Creating a homework nook

Where do your kids do their homework? It can be tempting to let them just do it wherever they can find space, but creating a designated area can help them work harder and do better. It doesn't have to be a dedicated space in your house, as long as it's the same space daily.

Here are some tips to help you create the right homework space for your kids.

Make it theirs

First thing first: the homework space isn't about you -- it's about them. So make it something that works for your child.

"The most usable and desirable homework nook is one that's designed with the child in mind," says Kathy Koch, Ph.D., president and founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc. Koch says that the homework space should fit the specific needs of your child's learning style.

That may even mean that the homework space changes depending on the project and your child's needs for that specific thing. "He may do well at a desk for a 30-minute segment or so, maybe to work on a writing assignment. Then he may want/need to move to his bed to read his literature assignment. Maybe he can work on his science report at the kitchen table because his mom is in there working on something and he's helped by someone to bounce ideas off of," Koch says.

Click here for some ideas for brain-boosting snacks.

Highlight the motivation

Motivation is everything when it comes to getting things done. No one likes to cook in a dirty kitchen, so do some housekeeping and put up some homework-appropriate stuff to get your kids in the mood to learn.

"Create a theme for your homework space based on your child's interests. Start with a homework 'mood board' as your backdrop, created on a bulletin board, corkboard or posterboard and embellished with favorite photos, quotes etc. Then incorporate child-friendly desk supplies that coordinate with the theme," says wellness expert Melissa Cassera.

Get more tips on motivating your child for homework success here.

Keep supplies close

Think back to when you were a kid. Do you remember breaking a pencil and obsessively looking for that cute sharpener? Or running out of looseleaf and losing track of what you were searching for, only to get in trouble for not doing what you were supposed to be doing? It happens to the best of us. So, when you are organizing your child's study nook, make sure that everything she needs is close at hand.

"A study space should be equipped with everything kids may need so they don't have to waste time looking for items. Pencils, pens, erasers, paper, glue, scissors, paper clips, a stapler, a calculator, assignment book or calendar, and reference materials are all must-haves. Once your kids sit down to work, they shouldn't have to hunt for basic supplies," says A.J. Miller of Miller Organizing (millerorganizing.com).

Psst: Even if you don't have a dedicated nook, you can get a special rolling cart for supplies to make it portable.

Check out our top 10 must-have school accessories here!

Lighting matters

Protect your child's eyes by making sure that the lighting in the study area is appropriate and will help her focus on the task at hand.

"Incorporate softer background lighting rather than harsh, bright lights," suggest Cassera. Many experts say that lighting that focuses on the task at hand (like a desk lamp) can help keep the focus on the homework.

Keep it consistent

Whether you have a roving nook, a permanent nook or some other setup, make the homework process something that you repeat again and again. "Routines give kids the structure they need. Some kids need to get their homework done right after school. Others need to expend some energy first. Find the time that works best with your child, then stick to it," says Dr Richard E Bavaria, Sylvan Learning's senior vice president for education outreach.

How long should homework take? Find out here!

And for tips on school fashion, homework tips, managing bullies and more, check out our Back to school section!