The Importance of Providing a Proper

Homework Environment for Children

Once the fun-filled days of summer day camp
are over, kids return to one of the most
famously dreaded tasks of childhood,
homework.
Of course, homework is an important part of every child’s
school experience, and one of the most helpful things you can
do to help your child …
… with this much-complained-about task is to provide
a comfortable, pleasant work area with a minimum
of distractions.
You’ll find that with well-organized space set aside for doing
school assignments, along with some appropriate parental
support, math problems and school projects …
… can provide some great opportunities for parent-child
bonding as well as increased success in school.
Getting Organized
Organization is a skill kids will use to great advantage
all their lives, and kids do best with an established routine
for completing school assignments.
A designated time and space for completing homework
gets kids into good study habits.
Make sure when your youngster sits down to start
homework, all the necessary tools are at hand, from books
to pens, pencils and instructions from the teacher.
Constantly getting up to find various items is a big distraction
and can cause kids to lose focus on the assignment.
Whether they’re working at a desk, at the kitchen table
or even on their bed, kids need to have everything close
at hand in order to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Space should be well-lit and relatively quiet.
Setting Up a Space
For many families, a kitchen or dining room table gives
optimum room to spread out, but if possible a specially
designated space is a better option.
Kids don’t need a fancy desk for a homework station;
a portable folding table or simple desk from Ikea will allow
you to create an individualized work area for your child.
When a space is especially designated for homework,
kids can get themselves better organized without the need
to constantly clear school paraphernalia away for other
activities.
Necessities
Let your child help you gather everything needed
for various assignments.
For younger kids, this can include pencils, scissors, glue
sticks and erasers kept in colorful cups or bins.
Vertical desktop files or portable file drawers are great
for storing paper, past assignments or reference books,
while other helpful items include a clock, calendar,
pencil sharpener and trash bin.
A large calendar is an excellent way to help your child
prepare for big projects or exams, making sure
milestones are met and studying isn’t put off until
the night before.
Teen Spaces
A designated homework space is important even
for middle or high school students, as it encourages
better concentration than sprawling out across a bed.
Desks provide space for supplies, computer docking
stations and dry erase board.
Workspace should be well illuminated, have a comfortable
chair and be kept in proper order.
Good workspace organization is a great study aid.
Parental Supervision
While older kids should be able to study independently,
younger children need someone to keep an eye on them
to make sure they are sticking to the task at hand.
Kids also do better when they know an adult
is there to provide some help if they need it …
… much as kids at day camp find it helpful to have counselors
and supplies handy to help them with their homework.
One of the most important aspect of a child’s school
experience is doing homework.
Children enjoy completing their homework
in the afterschool program at
Maplewood Country Day Camp.
 Experienced staff provide guidance and help.
Then it's time for arts and crafts, rock climbing,
gymnastics and more.
 Visit the site at
www.maplewoodyearround.com
to see the fun your child will have
at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.
MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP
& ENRICHMENT CENTER
150 Foundry St. (Route 106)
PO Box 88 (Mailing)
South Easton, MA 02375
Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com
Telephone: (508) 238-2387
FAX: (508) 238-1154