By Adam Cook
Over the past few decades, educational research has consistently shown a close link between the home learning environment and the quality of students’ educational outcomes at school. As a classroom teacher, I have seen the rapidly changing landscape of education, but one thing remains constant: the impact a child’s surroundings have on their ability to learn. With that in mind, how can concerned parents, tutors, and teachers use years of academic research on learning to set their children up for success? I believe the proof is in the pudding; take a hard look at where your children do most of their learning and honestly assess whether that space is helping or hindering their best efforts.
The Honest Assessment
What does an honest assessment of a child’s learning environment look like? Is there an inventory for the ideal learning environment? How do I know what the best practices are for setting up my child’s learning environment? Each of these questions is valid. Only you can answer them accurately because no one knows your child like you, but here are 8 points to consider.
Make reference sources easily accessible
Kids are curious and have lots of questions. A developmentally appropriate learning space that provides the information they need is ideal. But what about the fact that attention spans often shrink as the temptation to use a screen grows? Consider good, old-fashioned books. While they take up more space, the tactile, multi-step process your child uses when thumbing through pages to find information is an important part of development.
Don’t ignore sensory stimuli
The ambiance of a learning space matters as much as its contents. When setting up a space for your child to work, consider lighting, noise, and overall mood. Think of your favorite classroom or study space from your own childhood. Incorporate what made that space memorable, and watch out for what could derail your child’s focus or sense of calm. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends natural light exposure, enough artificial light to see the material easily, and limited exposure to noise in the learning environment.
Functionality is vital
When it comes to the functionality of a learning space, anticipating obstacles is crucial. Depending on the type of learning that primarily occurs in your child’s space, think about the various tasks and activities that your child regularly engages in and make sure they have the supplies, tools, and space necessary to comfortably complete them. Factors such as appropriate writing space, thoughtful proximity of learning tools, and room to stretch are some quick and simple improvements to make.
Consistency is key
Much like any other area of the home, a learning space should have guidelines and rules. Make sure that your child knows what the space is used for and how to properly take care of it. By establishing a simple set of ground rules and procedures, you can ensure more long-term accountability as your child becomes a more independent learner.
Promote independence
When it comes to creating the guidelines for your child’s learning space, involve them in the process. Get their input and see what you can learn from them about how they learn. This can be invaluable information in helping your child grow and develop. With their feedback and interests in mind, establish clear expectations and responsibilities that your child will routinely follow associated with the learning space. This could be as simple as a two-minute cleanup before dinner to the tune of their favorite Disney soundtrack or could incorporate a more structured plan for time management. Either way, give your child the opportunity to practice responsibility and discipline within this space.
Organization fosters creativity and progress
The old adage that a messy desk marks a genius may have some truth to it. But for young, developing minds, clutter can become the enemy of creativity. As you promote independence in your child’s learning space, I encourage you to help them recognize the importance of organization and cleanliness in learning. With a little time and effort now, you and your child can set up future learning sessions for success. When designing the learning space, make organization clear, simple, and easy for your child. Designated areas for materials, labels, and easily accessible storage are key to making the learning space more effective.
Make a space of celebration
One of the most important parts of the learning process is celebrating growth. The learning environment should include a sacred space to display your child’s work. Together, you and your child can define the criteria for success in the space and decide what becomes “celebration-worthy,” but the key is that your child can feel pride in the space.
Don’t forget SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)
While progress is important, it shouldn’t be at the expense of your child’s mental
wellbeing. When putting the finishing touches on your child’s learning space, consider whether the area will be a source of relaxation and refuge. A good learning environment offers the ability to decompress and reflect which will allow your child to continue to grow and develop in maturity and accountability. Ask yourself: Does the space provide my child with a safe, distraction-free, welcoming environment?
Consider a Creative DIY Approach
Did I mention that designing your child’s learning environment can be fun, too? Our friends at Porch put together some helpful advice for designing your child’s ultimate playroom. Especially at young ages, play and learning go hand in hand. Many of the design characteristics mentioned can, and should, carry over into your child’s learning space. You may even find it makes the most sense to combine the two spaces into a multi-function area. Whatever approach you choose, establish a purposeful plan. Only you and your child can determine what will work best for the learning space, but the design should be intentional and meaningful to promote learning and growth. If you are considering making, remodeling, or completely revamping your child’s learning environment, I encourage you to involve your child in the process. You may be surprised by how rewarding it can be to design something together and turn your plans into real, lasting success.
If you’ve set up your child’s learning space and are looking for something to kickstart their learning, we have just the thing to help! We offer fun, engaging learning experiences across a variety of subjects at any grade level. We can’t wait to see you there!
*Eitland, Erika, et al. Harvard University, pp. 1–47, FOUNDATIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS: HOW SCHOOL BUILDINGS INFLUENCE STUDENT HEALTH, THINKING AND PERFORMANCE.
*Siqueira, Teresa. “Expert Advice to Design the Ultimate Kids Playroom at Home.” Porch, 15 Apr. 2022, https://porch.com/advice/expert-advice-design-playroom. Accessed 11 May 2022.
Yours in Learning,
Adam Cook
TestingMom.com Director of Curriculum Design
Adam Cook, M.Ed., is a certified teacher and principal with more than 10 years of experience as a classroom teacher, coach, curriculum designer, and academic coordinator. He is the Director of Curriculum Design for TestingMom.com. Adam and his wife live in McKinney, Texas, where he also works as a high school English teacher and is a doctoral candidate in Education Administration at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
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