{"id":6279,"date":"2021-05-19T22:11:38","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T22:11:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s37407.p1377.sites.pressdns.com\/resources\/kids-home-learning-space-ideas\/"},"modified":"2021-05-19T22:11:38","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T22:11:38","slug":"kids-home-learning-space-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/kids-home-learning-space-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"11 tips for setting up a cool, home learning space for kids"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Whether your kids are distance learning, following a hybrid schedule or attending typical in-person school days, followed by homework after school, one thing is a guarantee this year: An at-home kids workspace is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">While some parents are getting super creative when it comes to setting up a learning space for their kids, keep in mind an elaborate workspace for children isn&rsquo;t essential. In fact, getting your child&rsquo;s input &mdash; even if it means making a space that&rsquo;s much more kid-friendly and slightly less Instagram-worthy &mdash; can make for a more productive learning area. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kindercare.com\/content-hub\/experts\/dr-elanna-yalow\">Elanna Yalow<\/a>, chief academic officer for KinderCare Education who has a doctorate in educational psychology, says, &ldquo;Ask your child what they think they&rsquo;ll need in the space. This will help them get in the &lsquo;school&rsquo; mindset even if they&rsquo;re learning at the dining room table.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/stories\/4808\/toy-storage-hacks-for-kids-clutter\/\">storage solutions<\/a> and organizational ideas to serious space savers, here are 11 tips for setting up a cool workspace for kids.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">1. Start off simple<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104830621.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Our Full Hearted House\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>While you may get the gnawing desire to ransack Target or The Container Store after bingeing on distance learning spaces on Pinterest, it&rsquo;s best to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CEDYRjVHKM3\/\">start off simply<\/a> with a setup similar to this one from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ourfullheartedhouse\/\">Our Full Hearted House<\/a>. (This is an ever-evolving situation, remember? In a few months from now, you may not need three filing cabinets and a chalkboard wall.)&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t go overboard in the beginning,&rdquo; suggests professional organizer and owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/appleshinenyc.com\/\">Appleshine Organization and Design<\/a> Amelia Meena. &ldquo;Start with the basics, and add as you go to avoid clutter and congestion in your new learning space.&rdquo;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">2.&nbsp; Post their daily schedule<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104943832.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Melissa Berg\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>&ldquo;For older kids, posting a written breakdown of their day on a bulletin board in front of them can be helpful, as it will help them understand what&rsquo;s coming up,&rdquo; says Yalow. She also recommends building in breaks for kids who are learning remotely. &ldquo;Knowing that there&rsquo;s a break after a lesson not only gives your child something to look forward to, it also helps them understand that their lesson won&rsquo;t go on for the entire day,&rdquo; says Yalow.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CEH6kx9DTiL\/\">bulletin board setup<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/melissa.berg\/\">Melissa Berg<\/a> is perfectly simple &mdash; and cute.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">3. Add in some cozy&nbsp;<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104911042.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Blue Ticking\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>This distance learning setup from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/blueticking\/\">Blue Ticking<\/a> features a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CED4In6lxga\/\">cozy corner<\/a>. Just as teachers make their classrooms fun and inviting, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CED4In6lxga\/\">at-home learning spaces<\/a> should have a little personality, too.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">&ldquo;Try to find a comfortable workspace for your child, and let them decorate it to make it their own,&rdquo; notes Yalow. &ldquo;Pillows and pictures are fine and can provide comfort rather than distractions. It&rsquo;s OK to personalize the space with family photos, pictures of pets and so forth. Think about what gives you comfort while you&rsquo;re working &mdash; the same goes for your child.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">4. Tune out the noise<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104616427.jpg\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Angelina Harper\/Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Most people can be easily distracted when it comes to work, and kids certainly are no exception. While the majority of parents likely don&rsquo;t have the space to create a completely isolated area for each child, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/stories\/16966\/diy-kids-desk-for-distance-learning\/\">DIY cubicle<\/a>, like the one mom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/permalink.php?story_fbid=10108078003777600&amp;id=12933364\">Angelina Harper<\/a> created, is a close (and portable!) second.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">For kids who need a little extra help focusing, other measures can be taken, too. &ldquo;Some children may need help filtering out distractions,&rdquo; Yalow says. &ldquo;Noise-cancelling headphones can help kids focus. Another option can be to give kids a piece of paper with a stop sign on one side (&lsquo;Not ready to talk&rsquo;) and a green light on the other (&lsquo;Ready to talk&rsquo;). This may help other family members understand when a child needs time alone to study.&rdquo;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">5. Utilize clear boxes<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104090642.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Amazon<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>When kids (particularly little kids) start school, they have all the things: papers, projects, crayons, Post-Its. You&rsquo;d think they were running a mini corporation! In order to combat everything getting jumbled together in one messy drawer (as it&rsquo;s wont to do), Meena suggests utilizing clear, lidded boxes. &ldquo;I love them because they make it easy to divide subjects or projects while still being able to see the contents,&rdquo; she explains.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Where to buy:<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08177M73K\/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?pd_rd_i=B07YXDB3VV&amp;pd_rd_w=9PSr3&amp;pf_rd_p=48d372c1-f7e1-4b8b-9d02-4bd86f5158c5&amp;pd_rd_wg=m4w9k&amp;pf_rd_r=2A39XGF7DAF94AVZPCBP&amp;pd_rd_r=2c6638c6-b4ba-4c75-afb1-2b9cea16f6f6&amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFQRDBPNEZTQVBGWTAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NzQ4MDQxVEZOMVBHT09IQzBIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MTY5MjU3SE1DRFhSWVNSUE0md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&amp;th=1\">mDesign Stackable Bins<\/a> ($45 for 6, Amazon)<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">6. Designate an area for learning<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104498897.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Cindy Garcia\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Whether it&rsquo;s a corner of your child&rsquo;s bedroom or a scarcely used dining room table, having a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CD1Yg-OF3_t\/\">space solely dedicated to schoolwork<\/a>, like these three cute desks&nbsp;via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/desertmomaz\/\">Cindy Garcia<\/a>, will make life easier &mdash; for everyone.<\/p><p>&ldquo;Parents should pick an area of the house for home schooling and\/or homework and transform the space to fit everyone&rsquo;s needs,&rdquo; says Meena. &ldquo;Taking a recess break outside is great, but otherwise it&rsquo;s best to keep all learning materials in a singular environment, as it will help parents maintain a sense of control.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">7. Use chalkboard labels<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104064584.jpg\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Walmart<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Reusable labels are great on boxes and bins &mdash; particularly when there&rsquo;s more than one child using school supplies at home. &ldquo;Reusable chalkboard labels make it easier for multiple people to follow a single organization system and ensure things get put back where they belong,&rdquo; says Meena. For kids who can&rsquo;t yet read, try drawing a picture of the contents inside each bin or box.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Where to buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/ARTEZA-Chalkboard-Labels-for-Mason-Jars-Removeable-3-Colored-Markers-150\/241796485?wmlspartner=wlpa&amp;selectedSellerId=8455\">Arteza Chalkboard Labels<\/a> ($8 for 150, Walmart)<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">8. Use a rolling cart<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104064437.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Bryn N Nora\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Shelving units and bookcases are great for storage and organization, but they generally take up a lot of space. An effective alternative? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CDj61uIAJ-E\/\">A rolling cart<\/a> like this one Calynn from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/brynnnora\/\">Bryn N Nora<\/a> set up. &ldquo;A small cart on wheels with shelves has a small footprint with a large holding capacity,&rdquo; notes Meena. Also, let&rsquo;s be honest: They&rsquo;re cute.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Where to buy (similar cart):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.containerstore.com\/s\/craft-hobby\/blush-3-tier-rolling-cart\/1d?productId=11010940\">Blush 3-Tier Rolling Cart<\/a> ($35, The Container Store)<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">9. Keep writing utensils together<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104951860.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Study PLR\/Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Face it, parents. You can have a million pens, pencils and highlighters in your home, but when the time comes for your child to sit down to work, they won&rsquo;t be able to find one. The solution? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CDzE6zjBj7J\/\">Pen and pencil holders<\/a> that are forever in reach, like this sweet desk set-up from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/studyplr\/\">Study PLR<\/a>. &ldquo;Always keep all writing materials and tools at the ready in your child&rsquo;s learning area in an easy-to-see container,&rdquo; says Meena.&nbsp;<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Where to buy (similar pencil cup):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Brands-Pencil-Wire-Metal-Copper\/dp\/B01DMDYVAQ\">U Brands Copper\/Rose Gold Pencil Cup<\/a> ($8, Amazon)<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">10. Create a classroom with &ldquo;friends&rdquo;<\/h2><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202012010112588537None\" alt=\"\"><\/p><p>If possible, recreate a virtual classroom in real life for your child. &ldquo;Post a screen capture of the class Zoom call, along with everyone&rsquo;s names,&rdquo; suggests Yalow. &ldquo;Or if photos aren&rsquo;t available, engage your child&rsquo;s creative side and have them draw their own pictures of classmates. This way, they can feel as though they&rsquo;re with their friends, even at home.&rdquo;<\/p><h2 dir=\"ltr\">11. Sprinkle in some typical classroom items<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.kinsights.com\/content\/images\/nicolef455-202004010104744681.png\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image via Really Good Stuff<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>While no area in your home will ever replicate a classroom to a tee, sprinkling a few typical classroom items throughout your child&rsquo;s workspace can help bring in some of that school energy. &ldquo;Ask your child&rsquo;s teacher for suggestions of things to include that would traditionally be in a classroom, such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reallygoodstuff.com\/todays-calendar-pocket-chart\/p\/157458\/\">child-sized calendar<\/a>,&rdquo; suggests Yalow.&nbsp;<\/p><p><strong>Where to buy:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reallygoodstuff.com\/todays-calendar-pocket-chart\/p\/157458\/\">Today&rsquo;s Calendar Pocket Chart<\/a> ($40, Really Good Stuff)<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether your kids are distance learning, following a hybrid schedule or attending typical in-person school days, followed by homework after school, one thing is a guarantee this year: An at-home kids workspace is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp; While some parents are getting super creative when it comes to setting up a learning space for their kids, keep in <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/kids-home-learning-space-ideas\/\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1273,"featured_media":38554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":false,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"","last_update":"2021-05-19","view_count":11243,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"member-type":[3],"vertical":[6],"platform":[2],"class_list":["post-6279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","member-type-seeker","vertical-children","platform-resources"],"acf":[],"created":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1273"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6279"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6279\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6279"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=6279"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=6279"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=6279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}