Studying is a part of life for most teens. The average high-school student spends five hours each week studying outside of the classroom. By contrast, the average college student studies for more than fifteen hours each week. We all know that homeschool students aren’t average at all, but with a challenging course load and dual credit classes, you can expect your teen to spend a few hours hitting the books each day. A well-thought-out study space will help your student make the most of his or her study time.

Plan together

Sit down with your teen and discuss his or her necessities for a productive study space. Some kids will want a space that is totally quiet, with no distractions, while other students will appreciate a spot closer to family activities. This is largely dependent on your child’s learning style, level of independence, and personal preference. Discuss how much physical space your child needs and what the features of a productive space might be. Not all homes will have private rooms available to dedicate to school-work, but you and your teen should be able to come up with a few options that will work for your family, even if it's just a corner of the dining room.

The Basics

The most important aspects of a good study space are a comfortable place to sit and a sturdy writing surface. Your student may be happy curled up on a sofa with a computer perched on her lap, but studies show that working like this for long periods of time can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and distraction. A sturdy desk or table dedicated to school work is an important element of a good study space. Your teen will also appreciate a comfortable chair that is ergonomically correct and adjustable for different body types. An office chair will help reduce back pain and make studying more pleasant.

Another important feature of a great study space is proper lighting. A desk or table lamp placed directly on the work space will be more effective than an overhead light.

The Details

Your teen can avoid wasting time by having everything he or she needs close by. A bookshelf can hold important books and reference materials. A bulletin board above the desk can keep track of schedules, classes, and appointments. Other important supplies to have on hand are pens and pencils, a pencil sharpener, erasers, index cards and notebook paper. While not a necessity, most students working at the high school level will need a computer. Whether they keep a computer in their study space or not should be up to the parents.

Let your teen do a little decorating, to make the space reflect his or her personal style. Add a cup of tea and some dual credit literature study, and you have a perfect evening of studying ahead.

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