After spending so much time at home, especially over the past few years, it can be easy to become complacent. Your house may be looking a little like a jumble sale of toys, iPads, and stationery if you have been working from home and trying to look after the kids at the same time. It can be stressful for everyone in the family to have a cluttered environment that is being used for several contrasting functions at once. If you want to work or study or when your kids need to study, it is important to be able to be in a tranquil environment. These tips will help you to always make sure your home is a place where you can both relax and learn.

Have a desk and organized space

It is so important for physical wellbeing that you have a proper workspace if you or another family member is studying. Sitting at a sofa with a laptop is going to play havoc with your posture, and it does not place you in a good mindset for studying if you are in the same seat as you are in for your leisure time. There should be a designated study area with a good desk and chair if possible, and opportunities to stand at the desk at regular intervals will be even more beneficial to the health of the student.

One space could be shared by the whole family, or individual desk spaces created. Organized personal stationary baskets or drawers can be a fun and engaging way to include the kids actively in the study space. They can decorate and take responsibility for their drawer, and everything will be kept nicely away when not in use.

Balance screen time and education

Screen time within the home should be carefully considered as it can be an easy distraction from learning if it is used too much, and it is healthier to have a mix of learning styles. Excess screen time can lead to obesity, dry eyes, and a reduced academic performance. It is very important for everyone in the home to have set limits on how much time is spent using screens, and the placement of them around the home. For example, one family computer may be more appropriate than one in each room.

There are many ways that screens can be used for educational purposes though, and many of them are effortless. The TV can be set to play in other languages, and virtual games can be great for kids to solve puzzles and do quizzes. For parents, too, online courses can be a brilliant way to continue your learning whilst at home, for example, an online RN MSN course can enhance your work prospects in the medical field, but there are also online courses for hobbies as well as work-related topics. A schedule for screen time could be a good way to control everyone’s use and stop any unfairness.

Use reward systems

Having a reward chart or trophy system can be a brilliant way to encourage learning for everyone. The entire family can be involved in deciding on what the system will be and what rewards will be given for how much study time is completed or achievements gained.

As parents, you can also join in with more adult rewards such as enjoying your favorite treat for every module you complete of your own studies. For the kids, a reward system can help motivate them to study and will also develop a sense of pride and self-confidence. There are lots of creative reward systems out there, and it does not take long to come up with some fun ideas from a quick Google search, or some time on Pinterest.

Use the outdoor spaces

It is always a clever idea to have lots of breaks during study time, but you can also consider linking your outdoor space to the study itself. Learning outside is a fun, relaxing, and healthy way to tutor your kids about the world around them. If you live somewhere with pleasant weather and have a good-sized outdoor space, you could even consider creating an outdoor classroom.

This is becoming more popular and has benefits as it creates better health and more focus for learners, especially those with ADHD. Creating a space outside like this is another opportunity to get the entire family involved. You can design, build, and enjoy the space together, and in the process, the kids can learn about how to make a space like this and why it is important.

Create a calming corner

It is becoming common practice to have a ‘calming corner’ in classrooms and now more often, in homes. This is a similar idea to a time-out step but it has a more positive outlook. It can be in a quiet space such as a cupboard that has calming lighting, puzzles, and sensory objects for when your child just needs to chill out and take a break from all the hardcore learning they are getting by this point! This sort of space helps them to self-regulate and wind down when they need to, and it is a comforting and safe place to relax.

Include practical learning

Of course, not all learning can be done through learning materials such as books, games, and computers—sometimes you just need to learn by doing specific activities. You can encourage kids to learn naturally through everyday activities within your home when the house is a calm and structured environment. For example, by helping in the kitchen with cooking or baking, kids can learn math and science skills as well as how to feed themselves! Home DIY projects and decorations can also be a fantastic opportunity for learning practical skills, and basic math and physics.

Overall, creating a place in which to relax and learn at home is completely possible with the right structure and home design. For the ultimate learning space for the entire family, a calm and positive home is ideal for engaging and enjoying learning.