For children of all ages, the learning experience is one that continues at home - sometimes in the form of homework. And while the contents of homework vary heavily depending on the age range your child is in, one approach that's valuable among many parents is setting up a dedicated space where your child can do homework and other school projects.
At Smart Kids Development Center, we're happy to discuss themes like homework and other home education concepts with parents of any our programs around Salt Lake City and Taylorsville, from infants and toddlers up to kindergarten and school-aged children. This two-part blog will go over how "homework" needs often vary depending on your child's age, plus look at some helpful ways parents can set up a space for homework and similar tasks for their child.
It's important for parents to recognize that homework needs tend to differ based on the age of their child. For infants and toddlers, this is less about traditional homework tasks and more related to activities that involve reading, playing with blocks, puzzles or similar items designed for early development.
For pre-k kids, it might mean setting up playdates or other social activities to help get the kids used to the structure of school and learning routines. For kindergarten-aged children, it might mean reading stories together or creating simple projects as part of a homework routine. And by the time kids are in elementary school, parents should be helping their child review what they've learned during the day or go over math problems and other assignments.
How can you set up a space that helps your child with whichever stage they're at here? Our next sections, and on into part two of our series, will go over more here.
One of the most important aspects of setting up a space for your child to do homework and other learning activities is limiting distractions. This means making sure the area they have to focus on their work is clear from toys, video games or any items that aren't related to the task at hand.
Try to set up the space in a way that encourages concentration, like having comfortable chairs and a sturdy table for your child to do their work. Additionally, try to keep the space nearby other rooms that have activity - like the kitchen or living room - so you can easily help your child if they need it while still having some sense of freedom and independence.
In part two of our series, we'll go over more ideas on how to set up a space for homework and other learning activities so your children can get the most out of their education. At Smart Kids Development Center, we're committed to helping families find ways to make the most of their children's learning experiences outside of school. To learn more or join one of our programs, contact us today to speak with a representative and get started!
