Setting Up a Homework Station for Your KS3 Kids

As your not-so-little child steps into KS3, the homework load can start to feel somewhat more serious. To help your child stay on top of their work and prepare for what’s to come, setting up a homework station for studying to feel more enjoyable can do wonders for a child. Here’s a fun guide, filled with ideas for you to create the perfect homework station suitable for your young learner. This can not only boost their productivity but also spark creativity!

Step One: Setting the Location

Firstly, choosing your stations location will play a big part in how you choose to decorate. We recommend planting your station near a window to allow some natural lighting into the area, or a quiet corner in the living room, if there isn’t enough space elsewhere.

You can always ask for your child’s input to see where they may want the station, giving them the option can instill a sense of ownership over their study area. Some parents opt for a mobile station which involves a portable desk that can be moved from room to room, this might be a good option for homes with limited space.

Step Two: Decorating Your Station

There are multiple ways to decorate your child’s desk area, from displaying their favourite drawings, quotes, or tv and film characters on the walls to creating a minimalist design with a cork board to pin tasks to and a calendar to arrange their homework schedule. Decorate the space according to your child’s personality. Ask them if they would like it to be bright, bold and colourful or simple, plant-based, and more of a “grown-up” kid feel.

Feel free to add a cosy rug or a beanbag close by to create a reading break area. This will give children a place to go for small breaks or just a change of scenery.

Step Three: Essential Supplies

Create a checklist of supplies to equip your child’s homework station with all the tools like: general stationery, colouring and drawings sets, notebooks, highlighters, a ruler, eraser, sharpener, and so on.

Turn this into a treasure hunt by planting all the supplies around the house for your child to find, this will make something so simple fun and filled with adventure rather than just handing over the supplies.

After the treasure hunt is over, create a homework stationery kit filled with all the supplies, some may decorate a shoebox or use a container to place all the items in. You can always add a cheeky snack or treat for an added special touch.

Step Four: A Comfortable Set-Up

A good quality chair can be fantastic for a child’s posture and contribute to their comfort. Chairs and desks can make a difference in how long children stay concentrated in their work.

From adjustable chairs to chair cushion to footrests, play around with different equipment to make the perfect set-up for your child.

Step Five: Routines

Having routines in place (that aren’t boring) can help create a successful homework habit. From starting a child’s homework session with some calming music, or lighting a scented candle, these can help set the tone for study time.

Helping a child transition mentally into “homework mode” can help them have a productive study session for a long period of time.

General Tips

• If your child has a laptop or iPad, you may want to make sure a plug is close by.
• Label any chargers or devices if you have more than one child to avoid inevitable squabbles between siblings.
• If tech is in the picture, you may want to introduce a “tech-free zone” or time slots where everyone in the house avoids using any screens.
• Have mini chair stretches to help your child’s productivity.
• Breaks in between long periods of work.
• Planning homework using a calendar can help a children stay on track and feel organised.

In Summary, setting up a homework station can be a fun and engaging process that benefits the household. From teaching children to have ownership over their workload to helping them be productive while at home. Education and learning can be creative, fun, and engaging. Check out our back to school page to find everything you need to prepare your child for KS2 or KS3!

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