How to Create a Homework Station for Kids
With back-to-school around the corner, today I am sharing how to create a homework station for kids.
Back-to-school season brings excitement, fresh routines - and sometimes a little chaos as you settle in to those new routines. One of the easiest ways to set your kids (and yourself!) up for success is by creating a designated homework station for kids.
Whether it is a dedicated room or just a quiet corner, a well-organized kids homework station can make a big difference in helping kids to focus, stay on track, and feel confident about the school year ahead.
This year I will have a kindergartener, fourth grader and 7th grader, all with different needs for homework time. My younger two like to do homework at our kitchen counter, while my oldest likes to do work in the quiet of his room. Based on these differing needs, here's how I am setting up a homework station for my kids for this year.
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Homework Station Ideas for Kids
Pick the right spot.
Decide where your kids will do their homework each day, and what that routine will look like. Choose quiet spots that are free of distractions. It does not need to be an entire bedroom or be in a dedicated space. Find what works for your family. The goal is to have a consistent place where homework happens daily, helping signal 'work time' to your child’s brain.
Think about kid-friendly furniture.
My kids like our kitchen island, and can sit comfortably on the stools. They like to have a snack while working, and they know an adult is nearby for help. Creating comfort is a part of helping kids to maintain focus. Whether your kids work at a desk that fits his or her size, at a small table, or at a family dining table, consider furniture and comfort.
Consider noise and lighting.
Soft lighting, like a desk lamp, helps create a cozy atmosphere for concentration. If you have multiple kids or a busy home, consider noise-canceling headphones or soft background music to help block out distractions.
Stock your homework station with the essentials.
A well-stocked homework station for kids keeps them from getting up every two minutes in search of supplies! You might consider creating a homework caddy, full of the supplies your child needs, based on age.
In our kitchen, we have a supply drawer, with all of the supplies that are needed, along with headphones and charging cords for devices.
Here are some supplies you might need:
- sharpened pencils and pens
- crayons, colored pencils, markers
- kid sized scissors
- glue sticks
- erasers
- post-its
Minimize clutter and make things easy to grab.
To keep things tidy, you might include easy storage options like this rolling cart that we love (here's a similar option from Amazon) or a small bookshelf, depending on your space. These help kids stay organized and make cleanup simple. If your homework stations for kids are in a shared space like the kitchen or living room, being able to quickly tidy up at the end of the day is a huge plus.
Get into a routine.
A great homework station works best when used consistently. Try to stick to a homework routine after school with a quick snack and a few minutes to decompress before diving into assignments. Having a predictable rhythm makes it easier to transition into focus mode.
Homework Station Organizing Supplies
This rolling cart - for a mobile homework station.
This clear caddy - perfect for desks, kitchen counters, or wherever your child is working.
These drawer organizers - to store all of your homework supplies. We use a kitchen drawer.
Creating a homework station for kids doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. With a little thought and prep, you can help your child feel organized and ready to tackle homework each day.
For more back-to-school resources, check out my post on how to get prepared for back to school, some of our favorite back to school essentials, and some tried-and-true school lunch ideas.
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