Living in a particularly small home can be quite challenging on its own. However, once you add kids to the mix, things can easily get out of hand.
Preferably, putting together a separate kid?s room is always the best option, but it is sometimes just not possible. If that?s the case with you, here are some ideas on how you can create a special learning corner for your kids.
Make sure there?s plenty of light
The easiest way to decide where to locate your kid?s learning nook is by carefully inspecting your home and opting for the brightest place possible. Both kids and adults need plenty of natural light in order to function properly, and since this will be the place where your kid will exercise their brain and learn new things day in and day out, you need to make sure you provide them with the best possible conditions. Aside from the adequate natural light source, you should also add a task light, so that your kid can use the nook in the evenings or on particularly gloomy days as well.
Take care of the noise
A learning nook doesn?t have to be a separate room, but the area where you decide to place it should be quiet with minimum traffic and distractions. Therefore, the living room, kitchen and the hallway are out of question. So, make sure you locate the learning corner in the part of your home that?s not being used all the time, like your or their bedroom, your home office or even the basement, provided that the area is completely converted into a living space.
Get the right furniture and accessories
The kitchen table might sometimes work, especially when your kid needs help with their homework, but you have to prepare dinner. However, for all the other learning efforts, you should make sure that you provide your child with the appropriate furniture, as well as necessary accessories. So, a writing desk of the appropriate size, a comfortable desk chair, a good desk lamp and the right amount of pencil and marker containers should be on the top of your list.
Bring some style into the nook
A learning nook should not only be functional, but also stylish. The best way to ensure that your little one will be inspired to spend some time learning, and even look forward to it, is to style up the learning nook. However, be careful not to overdo it with details, as they too can be very distracting. So, ask your little one what?s their favorite color (though we are sure that you already know) and try to incorporate that color in the design as much as possible. Also, add a soft natural rug beneath the desk, not only to make sure that your little one doesn?t get cold, but to also visually separate the area from the rest of the room. Finally, you can hang a small blackboard or cork board above the desk and frame some of their favorite drawings. This way, you will make it clearer to them that the nook is truly their own personal learning hub, which will only inspire them further.
Ban technology, but not fun
As already mentioned, this area should be free of all the distractions. That means no TV, radios, phones (including the landline), tablets or computers should find their way here. However, once your kid grows up, the computer can significantly help them with learning. Then, it?s ok to allow them to use it, but make sure they use it responsibly. That means no games during the learning session. Now, while they?re still younger, you can make the nook serve a dual purpose by adding a comfortable reading chair and a bookshelf. Encourage your kid to read as much as possible, because that way they are also learning while having fun at the same time. Just make sure that all the reading material is age-appropriate to avoid discouraging or confusing them.
As you can see, you don?t have to be living in a mention in order to create a perfect little learning nook for your child. You just need to use a bit of imagination, find the perfect spot and encourage your child to embrace knowledge.
Article provided by Tracey Clayton.
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She?s passionate about fashion, home d?cor and healthy living. Her motto is: ?Live the life you love, love