The school year has already begun which means the slew of after school activities and homework assignments have returned. As families are pulled in different directions for school, work and practices, time as a family comes at a premium. Making efforts to build the focus of your youth could decrease time spent on homework to free up more time for family activities. Creating a permanent, designated study space is one way to build your youth’s focus. Here are a few items to keep in mind when creating the study space:
1. Make It Work For You – Every youth is different and has different needs. Some youth prefer a quiet corner in their room while other youth may prefer to be close to a parent for help at the kitchen table. Just make sure that the traffic and noise of other family members do not become a distraction.
2. Manage the Senses – Lighting and noise issues are very common distractions. Tired eyes have more difficulty transferring knowledge into memory. To keep sharp, make sure to provide adequate overhead lighting to limit squinting. Also, check that electronic devices like laptops and tablets are set at a comfortable level.
3. Make It Comfortable – Temperature and seating can make a difference in a youth’s ability to concentrate. Make sure that the study space keeps the youth relaxed, but alert. It is also important that the youth has adequate space to spread out books, papers and materials to make the space efficient. Consider a cushioned chair with generous table space. Also, it is important that the chair fit the youth. Dangling legs and hunched shoulders can create distractions as well.
4. Keep It Organized – Another way to increase the efficiency of the space is to keep all supplies and materials readily available and easy to find. Any time spent looking for the lost blue marker is time spent away from the task and an opportunity for further distraction. Organized space provides a launching pad for organized study.
5. Limit Distractions – While the computer and television can be excellent sources of educational content, they also provide limitless distraction. If the youth believes they can focus better with a little background noise, try some recorded music and save the favorite show as a reward when the youth can spare his or her attention.
However, you set up your space, make sure is it an environment that your youth will enjoy and want to study in.
October Calendar
Oct. 2: Red Letter Day.
Oct. 3-4: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Trainings (Imperial).
Oct. 4-10: National 4-H Week.
Oct. 5: NCTA Discovery Day.
Oct. 5: Wear Green for National 4-H Week.
Oct. 8: 4-H Achievement Program Open House.
Oct. 9: Red Letter Day.
Oct. 12: Columbus Day Observed, Extension Office closed.
Oct. 16: Red Letter Day.
Oct. 23: Red Letter Day.
