Creating An Effective Study Space

Students who do their homework, read and study in the same physical space improve their chances of retaining more of the information in front of them, and also improve their ability to recall that information on test day. Sitting in the same, clean, organized place while studying can help students focus on their learning without distractions. Here are a few easy ways to create the best study space for your child:

Get Rid of Clutter– Wherever your child chooses to create his/her study space, the first requirement is that the space is clean and free of clutter. Having “stuff” all over the place can be overwhelming and make the space feel stuffy. Studying in a clean space leaves more room for learning and less room for “Man, I really need to clean this place up.”

Find a Seat– A comfortable seat with adequate back support is a must for an effective study space. A chair that is uncomfortable will distract the student from learning and break their concentration when they have to get up, stretch and adjust their positioning.

Control The Temperature– A study space that is too cold can be distracting, and a space that is too hot can be maddening. Make sure the study space is a place where the temperature can be controlled or is set to comfortable level. If the air temperature cannot be controlled, make sure your child brings a light jacket or blanket to regulate their body temperature

Light It Up- Poor lighting is one of the main reasons students complain of headaches and drowsiness during study sessions. Florescent lighting can be hard on the eyes, and a dim room could promote sleepiness instead of studying. A desk or floor lamp can light up the room enough for the child to see, read and write without conflict.

The Nose Knows– A pleasant scent in your study session can awaken the mind and put students in a good mood. Experiment with scented candles or air fresheners that emit a soft, pleasant smell. An overpowering smell could be distracting and even nauseating; less is more when it comes to fragrance in a study space

Sounds About Right– Different students need different things when it comes to what they hear when they are studying. Some prefer music directly in their headphones, others work best with music or noise in the background, and some require complete silence. Find a study space that caters to your child’s specific needs when it comes to noise control.

What You See Is What You Get– encourage your child to set academic goals, and agree on a reward when the goal is met. Post visuals of these goals in the study space so your child has an immediate reminder of WHY they are working so hard right in front of them. Are they studying to get into the college of their dreams? Put a picture or symbol representing that college in the study space. Motivational posters and/or pictures of loved ones are also encouraging visuals that can help spruce up a study space and get your child excited about spending time there.

Once the perfect study space is created, your child can establish a study routine that will make them feel focused

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