Create A Positive Study Environment at Home

What do real estate and studying have in common? Location, location, location. Learn how you can maximize your child's study time. 

What You Need to Know

Everything in your child's study environment sends a message that either enhances or detracts from learning. Tidy vs. cluttered, light and airy vs. dim and dark, inviting and functional vs. wherever he lands – it all makes a drastic difference. 

How You Can Help

• Help your child select a location that is quiet and distraction-free, ideally establishing a spot to consistently associate with nothing but study – not in the bed associated with sleep, or on the couch associated with video games and television.
• Make sure the study area is well-lit, with a comfortable chair that requires your child to sit upright and remain alert and focused.
• Stock the study area with necessary supplies within reach – paper, pencils, pens, reference materials – so that your child does not waste valuable study time tracking these down.
• Set the tone with brain-friendly classical tunes: Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi optimize the brain function that store and retrieve information, thus helping students focus and access their most resourceful learning state. If your child is resistant, allow baby steps by suggesting that he at least choose music with no words, since words interfere with the part of the brain he needs to study effectively.
• Help your child turn his study space into an inspiring atmosphere by decorating with positive, colorful signs to stimulate and remind his subconscious of his potential to learn. Find encouraging phrases or motivational quotes, such as: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars,” and “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, you are right!” Posting an achievement area – such as a bulletin board of awards, good grades, and reminders of other accomplishments – will also be effective.