive Diversion

   
   Struggling to stay still to watch that half an hour video? Creating a positive diversion allows them to channel their energy into something whilst still listening. This could be simple things like making sure a stress ball or fidget spinner is within arms reach;, anything to keep their hands occupied and their mind engaged. In fact a 2019 study found that fidget toys can actually support memory and attention.

4. Keep it clean

   
   Ensuring that the space is tidy and minimal clutter is vital for reducing distractions and encouraging clear thinking. Nobody likes cooking in a messy kitchen, so same goes for learning in a messy study.

5. Inspiring space

   
   Make sure that the things that are in the study space are inspiring and engaging. Stimulating the brain through colours such as yellow which is thought to promote happiness and optimism is a great way to keep the kids motivated. Making the space attractive and engaging will make the kids want to be there.

6. Keep an eye on them

   
   If you’re working from home too, why not set up your work space near yours! That way they will see you working hard and focusing, and they will want to as well. Alternately, ensuring that you can see them helps them be accountable and reduces the risk of possible distractions.

7. Break it up!

   
   It’s hard to focus on one thing for too long without getting distracted, that goes for you and the kids. Having scheduled micro breaks. help to divert some energy whilst mixing things up. It can be as simple as a quick lap around the back yard, 10 star jumps, a mini PE lesson or even helping you make lunch.

8. Brainfood

   
   Having healthy snacks around can help keep them engaged and motivated. Things like apple slices, berries or other easy to eat snacks will help to keep them super charged with energy, and it’ll reduce the amount of times you hear, “MUUUUUMMMMM I’m hungry!”.

9. Natural light

   
   Where possible, try and keep the kids work-station somewhere there’s heaps of natural light. This allows them to get some natural vitamin D. The sun also helps to release serotonin which is a natural mood booster and is even great for refining their focus

10. Have fun with it

    Homework does not have to be boring Finding the right balance of fun and focus is important in creating a positive distraction free working space

But why do kids need homework stations?
When working and learning at home, it’s really important to keep different aspects of your life separate. The same theory of avoiding TV in bed applies to this too. Having different spots for different things helps you and the kids keep work and play separate

Setting up a space that’s motivating, engaging but not distracting is hard, so follow these 10 tips to optimise the study space and help keep your kids organised.

Discover more Back to School tips and tricks over on our School Hub