homework layout ideas

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27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations

Steal ideas from these amazing home office spaces and watch the good grades roll in this semester

Adjacent Homework Station

Create a bright and lively space that’ll get your kid’s creative juices flowing! The cabinets used here were ordered in a factory-applied yellow that echoes the hutch across the room. There’s no reason you can’t get this look with some vibrant paint and a weekend of DIY. Putting a desk in a space just outside the kitchen provides a bit of privacy for independent workers but keeps them close just in case they need homework help. Easy access to snacks is also a plus.

Storage-Loaded Homework Alcove

Build a space-smart little office right in your kid’s room. All you’ll need is some stock lumber, storage bins, and tracks for a sliding work surface.

Creative Closet Space

Take the doors off of a little-used closet and line the walls with a fun pattern to create a handy homework alcove. Your kid’s design ideas may not match your own, but applying their feedback will make the space—and studying—more appealing to them.

Armoire Office

This clever contraption features a door with a fold-down table for a work station that can be tucked away when the studying is done.

Cozy Corner

Some wall-mounted shelves or cubbies and a small computer desk makes for a quick and easy study station.

Corkboard Wall

Cover an entire wall in cork tiles or chalkboard paint to make a bold—and functional— design statement.

Kitchen Counter Homework Station

This tiny desk at the end of a counter makes for an open-yet-compact workspace that isn’t tucked away into a cabinet or closet. It’s perfect for younger kids who need homework help and supervision while working.

Plugged-In Study Nook

Carved into a kitchen, this desk faces a wall to limit distractions for students trying to complete their assignments. Built-in cabinetry makes for ample book and supply storage.

Great Room Homework Station

If you don’t have a dedicated room for a home office or study space, you’ll have to learn how to share. Living spaces can lend themselves nicely to multiple uses. Put a vacant wall to use with a built-in work unit. But if there’s a television in the room, make sure it’s turned off at homework time.

Light, Bright Desktop

For sit-down kitchen desks, like the one shown here, leave about 30 inches between the bottom of the lampshade and the counter.

Budget Home Office

Kelly and Wayne Averbeck of Jerome, Idaho, used leftovers and bargain buys to age their office to perfection. Similarly, you can use what you’ve got to incorporate a homework nook to your existing built-in storage. See An Office Update With Vintage Appeal to learn more about this budget remodel.

Rustic Reclaimed Study Station

Outfitting a room almost entirely with recycled or reused finds can prove a challenge. Too much salvage, and your space starts to look like a junkyard—which is why interior designer Sally Bailey lets simplicity reign in her home studio, shown here. This interesting space makes a great study station for older kids, while teaching the importance of eco-friendly design. For more on how you can get this look, see How to Create a Rustic Reclaimed Workspace .

Side-by-Side Seating

This kitchen office was designed for a mom who wanted a space she could share with her 12-year-old son. Key features include outlets for two computers, a cordless phone, and a single printer, undercabinet task lighting, and a dividing column of drawers to stow craft and office supplies. This arrangement makes a great cooperative learning area for homes with multiple students, too.

Creative Catch-All

When kids are in the picture, the kitchen office can be part homework desk, part high-tech hub, part first-aid center. That’s the case with this multitasker designed by Greenwich, Connecticut, architect Jay Haverson: The lower cabinets in the teak-topped desk store office supplies, phone books, and recipes. Emergency supplies, including medicines and flashlights, as well as electronics, are hidden up high behind touch-latch cabinet doors. A corkboard “backsplash” creates a home for memos.

Space-Saving Station

If you’re really short on space, adding a dedicated homework station can be as easy as building this. Like a ladder-rack, this clever unit props up against a wall and can be anchored or left portable.

Modern Home Office

Lift storage units off the ground! Build and hang large, high-impact shadowboxes instead of mounting traditional shelves.

High Impact Work Station

Boldly colored storage boxes are great for stashing supplies and matching binders are perfect for filing graded papers.

Hidden Study Station

Slim bifold doors make it easy to hide a workspace that’s in a common area.

Wall-Mounted Wonder

This compact, folding work surface doubles as covered supply storage unit. Create a similar space with easy-to-install wall-mount desks .

Adjustable Storage Station

Create a nook with a network of adjustable wall-mounted shelving if built-in storage is out of your budget.

Catch-All Cubby Bins

From wicker to brightly-colored fabrics, choosing the right storage bins for open shelving can add to the look of your space.

Pretty and Punctual Homework Area

Be mindful of clutter, but allow your child to pick a few decor items to personalize her space. A wall-hung clock will get your kid into the habit of scheduling and getting work done in a timely manner—or at least in time for their favorite TV show.

Walled-Off Study Station

Throw up some wall frames and create built-in room dividers, like the ones shown here, in a larger rooms.

Work Space With a View

Make homework time pleasant with desks facing a window. You’ll eliminate the need for using a lamp or overhead lighting in the daytime.

Kid’s Corner

A small corner of a kid’s room is all you need to create a homework station.

In-House Computer Lab

Make sure your study stations have enough outlets to power computers and charge gadgets. In homes with more than two kids, a set up like the one shown here ensures all of your young learners have an equal amount of real estate.

Reader-Created Study Station

Reader Carol Dregne of Galena, Illinois, created this vibrant work station for her two boys to share. The world-map wall covering makes a great learning tool—and beats an ordinary atlas any day of the week.

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Your Career• 3 Min read

6th September 2020

Creative Homework Ideas

How can you create homework assignments that build on the day’s lessons and encourage creative, student-led learning? It’s a challenge for most teachers, especially as motivating pupils to complete homework can add a whole extra layer to your lesson plans. But it’s essential to bridge the gap between teacher and student learning –  the skills gained through independent study reinforces knowledge from your class, as well as a host of other benefits:

• Extended learning time – outside of the constraints of the school day, students are free to learn at their own pace and in their own environment.
• Independent learning – vital skills for exam preparation and higher education
• Teaches students to be resourceful and to overcome challenges independently.
• Gives students the freedom to be creative in their learning, gain valuable problem-solving skills and confidence in their own abilities.

Tips For Setting Creative Homework

• Plan independent learning both in and out of the classroom – you can monitor students effectiveness and address issues that may arise in the classroom before they become problematic for pupils at home.
• Don’t leave homework assignment to the end of the lesson, rushing through the task might leave some students confused which inevitably leads to a lower homework completion rate. Write plenty of time for explaining homework assignments into your lesson planning – read our Beginner’s Guide To Lesson Planning here
• Homework should to not too easy nor not too hard, offering pupils a challenge that reinforced the topics learnt during the day
• Give room for creative expression – allowing students to add their own diagrams, decorations or chose their own project topics from a selection. 
• Try using peer or self-assessment to mark homework – a double whammy of reducing your workload and allowing pupils to take control of their own learning.
• Include timings and explicit steps for completing more complicated assignments, especially for pupils that you anticipate might struggle. Comprehension of the task is the biggest hurdle in getting pupils to work on an independent basis.
• Self-driven projects, posters, creative tasks and research are more exciting than standard comprehension tasks and might encourage pupils that find sitting and writing dull or hard to complete the homework set – give students the freedom to learn and be creative in their home study.
• Provide specific instructions and internet safety reminders for research-led assignments. It’s very easy for children to find research overwhelming with a vast amount of information available online. Provide suggested websites and links in your homework to keep things on track!
• Don’t introduce a new topic for homework – keep it to topics that you’ve already covered in class
• Taking note of the subjects that excite and engage your class and set homework accordingly – try keeping dryer topics and  for the classroom so that you can monitor engagement
• Mark work promptly – essential to keep students motivated to complete work in their own time!
• Offering students the opportunity to select the homework that they would like to do from a selection guarantees a higher rate of completion. We’ve seen some teachers create grids or sheets of homework assignments for the pupils to select, or offer baskets of activities for younger children to take home and complete with an adult.

Creative Homework Ideas For All Ages

Coming up with innovative ways for students to reinforce their knowledge at home can be difficult – many of these ideas would be suitable for lots of subjects with a little tweaking!

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15 Innovative School Homework Ideas to Make Learning Fun

Aashita Pillai

Aashita is a writer here at Suraasa and has formerly worked as a Teacher Mentor for a couple of years. She wields words like weapons to help readers get clear and concise information.

General Tips to Keep Students Hooked to School Homework

15 innovative school homework ideas to engage your students, theme a: arts and crafts, theme b: physical and outside activities, theme c: digital activities, theme d: games, theme e: entrepreneurship, downloadable resource.

“Hi teachers! I am your old friend, School Homework. Over time as education changed, so have I— thanks to the endless innovations that happened to me.  Let me take you through my life and the various innovations that made me your best friend- I was born in the 1920s to help students reinforce what they learned in class. Until the 1980s, I was basically just pen-and-paper-based assignments.  The Internet was born in 1983. From there onwards, I made my stride into the ‘digital era’.

Until the beginning of 2020, I was slowly being integrated within online platforms and technology to help students learn better. Then at the onset of 2020, the world plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools shifted to a ‘remote learning’ mode of education. During this pandemic, you and I became very crucial in ensuring the continuity of our students’ learning. You all embraced creative approaches to keep the students engaged. You leveraged interactive games, virtual simulations, & more to make me engaging. Gone are the days when you, my dear teachers, would limit your homework to worksheets, textbook questions, literature reviews, and reports. Today as we stand here in 2023, there is no limit to innovative and exciting homework formats! Well, that’s from me. See you in the classrooms!”

So teachers, we heard from homework about how it has evolved over time. As it said, many innovative ways have come up to reinforce our students' learning. So, are you ready to make your students fall in love with these new school homework ideas? Let’s begin with understanding some general tips to keep your students engaged with their school homework.

1. Make it Relevant and Meaningful 

Connect the school homework to their lives, interests, or current events to make it more meaningful and relatable. For example, if it’s Christmas time, you can ask your students to explore the themes of charity, storytelling, etc.

2. Give Them a Choice

Allow students to have some choice and autonomy in their assignments. Ask them to select the format (e.g. written format in the online medium, oral format in the offline medium) in which they want to submit their homework. When they feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged. This is how you become a 21st-century teacher who uses differentiated learning. 

3. Celebrate Their Achievements

When children get appreciated for their achievements or good behaviour, it boosts their self-confidence. It encourages them to repeat those actions. This creates a positive learning environment. They are more likely to deliver results when appreciated for their actions. Hence, you can celebrate their achievements via small rewards, recognition or a display of their work in class.

Let's move to the next part of this blog, where we will share innovative school homework ideas that will turn mundane homework into engaging learning sessions!  After assigning any of these innovative homework ideas, you might never hear students’ innovative excuses to avoid homework! To give you a quick run-through, these ideas have been grouped under some common themes. Under each theme, you will learn how to use 3 ideas listed alongside relevant examples to comprehend it completely. Come along as we give the ratty old homework a MAKEOVER!

By infusing the joy of arts and crafts into school homework, you can tap into the innate curiosity and imagination of your students. And you never know, you might end up being the person that shaped the next Da Vinci! So, let’s get right into it:

1. Create Your Storybook

We all have heard stories. We have loved them and adored them. So why not give our students a chance to write one?  After the students submit their storybooks, you can review their stories and give personalised feedback. Such feedback addresses each student’s individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. This fosters a student-centric learning environment.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

2. Make Your Own Board Game

Do you remember the joy of gathering around a table, rolling a dice, and playing Snakes & Ladders? As kids and even as adults, many of us love spending our time playing board games.  Now, picture becoming the teacher that integrates school homework with a board game! Students can design board games and incorporate artistic elements into their theme, board layout, cards, etc. They can become architects of fun and learning!

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

3. Construct a Birdhouse

Now, let’s tap into the sweet nostalgia of DIY(Do it Yourself) Projects. It could be something as simple as bedsheet forts or something a little more complex like a birdhouse 🙂 Won’t it be wonderful to watch your students feel a sense of accomplishment when they build their own handmade creations?  Let’s focus on the idea of constructing a birdhouse. By assigning students this homework, you’ll additionally be encouraging kinesthetic learning . 

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Students love spending their time outdoors. Assigning school homework that requires them to be outside is a big plus! It will also help them apply what’s taught in class in real-life situations and promote active learning.

4. Participate in a Scavenger Hunt

Everyone loves a good old mystery! Give your students the chance to be modern-day ‘Sherlock Holmes’ as they set out on scavenger hunts.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

5. Maintain a Physical Activity Journal

In this digital age, where mobile and laptop screens often dominate, the majority of the students lead sedentary lifestyles. School homework which encourages physical activity, can be a game-changer! And what better than maintaining a physical activity journal that helps with it? Additionally, it will also promote the healthy habit of having an active lifestyle among students.  Getting students to journal can seem tough, but with the right motivation & incentives, it can be done. Additionally, this can also be a fun summer holiday homework, where students can keep track of their activities all summer! Encourage them to document their daily exercise triumphs. Push them to go beyond their own records! Ask them to explore science concepts- BMI, heart and pulse rates, diet, and nutrition! Once you do this, exercise will not just be about breaking a sweat anymore. It will also be something that incorporates learning! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

6. Conduct a Survey at a Local Supermarket

This outdoor activity is an extremely fun option for school homework. Most kids love running through the different aisles in a supermarket. Introducing a concept like surveys here gives them a chance to do some ‘real-life’ work and also provides much-needed relief to their parents!  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

In the age of tech-savvy students, we often find parents complaining about the excess screen time with their kids. But what if you could harness the untapped potential in technology? Today's kids are already immersed in the digital world, so why not tap into their enthusiasm and merge it with learning?  Let’s look at some innovative methods of assigning digital activities for school homework:

7. Record a Virtual Job Application

This can be a fun homework assignment for students of all grades. One thing that we often forget as teachers is that school is not just about the present; it's also about the future. But often, we don’t discuss the future. This results in students being almost lost when it comes to their future career opportunities.  This is exactly where this school homework activity helps. Assigning school homework related to professions is a great chance for students to explore their career options. This, in turn, will help them be better prepared for life after school.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

8. Participate in Online Collaborative Projects

Online projects are a catalyst for active learning and student engagement. They can be a tool for you to create a dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Additionally, these activities enhance digital literacy and empower students to leverage technology for learning. Working on online collaborative projects will also help students learn how to function together as a team. This is something that also prepares them for life beyond school, where it’s crucial to learn to work together.

9. Virtual Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange events open doors to new horizons, offering students a unique chance to explore diverse cultures. By immersing them in new traditions, you develop acceptance, and empathy in your students. You give them a chance to have a broad and more inclusive perspective of the world. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

Game-based school homework is one of the best ways to engage your students. Integrating learning within games creates a powerful synergy where education and entertainment merge seamlessly.  It’s time to tap into your students’ natural love for games and leverage it!

10. Use Minecraft as a Learning Tool

Ah, Minecraft! A name that brings back memories of endless adventures in pixelated landscapes. It’s a game that is a nostalgic reminder of our childhood.  But did you know that Minecraft can be more than just a game? It can be a powerful learning tool to level up the educational experience of your students.  💡Learn how to leverage Minecraft to make your classrooms more engaging! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

11. Encourage Role-Playing Games

Lights, camera, action! Role-playing games(RPGs) let students step into the shoes of a character and bring lessons to life. Even though RPGs are not typically classified as games, their unique blend of learning and fun makes them ideal for educational purposes.  You can assign students to act out roleplays based on a historical event, scientific concept or work of literature. They can develop characters, write dialogues, and present this to the class. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

12. Online Challenges

You can introduce online challenges like coding of varying difficulties for different grade levels. Platforms like Scratch or Code.org can be helpful for this purpose. Coding challenges offer hands-on experience to students. It allows them to practice coding concepts and algorithms in a practical and engaging manner.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

In today's competitive world, students who embrace innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset stand out. As a teacher, you can nurture these qualities in your students via thought-provoking school homework. Such assignments can ignite students' passion for problem-solving, creative thinking, and strategic planning. Let’s look at some of the ideas below.

13. Pitch Your Business Idea

Have you watched shows like Shark Tank or Billion Dollar Buyer? Have you been completely captivated by the business pitches on these shows? Now, imagine doing the same for your students— unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s time to bring the hustle of the business world into your classrooms! Encourage students to develop a business idea and create a persuasive pitch. They should research their target market, competitors, and unique selling points. In fact, students can present their pitch using multimedia tools, such as slides or videos, highlighting the problem they're solving and the value their business brings. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

14. Design a Mobile App

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Think about the countless hours that you spend on your smartphone, exploring different apps that make your life easier. This is a practice growing like fire amongst kids as well and is cause for serious concern! What if they spend time on their phone and learn at the same time? This homework assignment encourages students to apply their creativity and technical skills to develop a concept for a mobile application. Additionally, you can also assign this as a holiday homework assignment and let students go wild with learning during summer! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

*Technologies like designing mobile applications can be too complex for the primary school. Hence, we focus on this idea only for middle and high school students.

15. Set up a Stall at the School Fair

This homework acts as an Introduction to Business 101 class for students of all grade levels. Students get to decide what stall to put up, then work on the logistics and finally manage the stall and finances on D-Day. This will teach students real-world skills and give them a feeling of ownership. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Grade-Specific Tips to follow while Preparing School Homework ‍

1. primary school students ‍.

• Keep it Interactive and Hands-on Younger children thrive on tactile and interactive experiences. Incorporate more of arts and crafts, storytelling, etc., to make homework enjoyable for them.
• Use Visuals Vibrant colours will capture their attention and make tasks visually appealing.
• Keep it Short Primary school students have limited attention spans. Give them small tasks that they can accomplish in a limited timeframe. ‍

2. Middle School students ‍

• Offer More Choices Middle schoolers are often teenagers already on the precipice of changes beyond their control. They will appreciate having some control over their learning. Allow them to choose topics or formats that align with their interests.
• Incorporate Technology Middle school students are often technologically savvy. Utilise online resources, interactive platforms, and digital tools to make homework more engaging and relevant to their interests.
• Encourage Independent Research Foster their curiosity by assigning research-based projects. Encourage them to explore various sources and present their findings in creative ways. ‍

3. High School Students ‍

• Encourage Critical Thinking and Analysis High schoolers are capable of higher-order thinking skills. Assign tasks that require critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Encourage Self-expression Offer creative assignments that allow them to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas. Remember that they are young adults finding their voice in a loud world. Encourage them to write essays, create multimedia presentations, or engage in spirited debates.
• Push for Practical Application Assign tasks that connect to real-world situations, allowing them to see the relevance and importance of their learning. ‍

How to Improve Your Homework and Other Teaching Strategies?

Do you want to learn about more strategies to improve school homework? What if you could upskill and improve all your teaching strategies- classroom management, assessment, and lesson planning, among many others? Book a call with a mentor to get dedicated teacher counselling on upskilling and improving your teaching strategies.

In a world where school homework is generally met with students’ whining, you can use these approaches to turn it into a gateway for innovation! By infusing ideas such as game-based learning, digital activities, and arts and crafts, you can help students engage with school homework meaningfully. This will foster a lifelong love for learning among your students, ultimately helping them succeed in and beyond the classroom. Want a short compilation of all the amazing school homework ideas? Click the button below

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20+ creative alternative homework ideas for teachers

When giving homework, it must always be based on learning goals your students have to reach, just like in your lessons. But it’s sad to see that lots of teachers are using homework as extra lesson time. Of course, as a teacher, you’re on a clock. But that doesn’t mean your students have to suffer from it and keep working on those boring textbooks and worksheets at home.

Consider goals like attitudes, real-life experiences, and practice, physical exercise, social encounters, creative solutions, and philanthropy as crucial as your lesson goals. These are things students don’t just pick up in your classroom. These are things they pick up in life.

In this blog post, I’ll give you some innovative homework ideas that will engage your students more. These alternatives to traditional homework will thereby also teach your students new things that can’t be taught in the classroom. You will find a variety of homework ideas: online and offline.

I will mention homework alternatives for primary school and high school. Some of these ideas can be changed a little bit, so they are the perfect fit for the right audience.

20 Creative homework ideas

You can divide homework tasks into the following themes or categories:

• Crafts & arts
• Outdoor activities & outings
• Games and activities
• Physical activities
• Digital or computer activities
• Philanthropy & social work

💡 Good to know : all the ready-to-use homework activities are created with BookWidgets . You can easily create activities like these yourself or duplicate an activity below for free, edit it if needed, and share it with your students. You can do so in the examples separately, or you can find all the homework examples in the BookWidgets Blog group folder .

Crafts and arts homework

1. prepare a dish from a recipe book.

2. Make a board game

3. Create a birdhouse

4. Transform a fictional book character into a hand puppet

Outdoor homework activities and outings

5. coupon game.

Students can also go grocery shopping with their parents. Here, they have to read the ingredients of the products and help their parents choose the healthiest products for the best prices, figure out the best deal between the sizes of items, …

6. Visit the zoo

7. Visit the local dumping ground or container park

8. Build a tree house

Games and activities as homework

9. bookwidgets games.

10. Minecraft

11. Play Cards

12. Play Zoo Tycoon or Rollercoaster Tycoon

Physical homework activities

13. rope skipping.

Many rope-skipping songs let your students do different tricks while rope-skipping. This is an excellent opportunity for homework as well. Ask your students to transform a rope skipping song into a song with lesson content. Let them count or spell or even sum up the different states or capitals. To engage their lifestyles even harder, you can additionally give them the assignment to create a TikTok in which they are jumping and singing.

Click here to see how you can get Tiktok more involved in the classroom.

14. Walking quest

If there aren’t any walking quests in the neighborhood, you could ask your students to create a walking quest like this for their fellow students. What a fun day it will be!

15. Obstacle Quiz

In order for students to answer the questions, they have to run and pass a challenging parkour. This is a fun homework exercise, and in the end, it’s a great lesson starter or lesson end.

16. Swimming games

After the activity, they can fill out an Exit Slip:

Digital or computer homework activities

17. create a picture album.

This teaches them to handle the online software, add pictures and write without spelling mistakes. And of course, creating memories is so much fun!

18. Video job application

19. Your life in 10 minutes - video

20. Email pen-pals

Is it still too complicated? Read the messages from your students, before they send them, and provide them with some feedback.

Philanthropy and social homework

21. grow a community garden.

22. Help in a retirement home

23. Help at a homeless shelter

24. Collect litter

Here’s another homework tip: Don’t call homework “homework”. Call it a challenge. Homework has become a negative word for students, and I bet they start rolling their eyes as you even mention the word.

Still looking for more inspiration? Check out the blog on short films and lesson activities that spice up your Google Classroom . Tip: even if you don’t use Google Classroom, there is a lot of inspiration back here.

Above you have read single assignments. But, you also have the option to involve your homework in a project. Find out more here .

So, as I mentioned earlier, there are many fun alternatives to traditional homework. Now it’s up to you to apply this in the classroom as well. In this folder , you will find all the examples you have come across.

Which idea do you or perhaps your students like the most? Let us know on Twitter . Of course, there are many more alternatives. If you have other ideas, you are always welcome to share it with other teachers in our Facebook group .

One more thing: don’t forget to say hi👋 on LikedIn .

Join hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and get the best content on technology in education.

BookWidgets enables teachers to create fun and interactive lessons for tablets, smartphones, and computers.

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Equal parts relaxing and dramatic, this daring study space by GRT Architects boasts everything you'd need to get down to brass tacks, from bookshelves and versatile side tables to a cozy spot to perch. For a similarly moody hue in your own space, try River Blue by Benjamin Moore.

Go Bold and Brazen

If you're someone that thrives on vibrant energy, you're probably not going to be able to easily find your groove in a stark neutral space. Play into your work or study personality with decor that keys into exactly what it is that makes you tick. Here, designer Krsnaa Mehta relied on righteous jewel tones and custom art to enliven his personal study.

Make Room for Storage

Designer Eric Olsen carved out a dedicated area for his kids to focus on schoolwork. The study zone features custom pendants for ample lighting over a desk that seats multiple children to gather around for group projects or tutoring sessions. Built-in storage with cabinet enclosures ensures that books, school supplies, and other essentials are organized behind closed doors.

Carve Out a Comfort Nook

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Find the Light

Even the most diligent among us are not immune to the need for a little study break every now and then. Give your mind somewhere beautiful to wander by posting up your study zone in front of a scenic window. In this home office designed by Heather Chadduck , an eclectic gallery wall frames a brightly-lit window, encased in trim painted Green Blue by Farrow & Ball .

At the end of the day, having a dedicated space to study or work is far more important than how fancy—or big—said space happens to be. Need convincing that big things can happen in small spaces? Take this cute corner as proof positive. Designer Tariq Dixon transformed a tiny unused corner of his apartment into an inspiring place to write answer e-mails, and gather inspiration.

Sink Into Comfort

In the Sacramento home of designer Shavonda Gardner , a welcoming vintage Eames chair is all it takes to beckon passersby to stop and study (or read, or scroll) for a while. To make the rest of the space stand up to the stately vintage lounger, Gardner relied on an inky paint hue ( Caviar by Sherwin-Williams ) and personalized accessories.

Get Bookish in the Bedroom

For tweens and teens, there's no better spot for a study zone than in their bedroom—let's be honest, they only want to be in there anyway. Designer Katie Hodges hooked her grade-school client up with a study space that will carry her all through the way through high school (and beyond!), thanks to a custom built-in station with room for books, mementos, and more.

Keep It Consistent

In this Montana family cabin designed by Kylee Sshintaffer roomy benches and plenty of task lighting make this bonus room the perfect place to buckle down and study. The tight color scheme ensures that it fits right in with the rest of the home.

Do Double Duty

When designer Byron Risdon was tasked with carving out a WFH space in a petite Washington, D.C. apartment , he turned to an unlikely spot: the dining room table. By installing floating shelves and opting for an expansive dining table, Risdon gave his teacher client a place where he could hold class—and share a glass with friends afterward.

Clear the Way for Collaboration

You know what they say—two heads (or three, or four) are better than one. If you prefer collaboration over quiet (or just need a place to work on that pesky group project), consider doctoring up a study space that will allow you to work as a team. In this office space from House Beautiful's 2019 Whole Home, designer Dani Arps opted for an oversized work that could fit several thinkers at once.

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Published: Aug 5, 2021 · Modified: Aug 28, 2021 by Rachel

30+ Homework Station Ideas for Kids and Teens

Ready to make your family’s after-school or home school routine a bit less stressful? An organized homework station is the answer! I’ve included easy tips for small spaces and multiple kids so everyone can have a quiet, supervised space to study.

Table of Contents

It’s back to school time again and along with that comes a flood of emotion. While its sad to see our babies growing up, my inner organizing dork gets a boost of excitement. Create a cheerful space with these homework station ideas to inspire learning, even if you’re short on space!

A homework station is an inviting area that is dedicated to learning, homework, and informal learning like arts and crafts project. Although the kitchen table will suffice for a quick review or a worksheet, we’ve found it’s nice to have a homework zone where school supplies, books, and school calendars can have a dedicated place of their own. This cuts back on clutter and distractions.

I was inspired to write this post because of what I’ve learned from our frustrations with my son’s severe ADHD. At first, homework hour was a stressful experience full of tears (mine), yelling and every possible distraction under the sun. No exaggeration – 20 minutes of homework regularly took almost 2 hours. The material was never the issue. Home school moms, you have my admiration!

That’s where a dedicated space and equitable ground rules saved the day (and my sanity!)

How To Setup a Homework Station

I’ve learned a lot over several incarnations of our homework space. Creating a basic homework station area is simple and effective with these tips below:

• Choose a quiet area. The biggest chance of success is to limit distractions. Preferably with a handy outlet for a laptop, or charging accessories like headphones. For my son, I find that headphones with music (on loop) works wonders.
• Stock it with necessities. My son is the king of wasting time looking for misplaced items. Before official homework time, I ask if he has everything he needs to minimize the chances of him getting up from the desk.
• Set a routine. Same time + Same space = Success. I personally give my son a short break after school before we get down to business.
• Keep ’em close. While we must balance distractions, young children especially need supervision and usually help.
• Minimize your own distractions. When my son was in elementary school, I couldn’t continue working from home during homework time. It wasn’t fair to ask him to stay focused, when I myself wasn’t focused on his questions. So I placed a tiny desk in our kitchen. That way I had both eyes on him while I washed dishes or prepped dinner. I was available, yet still productive.

Homework Station Supplies

Below is a handy list of supplies that are sometimes useful.

• Pens and pencils
• Loose leaf paper for scratch paper or notes
• A timer or clock
• A folder with pockets
• 1 box of color pencils or crayons
• Computer and charger
• A planner (checklists are the lifeblood of this house!)
• Craft supplies as necessary – glue sticks and scissors are examples
• A comfy chair

Homework Station Setup Ideas

Finding the right space is often the most challenging part! I’ve included some inspirational ideas below to get focused. You don’t need to have an elaborate space, but these are great jumping off points to inspire your creativity.

Nooks & Crannies

While most of us don’t have room for a dedicated office, there’s usually space to spare like under the staircase, an unused closet, or an awkward alcove . These centrally located spaces are often quiet and can be quite magical.

A small closet can be transformed into a useful desk space. Source: This Old House.

The unused space underneath a staircase like this desk is also perfect for using as a small homework station. This design utilizes fun lines and strokes to make it visually interesting.

Homework Stations that Foster Creativity

I honestly believe that adding a little creativity to the space fosters the desire to learn and leads to great ideas. Classrooms are full of stimulating decorations for a reason.

Here’s a few creative concepts to enhance your learning environment:

Inspirational quotes on a paintable chalkboard from Dawn Nicole add a touch of whimsy and keep students motivated during tough assignments.

A simple wall Children’s art display like the desk above allows kids to hang their accomplishments and past artwork.

Add a splash of color or maybe some wall flash cards.

While these beautiful spaces are awesome, sometimes we just need a simple option like this portable homework station .

More portable homework station ideas :

• Use a bath caddy to hold supplies so you can grab and go.
• A tiny desk and rolling cart makes it easy to move supplies where you need them, when you need them.
• I love my car seat organizer for homework on-the-go. It’s a lifesaver when I have to run errands.
• This fold away desk vault in a box is brilliant!

Room for Two (or more)

If you have more than one child, figure out how they learn best. Do they prefer to  study  together? Try setting up the desk so it can accommodate everyone. A collaborative study area is less isolating.

I’m a big fan of this option . Everyone has dedicated space and no one is encroaching on the other’s turf.

This desk utilizes a stacking bookshelf to create two separate work areas and provide ample storage for each user. To save space, you could also have the desks face each other with the bookshelf between them.

This study zone melds learning and fun. It’s an especially fantastic space for large families. The multi-functional area can accommodate everything from homework, to art projects, and amazing Lego builds.

During my own work hours, I share a space with my son. Our craft room makeover project had to include key elements like tandem workspaces, ample organization elements and creative ways to display our greatest hits!

PRO TIP: Peg Boards are excellent additions to any Homework Station. They allow you to customize your storage and wall display without limits. Here’s how we built a DIY pegboard organizer.

Space Saving Solutions

House a homework nook in even the tiniest space. These space saving desks are brilliant!

Wall Mounted Desk

Ladder Shelf

Wall mounted

Space Saving Shelf Desk

Do you have a dedicated studying area in your home? What’s your top tip for handling the daily homework assignments?

More Ideas You May Enjoy

PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag  #cravingcreative  on Instagram ! You can also  stay in touch with me through following me on  Instagram ,  Pinterest , and subscribing to the newsletter!

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August 31, 2015 at 11:36 pm

Meredith @ The Palette Muse says

August 31, 2015 at 10:42 pm

Creative Homework Ideas For Your Students

Setting appropriate homework tasks is a big part of your teaching role. Setting homework is an opportunity to ensure that your students have absorbed the lesson and can apply what they've learnt to individual study. Homework allows students to reflect on your teachings and broaden their understanding of a particular subject or topic.

However, motivating your class to view homework this way might be something of a challenge! Most young people find settling down to complete homework outside of school hours challenging. If the task feels overwhelming or difficult or seems monotonous, they might just go through the motions of getting it done rather than giving it their full energy and attention and completing it the best they can.

So how can you ensure students' love of learning continues outside the classroom and that they not only give their all to completing homework but actually enjoy it too?

By getting creative with the work you set and thinking about how you can engage and motivate students to complete their homework, you will undoubtedly see better results.

Here are some excellent homework ideas to help encourage creative, student-led learning.

Exciting, engaging homework ideas to keep your students paying attention

Write their own lesson plan.

If you want to give your students a chance to step into your shoes for the day, why don't you ask them to create their own lesson plan around a topic they've learnt about or are about to learn? This will give them a chance to showcase their knowledge, do research and think creatively. You'll also learn more about how your students like to work and what would make a good lesson from their perspective, which could help inform how you shape your lessons in the future.

Write a speech or story from a different perspective

If your students are learning about a famous historical figure or studying a classic text, why not get them to think about different perspectives? You could ask them to embody someone influential from a particular period or a character from a play or story and write a speech or story from that person's point of view.

Create a board game

Gamification is always a fun idea to try to inject energy into the classroom, and getting your students to create their very own board game is a fantastic way to keep things fun while also getting them engaged in their learning. Games could centre around a particular topic; they could be quiz-based, matching games, or number games - let them get as creative as they like. You can then have fun in class playing the best ones too.

Go on a treasure hunt

As a fun homework task that will get your students out and about, ask them to go on a treasure or scavenger hunt, finding certain things that are related to your topic. For younger children, this could be as simple as collecting leaves, flowers, or twigs they might find in their local park, or particular shapes or colours, but older children can benefit from this kind of task too by setting more complicated challenges.

Create a collage

Creating collages can be a fun and interesting way for students to demonstrate their learning, improve their research skills and use their creativity and imagination and can be based on a variety of different topics so they work well across lots of subjects. Encourage them to stick cutouts, fabrics, tickets, photographs, and any other relevant materials to make up their collages, and then they can take turns presenting these in class.

Film a video

If your students are older and have mobile phones, you could set a video-making task for them to do at home. This could involve interviewing friends and relatives about a topic or filming themselves talking about a specific subject, or answering a particular question. Students could share their videos in class and will love being able to use their phones in school for once!

Create a crossword

Get your students to think creatively about questions and answers by asking them to create their very own crossword puzzle, using the material you've taught them in class as a basis. You can ask them to bring all their crossword puzzles into class and then swap them with each other to see if other students can fit the answers in correctly.

Find fun facts

Almost every subject has weird and wonderful facts surrounding it. Did you know, for example, that the word 'hundred' derives from an old Norse term 'hundrath,' which actually means 120?! Or that water can both boil and freeze simultaneously? Encourage your students to find the most obscure or interesting facts about the subjects you are teaching them, and then you can all share your findings in class.

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Leisurely Does It

Organize the chaos into calm

10 Awesome Study Nook Ideas That Make Homework Fun

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Use these ten study nook ideas for inspiration to layout a space for your kids’ homework station and essential school supplies.

As long as your kids are at school, they’ll have homework. But, this isn’t just frustrating for children, it’s also stressful for parents.

You sometimes have to reach into the recesses of your mind to remember what you were taught at school when your kids need help. But, in addition to that, you may find yourself running around trying to find items your children need e.g printer paper, a ruler or notebooks. And, you may have to clear a spot for them just to be able to sit down and have enough space to even do their work.

There’s a simple solution that will help relieve some of this frustration and that is a kids’ study area. And, while it won’t eliminate the homework your kids bring home, they’ll know exactly where to go to settle down and get their work done. And, you’ll know just where to find all the school supplies they may need.

You may not have an entire room that you can dedicate to be the homework room but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have an attractive and well-organized space. Get your house ready for school with these ten study nook ideas.

10 Study Nook Ideas for Your Kids

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1.  Closet Study Nook Idea

Even a small closet can be an amazing area for your children to get their homework done. Add extra shelves for storage and a desk with a comfy chair. After homework is done, close the door and you can forget that homework exists until the next day…

See a closet homework area here.

2. Wall-Mounted Desk

A floating desk is perfect when you’re short on space. See a wall-mounted desk here.

3. Fold-Down Desk

Another space-saver is a fold-down desk. Attach it to the wall and when you need it, let the working surface down. When it’s not in use, any mess is hidden.

See a fold-down desk here.

4. Double Workstation

If you have two kids, you’ll probably need a study space that can accommodate both of them at the same time. This is a simple, compact solution to that problem and it has plenty of built-in storage!

See a double-workstation here.

5.  DIY Homework Desk

Create a desk for your kids’ study nook simply by placing a sturdy piece of wood on top of two sawhorse legs. Use screws to secure all the pieces, fill the screw holes with wood filler. Sand the wood filler and sides of the wood until smooth and finish the whole thing off with paint.

This is an affordable and quick solution to creating a kids’ homework area and you can find all the supplies at your local hardware store.

See a DIY homework desk idea here.

6. Along a Wall

An empty wall can house your kid’s study table without eating up a lot of room. Plus, more than one person can comfortably sit there. Run the desk along a wall in a wide hallway, on the stairs landing or in a room in the house.

See a study nook along a wall here.

7. Bedroom Study Nook

I personally love this idea. I always say you should take advantage of the space under the bed because it takes up so much real estate. But, this is taking it to a whole new level.

If you can trust that your child will do homework when left in their room unattended, this can be just what you’re looking for.

See a bedroom study nook here.

8. Corner Or Awkward Space

If there’s an empty corner or awkward space in your house with slanted ceilings or even under the stairs, add a desk, storage and a chair and convert it into a usable kids’ study area.

See a homework area in an awkward space here.

9. Kitchen Homework Station

If your kids, need supervision or help when doing homework, the kitchen may be a good room to set up their study nook. Dedicate shelves, a drawer or one cupboard for homework supplies so they’re all in one place and easy to find.

See a kitchen homework station here.

10. Portable Homework Station

Maybe you don’t have room for a specific homework area so instead, try a mobile one. This example uses the Ikea Raskog cart to store all the necessary school essentials. Use various containers to separate supplies and keep them organized.

See a mobile homework station here.

Hopefully, these study nook ideas can inspire you to create a practical but stylish space for your kids to do their homework.

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Designing Effective Homework

Best practices for creating homework that raises student achievement

Homework. It can be challenging…and not just for students. For teachers, designing homework can be a daunting task with lots of unanswered questions: How much should I assign? What type of content should I cover? Why aren’t students doing the work I assign? Homework can be a powerful opportunity to reinforce the Shifts in your instruction and promote standards-aligned learning, but how do we avoid the pitfalls that make key learning opportunities sources of stress and antipathy?

The nonprofit Instruction Partners recently set out to answer some of these questions, looking at what research says about what works when it comes to homework. You can view their original presentation here , but I’ve summarized some of the key findings you can put to use with your students immediately.

Does homework help?

Consistent homework completion has been shown to increase student achievement rates—but frequency matters. Students who are given homework regularly show greater gains than those who only receive homework sporadically. Researchers hypothesize that this is due to improved study skills and routines practiced through homework that allow students to perform better academically.

Average gains on unit tests for students who completed homework were six percentile points in grades 4–6, 12 percentile points in grades 7–9, and an impressive 24 percentile points in grades 10–12; so yes, homework (done well) does work. [i]

What should homework cover?

While there is little research about exactly what types of homework content lead to the biggest achievement gains, there are some general rules of thumb about how homework should change gradually over time.

In grades 1–5, homework should:

• Reinforce and allow students to practice skills learned in the classroom
• Help students develop good study habits and routines
• Foster positive feelings about school

In grades 6–12, homework should:

• Prepare students for engagement and discussion during the next lesson
• Allow students to apply their skills in new and more challenging ways

The most often-heard criticism of homework assignments is that they simply take too long. So how much homework should you assign in order to see results for students? Not surprisingly, it varies by grade. Assign 10-20 minutes of homework per night total, starting in first grade, and then add 10 minutes for each additional grade. [ii] Doing more can result in student stress, frustration, and disengagement, particularly in the early grades.

Why are some students not doing the homework?

There are any number of reasons why students may not complete homework, from lack of motivation to lack of content knowledge, but one issue to watch out for as a teacher is the impact of economic disparities on the ability to complete homework.

Multiple studies [iii] have shown that low-income students complete homework less often than students who come from wealthier families. This can lead to increased achievement gaps between students. Students from low-income families may face additional challenges when it comes to completing homework such as lack of access to the internet, lack of access to outside tutors or assistance, and additional jobs or family responsibilities.

While you can’t erase these challenges for your students, you can design homework that takes those issues into account by creating homework that can be done offline, independently, and in a reasonable timeframe. With those design principles in mind, you increase the opportunity for all your students to complete and benefit from the homework you assign.

The Big Picture

Perhaps most importantly, students benefit from receiving feedback from you, their teacher, on their assignments. Praise or rewards simply for homework completion have little effect on student achievement, but feedback that helps them improve or reinforces strong performance does. Consider keeping this mini-table handy as you design homework:

The act of assigning homework doesn’t automatically raise student achievement, so be a critical consumer of the homework products that come as part of your curriculum. If they assign too much (or too little!) work or reflect some of these common pitfalls, take action to make assignments that better serve your students.

[i] Cooper, H. (2007). The battle over homework (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

[ii] Cooper, H. (1989a). Homework .White Plains, NY: Longman.

[iii] Horrigan, T. (2015). The numbers behind the broadband ‘homework gap’ http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/20/the-numbers-behind-the-broadband-homework-gap/ and Miami Dade Public Schools. (2009). Literature Review: Homework. http://drs.dadeschools.net/LiteratureReviews/Homework.pdf

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About the Author: Claire Rivero is the Digital Strategy Manager for Student Achievement Partners. Claire leads the organization’s communications and digital promotion work across various channels including email, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, always seeking new ways to reach educators. She also manages Achieve the Core’s blog, Aligned. Prior to joining Student Achievement Partners, Claire worked in the Communications department for the American Red Cross and as a literacy instructor in a London pilot program. Claire holds bachelor’s degrees in English and Public Policy from Duke University and a master’s degree in Social Policy (with a concentration on Education Policy) from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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10 Helpful Homework Ideas and Tips for Primary School Teachers

Written by Holly (Teach Starter)

Homework ideas… Yep, I’m going there! It is always a hot topic of debate between everyone involved in the education field. Here at Teach Starter , we want to help you ensure that the homework you set meaningful and manageable  for your students, their parents and yourself! Deciding on how to set homework, or whether to set homework at all, can be hard when there are so many different opinions and factors pushing and pulling against it.

Parents, either love it or hate it! Principals and leadership teams, either love it or hate it! Teachers are usually the ones stuck in the middle, trying to balance these external pressures with their own beliefs about homework and what is best for the children in their class. We know that it can be a tricky position to be in…

It’s very easy for teachers and schools to say, the research states that homework is not beneficial so no work will be going home! However, there are definitely aspects of the ‘homework’ concept that are beneficial to children and their parents. This blog will outline some helpful homework ideas and concepts that are suitable for primary teachers.

Homework Ideas for Teachers

Here you’ll find practical ideas, homework activities and printable resources. This collection of homework ideas will help you to send your students home with tailored homework activities that will be beneficial to their learning, reinforcing and practising the skills and knowledge they are currently exploring in class. They are homework activities that will help to inform you about student understanding and ensure that students experience success and a degree of independence, which is so great for their confidence as young learners!

Reading is Essential

Reading for homework each night is a no-brainer! All children should be given the opportunity to take home something to read. This means weekly readers for lower years students to read with their parents and a library book or another appropriate book from home for middle and upper years students.

When I was teaching in the lower years, I provided the students in my class with a homework activity sheet, home readers and sight words at their level. I would always reinforce with parents that if only one thing gets done in the after school chaos that I now know (having school-aged children myself), it’s reading! Reading was always the highest priority.

I found that if students were held accountable for their reading by having to log each time they read with a parent, they were more inclined to do it. Middle and upper years students may also benefit from maintaining a home reading log. Check out our Home Reading Journal  to send home with your students.

Homework Apps

In this day and age, most children will have access to either a home computer or an iPad.

Why not encourage your children to practise their maths and reading skills at home, using apps that they are already exposed to in your classroom?

Mathletics for Homework

Mathletics is a web-based homework scheme that a lot of primary schools are utilising. This app empowers classroom teachers to set activities for homework which their students must complete before students can then go on to choose their own activities. This enables the teachers to set mathematics tasks that are suitable to each students level of ability which is so important when it comes to setting meaningful homework.

Reading Eggs

More and more Australian schools are adopting the use of the Reading Eggs scheme as a homework option. The multi-award winning online reading program for school students has been designed by Australian literacy experts and makes learning essential reading and phonics skills easy and fun. The online reading lessons, activities and books are sequenced to ensure students are working at their level!

Homework Activity Baskets

This idea came to me after writing about English rotations and Mathematics rotations for other blog posts. Why not create a similar concept, but for homework activities? Yes, it would take some time to collate the activities and set up them up, but what a fantastic way to engage your students in levelled homework activities!

• Firstly, divide your class into smaller ability groups, 3 or 4 groups would work. Each group can be given their own coloured homework basket.
• You then fill the coloured homework baskets with activities, games and task cards that the students can take home and play with parents, carers or older siblings throughout the week.
• Each Monday, students return the activity they had for the previous week and choose another one.

Check out our homework basket activities collection  for a range of great hands-on activities that would suit this style of homework set up.

Homework Grids

Homework grids have been around for a number of years now! This is a fantastic concept that can usually take a lot of time for teachers to plan and set up…

Editable Curriculum Aligned Homework Grids

Well, we have done the hard work for you! Check out our editable homework grids, each with matching activities that link with the Australian Curriculum for every year level.

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Editable Spelling Activity Grids

Our editable  spelling activity grids are another fantastic way for students to engage with their spelling words without simply writing them out on a piece of paper or rote learning them.

Homework Folders

Creating homework folders for your students to keep their important homework information in is a fantastic way to encourage a sense of ownership and develop their independence.

Below is an example of what you might like to include in a lower years homework folder including a ring of sight words for students to practise at home.

Middle and upper years homework folders may include their homework grid, reading log and other relevant learning prompts such as editing guidelines, generic comprehension questions, times tables and grammar and punctuation reminders.

Homework Task Cards

Sending home a challenge or a task card with one activity for students to do that week is another way to engage kids in a meaningful task that they can complete with their family members.

We have a range of task cards that could suit this homework style and make great additions to the levelled homework baskets described above.

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Create Homework Booklets Using Teach Starter Widgets

Tailored activities aside, if the above homework ideas don’t really suit what you need for your class and a traditional homework booklet/worksheet is something that you would prefer, we do have a few options that suit your needs! Our Maths Mentals widget can be used to create weekly maths questions for specific year levels. These are a great way for students to practise their all-important mental maths in a homework booklet style.

Communicate to Parents

Sending home a homework information sheet.

After deciding how your homework will look in your classroom, it is important that you communicate this to the parents of your students, especially in the early years. Sending home an information sheet at the beginning of the year will empower your students’ parents and carers, helping them to feel comfortable with how the year will look and what they can expect to be doing with their kids at home.

You may like to use our Editable Homework Information Sheet to give you an idea of what information to send home to parents.

Include Homework Information in Classroom Newsletters

Another way to communicate to parents is by sending home weekly classroom newsletters. Although this seems like a lot of work, once you have the template ready to go, it really doesn’t take long to fill in the bits of information for the week.

By including a simple homework task in your classroom newsletter, you can steer away from the traditional homework sheet, instead providing a relevant and engaging task for your students to complete that week.

You may even wish to set up a show and tell timetable for the students to present their findings or talk about their experiences from homework task each week. This also encourages them to talk in front of the peers and gives you more opportunities to sort out that speaking mark for report cards!

Use our editable classroom newsletter which is available in colour and black and white.

Do you prefer traditional homework styles or new concepts?

Let us know in the comments section of this blog..

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Yes Sarah. LOVE IT!!!

Would love there to be a button here where I can download all the resources at once rather than go into each activity and download it separately.

Hi Sarah, This is an awesome idea and we are discussing ways to implement this for our future blog posts. We really appreciate your feedback. If there is anything else I can assist you with, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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Creative Homework Ideas

Learn Bright Lessons include many creative ideas for classroom instruction and student learning. Students are asked to work independently or with their peers, fostering their collaboration skills. Of course, the lessons also include many traditional learning exercises. Such as, multiple-choice questions, matching, fill in the blank responses, and others. Since every school and classroom is different, any lesson used with students can be adapted.

Whether you are assigning homework based on Learn Bright lessons or your own school’s curriculum, the homework you assign is essential for learning. Some schools across the country have banned assigning homework to students while others limit the amount each night. If you do assign homework, there are several creative ideas you can use that will motivate your students to complete the homework you assign.

Creative hands-on learning activities and other similar learning ideas in the classroom are quite effective. They can be just as effective at home as well for a wide variety of subjects and assignments. In every student’s home, there is “stuff” and other resources that can be accessed to help students review a concept taught at school. Here are a few samples for different subjects:

MATH – Multiplication Facts

 Students use the numbers that appear on product labels and multiply them together. Not only do they get multiplication practice, but they may also be introduced to a food label in a new way. It encourages the students to read food and other product labels. In this way, they can relate what they learn in class to the real world. Showing them when they will use these concepts in their everyday lives.

SCIENCE – Solids, Liquids, Gases

Students conduct a home or neighborhood search for items that are solids, liquids, or gases. For example, they can open the refrigerator and list milk, juice, and other beverages as liquids. The containers, butter, veggies, and more as solids. Carbonated drinks can be listed as containing gas. You can ask them later about eggs or Jell-O and other items that may be both solid and liquid. This reinforces their learning by allowing them to explore and use their creativity to complete the assignment.

SOCIAL STUDIES – Older Adult Interviews

 Students may be studying topics in history from the past 50 to 100 years. With this exercise, they interview an older adult who lived through the event that they are studying. They obtain opinions and feelings related to the event. They also confirm (or dispute) facts the students have been taught. Finally, they discuss how the person was affected by the event. This gives them a deeper understanding of that event and shows them the value of primary sources.

LANGUAGE ARTS – Parts of Speech Search

Students practice identifying the seven parts of speech while at home. They do this by listing examples that are used during family conversations or those words found on product labels.

Describing Things

Students use each of the five senses to write descriptive sentences related to things at home or in the neighborhood. The aroma of dinner, the sound of cars passing on the street, the sight of moving tree branches, the feel of a parent’s hug, or the taste of a spicy meal. This allows them to connect the lesson to the real world. It allows them to think about their surroundings in a new and interesting way.

READING – Read and React

Students are asked to read aloud a passage from their favorite story or novel. Next, they ask family members or close neighbors for their reactions and opinions about a character/event from the passage. Students record the information and discuss it with the listener. This illustrates that different people may notice different things while reading. It gives the student a chance to practice discussing literature from a young age.

MUSIC – Favorite Music  

Students will listen to a parent or other family member’s favorite genre of music. Then, list the instruments they hear, share their opinions of the sound, and discuss other artists from a particular era. This encourages them to engage with the music on a level they normally would not.

ART – Art Critic

Nearly all homes include some type of painting, picture, or sculpture on display. Students take a photo of an art piece in their home and share their opinion of the art piece with a family member. They can discuss the age of the work of art, how it adds to the room’s décor, why it’s significant to their family, and more. Students will gain valuable practice analyzing images and thinking about art with this homework assignment.

HEALTH – Food Search

The students conduct a food search, identifying healthy versus unhealthy foods. Next, they list reasons why they may be considered healthy or unhealthy, and reviewing food labels. This teaches students to think about what they eat. Hence giving them a fun and interactive activity to do for homework.

There are many, many more creative homework ideas you can use for at-home assignments for your students. Think outside the box when assigning homework. Practice incorporating interactive elements so that students aren’t just sitting at their desk. Try to create and develop assignments that kids will want to do. Avoid the assignments that kids simply have to do. Think of the real-world applications for your lesson material as inspiration and build your homework assignments around that. Creative homework assignments can be fun and, at the same time, teach and enhance subjects introduced in the classroom.

For more creative homework ideas, be sure to check out our lesson plans and YouTube videos!

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Cute Desk Decorating Ideas for an Aesthetic Homework Space

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As the kids head back to school, it’s time to start thinking about how to create an inspiring homework and study space for the coming year. You don’t have to break the bank to create a beautiful workspace; you simply need a few easy ideas to make an aesthetic desk area. In today’s blog post, I’m sharing some of the cutest and easiest ways to decorate a desk space for back-to-school season and beyond. (P.S: You can also use these ideas for your own work-at-home desk area or your office spaces!)

I recently gave my daughter’s room a teen room makeover with a loft bed; you can check out the full makeover right here. Let’s dive in to how we setup and organized her desk area, and how you too can create an organized, personalized workspace for your child… or for yourself!

Watch my video for all my cute desk decorating ideas

(The video below was sponsored by Cricut Canada)

Personalize It

To make you child’s desk area feel personal and match their style, consider adding some themed art or decals to the wall area. Come up with a fun theme that matches their personality, and purchase or create artwork to match. Consider painting the wall behind the desk in a pop of color that goes with the theme. Installing some removable wallpaper is also a fun update. Look for cute desk accessories like a mouse pad, small rug, desk lamp and office chair that further complement the mood and match the color palette.

For Little A’s new desk under her loft bed, I created a crystal & moon themed decal with my Cricut Maker and applied that to the wall. She loves collecting crystals, and this was the perfect, personal touch!

Use Multi-Functional Storage

Staying organized is a crucial element of maintaining a beautiful workspace. Try to minimize clutter and opt for multi-functional storage solutions. You can find functional desktop organizers and decorate them to fit your child’s aesthetic. With multi-functional storage, you can have everything you need within reach.

I found this handy desk organizer with drawers here on Amazon, and then I used my Cricut to cut out some labels and a crystal-themed design. I applied the labels to the drawers to help my daughter stay organized. The cute crystal design added to the top of the organizer matches her theme. Inside the organizer, she has lots of room for her favourite pens, pencils, markers, Post-It Notes, clips and more.

If you don’t have lots of desk drawers, you may want to consider multiple desk organizers for larger items like stationery and folders.

Keep Cords in Check

Messy power cords and cables everywhere is a common problem that can ruin the aesthetic of a desk. To keep cords at bay, consider using cord organizers or clips like these ones .. For cords that aren’t in use, wrap them neatly and secure them with a cord storage strap.

For my daughter’s homework desk, I made some DIY cord wraps with faux leather and velcro with my Cricut Maker. Then, I labeled some clear pencil cases to store the neatly wrapped cords and chargers all in one place.

Hang Some Inspiration

Whether it’s photos of your family or images that inspire your child, hanging items on the wall near their desk can add a personal touch to their workspace. From motivational quotes to photos of loved ones or even their creative work, framing them by the desk can create a wall decor that is both inspiring and functional.

If you don’t want to use a frame, you can purchase an inexpensive wall grid like this one . Then, art, photos, or even calendars can be easily hung with paper clips. You could also install pegboard for a similar function and look. Click here to see how I used a pegboard wall in my own home office!

Add Some Greenery

Plants are the perfect way to add a touch of nature and life to your desk. And if you’re not a fan of real plants, opt for artificial ones that look just as lovely and require no maintenance – perfect for kids! Placing a small succulent or a mini cactus on a desk can do wonders for brightening up a workspace. You can also hang a small pot on the wall next to your desk, or place a couple of small plants on a wall shelf. Not only do plants add to the aesthetic of a workspace, but they also have been proven to boost productivity and decrease stress levels.

Layer Your Desk Decor

Lastly, to create depth and visual interest on your desk, layer your decor. If your desk is too plain, it might look too sterile and uninviting (especially if it’s a white desk like my daughter’s). You can stack a few books or use a fun lamp to create height. Use a combination of vertical and horizontal arrangements for interest. Make sure you have enough space to work, but you can still create a charming aesthetic through subtle layering and texture.

Don’t forget to use the walls around the desk as part of your layering and height. Hang hooks on the wall for practical storage, or add some wall shelves for books and art. In my daughter’s modern desk area, I hung a small shelf on the wall for accessories and a hook for her headphones.

More cute desk decor ideas

• use a wooden laptop stand to elevate a laptop or computer montior and add some cozy texture
• create an acrylic wall calendar like I did here for your wall, or buy one from Etsy
• use one of your favourite fabrics to create an upcycled wall storage pocket like I did here

So there you have it – my favourite aesthetic desk decor tips! These simple and affordable ideas will transform your child’s workspace (or your own) into a vibrant and engaging desk area. Happy decorating!

Hey there, I'm Christina Dennis, the creative force behind The DIY Mommy. I'm all about budget-friendly DIY and decorating ideas to make your space shine. Let's create homes that bring us joy, one project at a time! 🌟

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| | --> by Claudia Pesce 382,780 views But ESL students, on the other hand, may disagree. Adult learners will argue that they have busy schedules and a life outside the classroom, which translates into “ ”. Young learners and teens may come to terms with the fact that they have to do homework, but do we want them to do it because they are compelled to do it... or do we want them to do it because they are excited to do it? Which would you prefer? The only way to get young students excited about doing homework, and get adults to set aside some time for it, is through . And here are 5 examples: A Word Book or Vocabulary Journal is a classic among teachers of very young learners who are not adept at using dictionaries; here they have a chance to make their own. Help them design their very own Word Book from scratch, out of construction paper, cardboard, or any materials you have on hand. At the end of a reading task or activity, make a list of the words they have learned for the day. Their homework assignment is to enter each of the new words in their Word Book. The littlest ones simply copy the word and draw a picture of it; older students can use the word in a sentence that illustrates its meaning. There is no need to copy “dictionary” definitions. They may also cut out pictures from magazines or newspapers and get as creative as they like. But one thing is certain… these will be words they won’t easily forget! This is an extremely engaging way to provide extended practice of any grammar point. Say you want your students to practice . Tell them you need information on this year's Oscar nominations. Tell them to go to and give them a list of questions they must answer: You may assign any number of research tasks: ideal places for a family vacation ( ), best restaurants in the city ( ), or anything based on local information. Just make sure you give them a website to go to, a set of questions to answer or a task to complete, and above all don't forget to plan the assignment with a grammar point or learning objective in mind. This is an ideal assignment for adult students. Most read the newspaper anyway, right? Or watch the evening news. Ask them to choose a news story that has piqued their interest, and have them: ”, thus prompting them to use , for example ( ) This is clearly one of the homework assignments that works best with adult learners or those who specifically study . Give them an email to read and ask them to write an appropriate reply. Or give them a situation that would require them to compose a message, like a complaint over a bad service experience or an inquiry into vacation rentals. Choose a TV series that is shown in English, either with or without subtitles (you may ask students to cover the subtitles). Choose a show that is suitable to your students’ ages. Tell your students that their homework for that night will be to watch an episode of , whether they usually watch the show or not. Give them a task to complete after viewing the episode: a synopsis of the episode, a character description, or a questionnaire (Do you usually watch this show? If not, would you start watching it? Why/why not?) Another great way to get students actively engaged in their homework assignments is to ask them to come up with some ideas for creative assignments on their own and share them with the class. They may surprise you! And if you’re still stumped as to which worksheets to assign to , , or , BusyTeacher.org is always available to help, 24/7, with wonderful ideas for activities and great ready-to-print worksheets. If you enjoyed this article, please help spread it by clicking one of those sharing buttons below. And if you are interested in more, you should follow our Facebook page where we share more about creative, non-boring ways to teach English. . That's 4,036 pages filled with thousands of practical activities and tips that you can start using today. 30-day money back guarantee. --> Copyright 2007-2021 пїЅ Submit a worksheet Mobile version Complete teaching bundles for incredible prices 7 Ways To Make Homework Fun For Back To School Whether you are heading back to school or have been back for a bit, perhaps you are tired of the same old same old homework. Hopefully, you’re coming back with some new energy. Why not infuse that into creative, new activities that you send home with students to consolidate skills?  Here’s how to make homework fun! Start with these free fun homework ideas Free phonics worksheets & activities. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular teaching tips and updates & get instant access to the free phonics worksheets and activities PDF: Success! Now check your email to confirm and download your phonics homework freebie! If you don't get an email from Melinda Crean - Top Notch Teaching within a few minutes, check your spam folder or promotions folder (Gmail). If you still don't see it, email me at: [email protected] and we'll get you sorted. Thanks Mel There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. I'd like to receive the free phonics homework. Fun homework ideas for the whole year One of the things that keeps homework from getting stale is to have a variety of activities and approaches. This does three things: It keeps students from getting bored with a fill-in-the-blank worksheet every single day It provides options for students to draw in different skills and learning styles It allows you to practice the same skill in multiple ways.  Here are some creative ideas to put into the mix.  Homework bingo At the beginning of the week give students a bingo card with different activities related to your focus on a particular subject. For example, a phonics bingo card might include activities like: make a list of at least 10 words with the long e sound, sort the list of words into groups based on how the long e sound is spelled, write sentences using 5 long e words, draw pictures of 5 of our long e words and label them, look around your house for long e words (books, labels, sign, clothing, etc.). Instruct students they need to do five activities this week. If a word list, a game, or other resource is useful for completing the activity, you can attach it to the bingo card. You can even use the same card for more than a week. Let students know if they can repeat any activities or have to do all new ones in week 2. Cootie catchers Do you remember these folded paper playground games? You might have called them fortune tellers or chatterboxes. Kids still love them, and they are a great way to practice phonics or math. Cootie catchers can be a two-person activity (students can practice with a friend or somebody in their home), but they can also be used individually.  Make a poster Have students make a poster about a specific topic or something they learned. For example, students could make a poster illustrating with examples the different ways to spell the oo sound. Hang the posters in the classroom.  Math card games Card games can be a fun way to practice math. I’ve used math card games to build math fluency, practice adding on, and come up with different ways to get to the same number, among other things. You can find some step-by-step math card games here. If students don’t have playing cards at home, you can print out number cards to work with.  Phonics card games When it comes to card games, math might come to mind first because playing cards have numbers, but you can print word cards for any word list you are using for students to use for phonics card games. You can have students sort the word cards based on certain criteria. Or they can play classic games like Go Fish or Concentration. Some games, like Go Fish, only work with another player, but some like concentration or sorting games can work for individuals.  I use task cards in lots of ways. I put math task cards in my math station, use them as a morning warm-up, have them available for early finishers — and I use them for homework. Send a stack of them home at the beginning of the week and have students complete them all by the end of the week.  Mix it up worksheets I mentioned at the beginning that creative activities saved students from the boredom of worksheets, so I wanted to be clear. I’m not anti-worksheet. Worksheets can make home practice easy on teachers, students, and parents. The key, I think, is to have a variety of options when it comes to worksheets, so students are not doing the same thing day after day. Maybe one worksheet has them fill in the blanks, but another has them unscramble words or match words to a picture or cut and sort. There are so many homework ideas in worksheets alone.  Need creative and easy homework ideas  If you were trying to figure out how to make homework fun, I hope one of these homework ideas inspired you. And if you were inspired, but you’re not sure you have the time or energy to pull it off, I’ve got some good news. You don’t have to create it to have creative homework activities.  Here are two DONE FOR YOU ways to freshen up your homework ideas:  Phonics homework for the ENTIRE year You get 100 weeks of engaging, skills-based phonics activities, ready to print and go. They cover blending, segmentation, phoneme manipulation, fluency, vocabulary, and punctuation and give students practice in CVC words, more complex words, digraphs, alternate spellings of many sounds, suffixes, and double consonants. In addition to a variety of skills, there’s a variety of activities too! Easy homework? Done: https://topnotchteaching.com/downloads/fun-phonics-homework/ Top Notch Teaching membership Looking for ways to make homework fun beyond phonics? The Top Notch Teaching Membership has you covered with done-for-you lessons, activities, and projects you can use for literacy, math, science, PE, and more. No more getting lost down a Google rabbit hole. Instead, you have one place to go for done-for-you printables and digital products you know you can trust. Homework ideas, lesson plans, classroom management? Done: https://topnotchteaching.com/members/ Related Articles The Magic Of Unplugged Play & Movement Breaks In The Classroom The importance of unplugged play & movement breaks in the classroom. Discover benefits, tips, & engaging activities to enhance learning. How To Teach Natural Phenomena With Natural Disaster Games Enhance your teaching with natural disaster games! Spark student interest and critical thinking skills in an engaging way. Get Email Updates Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular teaching tips and updates & get instant access to the free print and go phonics homework PDF: Sign up now! Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Submit Comment This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed . Pin It on Pinterest How to Make Homework Fun Post author By admin September 6, 2023 Discover engaging strategies for how to make homework fun. Explore personalized study spaces, gamification, collaboration, and more to make learning enjoyable. Hey there, homework warriors! Let’s face it, homework often gets a bad rap for being a total buzzkill. The mere thought of it can make us want to escape to a world of video games, socializing, or anything but those looming assignments. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way! In this article, we’re about to embark on a journey to uncover the secret sauce of making homework downright fun. That’s right, we’re flipping the script and turning the dreaded “H-word” into an exciting adventure. So, if you’re ready to banish the boredom and inject some pizzazz into your study sessions, keep reading. We’ve got 15 game-changing tips coming your way to transform homework from a chore into a choice activity! Table of Contents How to Make Homework Fun? Have a close look at how to make homework fun:- Design a Homework Haven Transforming a corner of your room into a cozy study nook is all about creating an inviting space that inspires productivity. Consider adding a: Comfy Chair Choose a chair with good lumbar support and a cushioned seat for long study sessions. Soft Cushions Scatter a few soft cushions on your chair or on the floor to make the nook extra inviting. Motivational Posters Hang up posters with motivational quotes or images that resonate with your goals. For instance, a poster featuring a quote like “You’ve Got This!” can provide daily encouragement. Set a Homework Schedule Creating a daily study schedule tailored to your rhythm can significantly boost your productivity. Here’s how to go about it: Identify Your Peak Hours Pay attention to when you feel most alert and focused during the day. Are you a morning person, or does your energy peak in the evening? Designate Prime Study Time Once you’ve identified your prime hours, set aside that time for your most challenging subjects or tasks. For example, if you’re a night owl, designate 8 PM to 10 PM as your prime study time. Set Goals and Rewards Setting goals and rewards can turn studying into a thrilling game. Here’s how to make it work: Task-Based Rewards Break your study session into smaller tasks. For instance, if you have a 2-hour study session, set a timer for every 30 minutes. When you complete a task within the allotted time, reward yourself with a mini-break or a quick treat. Dance Breaks After accomplishing a particularly tough assignment or study session, treat yourself to a five-minute dance break to your favorite upbeat song. Group Study Sessions Studying with friends can make homework a social and interactive experience. Here’s how to organize a productive group study session: Choose Study Buddies Invite friends who are equally committed to studying. Avoid distractions and focus on collaborative learning. During breaks, enjoy some snacks and refreshments together. It’s an excellent opportunity to bond and recharge. Gamify Your Homework Turning your assignments into a game can make them engaging and competitive. Here’s an example: Math Challenges For every correct math problem you solve, award yourself points. Set a target, like 100 points. Once you reach that goal, treat yourself to a favorite dessert or activity. Use Technology Wisely Leveraging educational apps and websites can make learning enjoyable. Consider: Learning Languages Apps like Duolingo and Babbel gamify language learning with interactive lessons and quizzes. Science Simulations Websites like PhET Interactive Simulations offer fun science experiments and simulations. Listen to Music Creating a playlist for different study moods can set the tone for productive work: Upbeat Playlist Compile lively tunes for subjects like math or science to keep your energy high. Chillout Playlist Use calming melodies for reading assignments or essay writing to stay focused. Change Your Study Materials Enhance your study materials with colors and visual appeal: Colorful Notes When taking notes, use different colored pens for headings, key points, and examples. Highlight important concepts with bright markers. Create a Homework Playlist Crafting a motivational playlist can boost your enthusiasm for study sessions: Personalized Mix Include songs that motivate you. Whether it’s energetic rock, inspiring pop, or calming instrumental, curate a playlist that resonates with you. Relate Homework to Real Life Connecting assignments to real-life situations can make them more meaningful. For example: Applying Math If you’re learning about percentages, practice by calculating discounts while shopping online. It’s a practical application of what you’re studying. Ask for Help When Needed Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you’re stuck: Online Tutors Utilize online tutoring services like Khan Academy or Chegg when you need clarification on complex topics. Celebrate Your Achievements Reward yourself for completing challenging assignments: Mini Rewards After finishing a tough essay or solving a set of difficult problems, treat yourself to a favorite snack or a short episode of your favorite TV show. Use Colorful Visual Aids Visual aids can make complex topics easier to understand: Timeline for History Create a timeline of historical events using colorful markers and sticky notes. It helps you visualize the sequence of historical occurrences. Stay Organized Organization is key for effective studying: Digital Planner Use digital tools like Google Calendar or Todoist to keep track of assignments and due dates. Set reminders to stay on top of your tasks. By incorporating these detailed strategies and examples, you can transform your homework routine into an enjoyable and productive experience tailored to your preferences and learning style. These examples demonstrate practical ways to infuse fun and engagement into your homework routine, making the learning process more enjoyable and productive. What are ways to make homework fun? Create a Comfortable Space: Design a cozy study spot with your favorite things. Set a Schedule: Stick to a regular study routine that suits you. Break Tasks Down: Divide homework into smaller, manageable chunks. Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after completing tasks or goals. Study with Friends: Make it social by studying with buddies. Use Apps: Try fun and educational apps for learning. Listen to Music: Create a motivating study playlist. Make It Visual: Use colors and visuals to make notes pop. Connect to Real Life: Relate homework to everyday situations. Stay Organized: Use planners to stay on top of assignments. These simple tips can make homework less daunting and more enjoyable. How do I make my homework less boring? Want to jazz up your homework and banish the boredom? Here’s the lowdown: Create Your Happy Place Start by transforming your study spot into a haven of fun. Add some quirky decorations, fairy lights, or even a cozy blanket fort – whatever makes you smile. Slice and Dice Homework can feel like a mountain, right? Well, cut it into bite-sized chunks. Tackling one piece at a time feels way less overwhelming. Goals with a Side of Rewards Set yourself mini-goals and sprinkle rewards on top. Finish that math problem? Treat yourself to a victory dance or a mini snack party. Study Squad Invite a friend for a study date. You can help each other out and share some giggles during breaks. Homework Gamified Turn your homework into a game. Assign points or rewards for completing tasks. Hit a certain score, and it’s time to indulge in your favorite treat. Dive into educational apps or websites. Learning becomes a blast when it’s interactive and entertaining. Musical Motivation Craft a playlist with your favorite tunes. Pop on some energetic beats for those math equations, or soothing melodies for reading assignments. Colorful Creativity Don’t just take notes, make them a work of art with colorful pens and highlighters. Visuals can make studying way more interesting. Real-World Homework Connect your assignments to real life. If you’re tackling percentages, apply them to calculate discounts while shopping online. Stay Organized and Sane Keep your homework organized using planners or digital tools. No more last-minute panics about forgotten deadlines. With these tricks up your sleeve, homework will become a breeze, and you might even have some fun along the way! : How do I make myself enjoy homework? Making yourself enjoy homework can be a challenge, but it’s possible with a few mindset shifts and strategies: Find Purpose Understand why you’re doing the homework. Connect it to your long-term goals and how it benefits you. Knowing the “why” can make it more meaningful. Positive Mindset Approach homework with a positive attitude. Focus on the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you complete it. Set Realistic Goals Break your homework into smaller tasks and set achievable goals. Completing each part can give you a sense of progress and satisfaction. Create a Comfortable Space Design a cozy and organized study area that you enjoy spending time in. A pleasant environment can make a big difference. Mix up your subjects and tasks to avoid monotony. Switching between different assignments can keep things interesting. Set a Schedule Establish a study routine that suits your natural rhythm. Find the time of day when you’re most alert and use it for more challenging tasks. Reward Yourself Treat yourself after completing homework or reaching specific milestones. It can be as simple as a small snack, a short break, or doing something you love. Stay Engaged Try to actively engage with the material. Ask questions, discuss concepts with classmates, or relate it to real-life situations. Study Groups Consider joining or creating study groups with friends. Discussing topics and helping each other can make the process more enjoyable. Celebrate Progress Celebrate your achievements, even small ones. Recognize your efforts and improvements. Mindfulness Techniques Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques before starting homework to reduce stress and increase focus. If you’re struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or online resources. Visual Aids Use visual aids like diagrams, charts, or flashcards to make studying more engaging and easier to grasp. Incorporate Interests If possible, relate homework topics to your interests or hobbies. It can make the material more relatable and enjoyable. Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, due dates, and progress. Being organized can reduce stress. Remember that enjoying homework might not happen overnight, but by implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding. How can I make my high school homework fun? Making high school homework fun requires creativity and a positive attitude. Here are some tips to make your high school homework more enjoyable: Personalize Your Space Create a study environment that reflects your personality and interests. Decorate your study area with posters, photos, or artwork that inspires you. Set a Homework Routine Establish a consistent homework routine that aligns with your energy levels. Determine the best time of day for you to focus and stick to it. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps Divide your assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing each step feels like an accomplishment and keeps you motivated. Incorporate technology into your homework. Explore educational apps and websites that make learning interactive and engaging. Study with Friends Organize study groups with friends to tackle assignments together. You can explain concepts to each other and share different perspectives. Gamify Your Learning Turn your homework into a game. Set challenges, time limits, or point systems for completing tasks. Reward yourself when you meet your goals. Create playlists for different subjects or moods. Upbeat music can boost your energy for math, while calming tunes can help you concentrate on reading assignments. Experiment with different study materials. Use colorful pens, highlighters, or digital tools to make your notes visually appealing. Real-Life Applications Relate your homework to real-life situations whenever possible. For example, if you’re studying economics, analyze current events or business news . Seek Support Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Reach out to teachers, classmates, or online resources for clarification or guidance. Celebrate Achievements Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reward yourself with a treat, a short break, or an activity you enjoy after completing homework. Use planners, to-do lists, or digital tools to stay organized and track assignments and deadlines. Challenge Yourself Set personal challenges to make homework more engaging. Aim to finish assignments faster or with higher accuracy than before. Whenever possible, relate homework topics to your interests or future career goals. It can make the material more relatable and engaging. Stay Positive Maintain a positive attitude toward your homework. Focus on the sense of accomplishment and knowledge gained through your efforts. By incorporating these strategies into your high school homework routine, you can make the experience more enjoyable and productive while achieving academic success. In conclusion, making homework fun is not just a distant dream; it’s a practical approach that can transform the way you tackle your assignments. By personalizing your study space, setting goals and rewards, collaborating with friends, and gamifying your learning, you can turn the once-dreaded homework into an engaging adventure. Incorporating technology, music, colorful materials, and real-life connections adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way and stay organized to reduce stress. With a positive mindset and these strategies in your arsenal, you can embark on your homework journey with enthusiasm, making it not only bearable but genuinely enjoyable. So, let’s turn the page and dive into the exciting world of learning, one fun homework assignment at a time! Frequently Asked Questions Can i really make homework fun. Absolutely! With the right approach and mindset, homework can be an enjoyable part of your academic journey. What if I can’t concentrate with music? Not everyone finds music helpful. Experiment with different study environments to discover what suits you best. How do I avoid procrastination? Creating a schedule and setting achievable goals can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. What if I still find a particular subject boring? Try to connect it to your interests or real-life situations to make it more engaging. How can I make studying with friends productive? Ensure that your study group remains focused on the task at hand and avoids distractions. australia (2) duolingo (13) Education (284) General (78) How To (18) IELTS (127) Latest Updates (162) Malta Visa (6) Permanent residency (1) Programming (31) Scholarship (1) Sponsored (4) Study Abroad (187) Technology (12) work permit (8) Recent Posts Interior Decorating Paint & Color Houseplants Apartment Living Small Spaces Living Room Dining Room Kids’ Rooms & Nurseries Home Office One Room I'll Never Forget Entertaining Collections and Sales The MyDomaine Team Editorial Guidelines Home Trends 16 Stylish Homework Nooks the Whole Family Can Enjoy Kate Marker Interiors Homework nooks are spaces for anyone to feel comfortable and focused, so they can complete their work effortlessly without distractions. But if you don't have a designated room for it, it can be challenging. Here are 16 homework nook ideas to help you design an intentional space for anyone in your family. Set a Serene Ambiance Ashley Montgomery Design Set an ambiance where you feel calm and collected when doing your work. You can often feel overwhelmed if you have a lot to do or you have a deadline to meet, so counter those feelings by being in a serene space. It'll help you slow down and focus on getting everything done accordingly. Divide Study Nooks Michelle Boudreau Design With any family, there is bound to be an overlap of work so it's crucial for there to be enough space so everyone can complete their assignments worry-free. A simple wall divider guarantees privacy, so whoever is working can completely concentrate on their work without any distractions from their neighbor. Bring in Plants Black and Blooms Liven up your homework nook with some greenery , whether it's real plants or fake ones. They will uplift your mood and give you an excuse to take a break to water them. Plants can also transform your dull space into a bright one, so have fun picking out plants that you love. Stick to a Theme Studio Peake When creating your homework nook, consider picking a theme and using it as a guide to decorate the space. Whether you choose a specific color or style, a cohesive theme allows everything to look and feel orderly. Make the Most of Every Corner Any space can be used to create a small and comfortable homework nook to sit down and do some work, especially unused corners. This unused space is transformed into a useful area to do last-minute assignments or write a shopping list before leaving the house. Work With a View Bespoke Only Working long hours indoors may feel a bit isolating if you don't have the time to go outside to enjoy the weather. Working in front of windows gives you the sense that you're outside while working, so you can feel more connected to nature. Create a Designated Room If you have a big family, consider creating a whole homework room instead of just a nook. This way, multiple family members can come and go as they please without waiting for the other person to finish or scheduling specific times. Make It Yours House 9 Interiors Your homework nook is as important as any other room you customize to your personal taste. It should be a space where you enjoy being. If the space is reflective of your personal style through the décor details, it will excite you to work thanks to the time and effort that went into cultivating a space that speaks to you. Stick With a Simple Theme Calimia Home The theme of your homework nook should feel easy to work in without so much going on with the interiors of the room. Sticking with a simple color palette and a cohesive theme will help you stay focused. Simplify Your Nook Cathie Hong If you're lacking the space to dedicate a whole corner or room to a homework nook, don't throw in the towel just yet. A homework nook can be incorporated into the lower shelf of a ladder shelf , so you can have the benefits of it being décor for the room while a workspace when being used. Share the Space This kind of shared set-up is ideal for any couple, study duo, or for tutoring sessions. It allows two people to work in their own space while also having some company. When not working together, they can simply face their respective side and continue working by themselves. Elevate Your Space Most homework nooks are at eye-level, but elevating the height of your homework nook makes it look a lot chicer and more unique. If you're ever feeling tired of sitting the entire time of your homework session, just move the high chair over and stand while doing your work. Incorporate Storage for Everyone Shared homework nooks can feel impersonal or disorganized if your essential supplies are always out of place or lost. This homework nook has enough storage for each family member to claim their own, so they can be more organized when they're using the space. The best part? There will be fewer arguments about who moved whose stuff. Have Good Lighting No work can be properly done if there is not sufficient light to help you see and focus. Invest in a good light fixture right above your workspace, so you can keep your nook always well-lit, especially if others are sleeping in the same room. Change Up the Workspace Sitting in the same chair and at the same table can start to be uninspiring after a while. Arrange different working stations in the same space, so you have the opportunity to freely move around and refresh your layout without feeling stuck. Take a Breather Consistent long work hours can be exhausting. Setting up a homework nook near a balcony or door that can be fully opened will allow you to step outside, and take frequent breaks whenever you need to stretch or soak in some sun. Related Stories 5 Creative Ways to Carve Out a Home Office In Any Space These Will Be the Biggest Home Office Trends in 2021, According to Designers 19 of the Most Inspiring Home Offices We Spotted on Instagram How Dining Room Trends Will Change in the Next Decade, According to Interior Designers How Living Room Trends Will Change in the Next Decade, According to Interior Designers 7 Ways to Make Your Dining Room Look Expensive How to Get This Cozy Family Room Look for Less The One Space You Shouldn't Forget to Give Design Attention More Related Articles The Living Room Trends to Watch in 2021, According to Designers These Dining Room Trends Set the Course for a Stylish 2021 These 24 Luxurious Guest Bedroom Ideas Rival Any Hotel Suite Instagram's Dreamiest Kitchens Might Inspire You to Remodel Your Own 14 Simple Ways to Make Your Bathroom Instagrammable These Might Just Be the 25 Best Bathrooms Ever Posted on Instagram "Wet Room" Bathrooms are Trending — Here's How to Get the Look How to Arrange Your Small Living Room Layout to Maximize Space and Style How to design the perfect kids' homework area - 6 steps to creating space that's cool for school(work) Experts reveal the art of blending style and substance for a stylish and inviting homework station Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter When thinking about how to design the perfect kids' homework area, it's important to marry the practical with the pretty to make doing homework as seamless as possible and that little bit more appealing. But what are the things to think about when creating the perfect space for a kids' room to work in? 'Some things to take into consideration is what type of work your kid will be doing in the area, says Linda Hayslett, Principal, LH.Designs. 'If they have large artwork they have to do or a lot of mathematics and will be looking down a lot, this can help determine things such as the size of the desk needed, lighting needed, and more.  'If you don't have a lot of room for a good work area, make sure that lighting is dimmable and adjustable and that they have a good surface area to concentrate on.' Linda continues: 'If you're unable to get a big desk, then the position in a room will be important. Facing a wall, may not be the best thing, unless right next to a window. You don't want your child to feel like they are being punished when going to do homework. If facing a wall is the only area you have, then make it a fun spot with cool wall storage, fun lighting, and interesting artwork for motivation.' How to design the perfect kids' homework area for a balanced blend of form and function 'Form and function should go hand in hand for a kids' homework area,' says Linda Hayslett . 'Function is always important, but if the form isn't interesting or conducive to how a kid's habits are then it won't matter if the function is doing its job.  'Making sure that you incorporate interests of the child's hobbies, and understanding what type of work they are doing at school can help determine how much organization is needed,' she continues. 'Knowing what they are involved in with their homework can help determine if you need a large desk for a specific class or if you need a lot of baskets or storage bins for supplies. Once you figure that all out, planning out the homework station gets easier.' See more expert tips on how to design the perfect kids' homework area below: 1. Pick a position Whether you choose to make the most of an awkward alcove in a small bedroom , go for a built-in bespoke space, set up a whole separate room, use an empty corner, or add a desk to as part of your living room or kitchen will be determined by your child's needs and home's layout and size. 'Consider how your child learns,' suggests Ginger Curtis , President of Dallas-based Urbanology Designs. 'Do they work better in a community setting like the kitchen, or do they need a quiet place to retreat like their bedroom?  'I have one daughter that prefers to retreat to the quiet of her room and another who wants to have easy access to her dad or I for questions/feedback. This will help you determine the best area of the home to set up their homework nook.' Kristen Pena , of K Interiors, agrees a separate space as well as a nook in a familial area can be beneficial. She says: 'We like to provide kids a dedicated area in their room to do homework, but often we also provide another more public space in the home if we have the luxury. Sometimes kids want to be around the family, or parents want to oversee or aid in the kid’s homework so having a couple of options is nice.' It doesn't need to take over your whole floorplan, though. 'A nook in a public space or a desk in the family room is good to have,' Kristen adds. 'In-bedroom workstations are lovely because we can build in storage and places to stash things to keep their rooms tidy, too.' 2. Use the vertical space Empty wall space is wasted wall space when it comes to designing the perfect kids' homework area. Whether you use it for floating shelves, cabinets, or for a cool piece of art, make sure you use the vertical space, and think upwards. Ginger Curtis says: 'Make the most of your wall space by incorporating tall bookshelves, wall-mounted cabinets or floating shelves.  'This helps free up valuable floor space, particularly for small bedroom layouts , while providing ample storage for books, decor items, or school supplies.' Linda Hayslett , Principal, LH.Designs, says pin boards are a great option for kids to display personal items. She comments: 'Using walls is a great way to use up space as then a child can see their options quickly and easier. I think kids should have wall panels or cork boards to put things up on at their desk area.  'Kids are naturally collectors of items, so having a place to easily display achievements or just fun pics of friends and family for motivation during homework sessions is always nice to have.' 3. Think carefully about furniture Future-proof your kids' homework area by investing in furniture that will stand the test of time and grow with your child and their needs. 'When looking for a desk, be careful to not purchase something too small they will quickly outgrow,' advises Urbanology Design's Ginger Curtis.  'Look for something that they can grow into and opt for a chair with adjustable height instead. Avoid MDF as the main surface as this will not stand up to wear and tear over the years, like something made from solid wood or metal.' For Linda Hayslett, of LH.Designs, a comfy chair is key. She comments: 'One essential for a kid's desk area is a nice comfortable chair that they can sit up properly in. This helps with when they have long hours of studying to do, but the chair also needs to have other options of comfortability as we also know many kids these days play games for hours on their computers. So, their chairs need to also have a relaxed setting.' Guidecraft desk and chair set Price: $279.95 Dimensions: 44.00 x 24.00 x 40.00 Inches 4. Remember that storage is key Bedroom storage is always important, but baskets, drawers, trays, organizers and pots are all essential for a perfectly functioning kids' homework station. 'Storage is always important for any kid's homework area,' says Linda Hayslett. 'Having baskets designated for specific supplies or a small floating shelf to easily organize small items such as pencils, erasers, paper clips and more, are great solutions for a kid's desk area.' Also, she says: 'Kids are always messy, so having trays, baskets, and vessels where you can store items can keep their space feel more productive when they need and the parents a little less stressed that the kid's aren't procrastinating and are actually doing their homework.' Kristen Pena suggests making the most of the under-desk space, saying: 'Under a desk is a no-brainer for drawers. Baskets, trays, drawers, whatever system works for the kiddo is the best fit. And we often carve out a portion of the closet for the printer and extra necessary supplies.' And Urbanology Designs' Ginger Curtis adds.'Drawers are really important for a kids' homework area. They need to be able to quickly store items that might overwhelm their workspace.' DricRoda Pencil Holder for Desk Price: $16.98 Dimensions: 3.5"D x 9.4"W x 4.7"H Spinning Desk Pencil Holder Price: $11.95 Dimensions: 4.52"D x 4.52"W x 4.92"H Rose Gold Ballpoint Pen set with pen polder Price: $16.99 Quantity: 8 pens 5. Layer the lighting The perfect kids' homework area would ideally be positioned next to a window to offer an abundance of natural light and alleviate eye strain. If the bedroom layout or room design doesn't lend itself to this, then consider layering the lighting to offer a choice of levels for different tasks. 'Consider adjustable lighting options to create different moods, such as task lighting for focused work or dimmable ambient lighting for relaxation,' suggests Ginger Curtis. LH. Designs' Linda Hayslett says: 'Lighting is important for a kid's homework area as they can have work that is tedious or things that are simple and fun. Making sure that there is dimmable task lighting, yet natural lighting for different activities is important.  'Nighttime lighting will be different than day, so having options for the kids is key. An arm swing light or adjustable light are always an easy solution for the kid's desk.' And K Interiors' Kristen Pena agrees it's important to offer good nighttime lighting for those up-late homework marathons. 'Natural lighting is always preferred,' she says. 'It just makes you feel better but, in homework areas, let’s be honest, we need ample task lighting for the late-night homework!' 6. Don't forget the decor 'Make a homework area seem more appealing by styling it with cute accessories that hold supplies,' says Linda Hayslett. 'Also, adding some plants or fun artwork can really help kids when they need a push through some of those tough school lessons. Even fun pushpins for their cork board just give that little extra  oomph  in making homework seem less annoying and more interesting.' And Kristen Pena says opt for greenery and art to make the space more inviting, adding: 'Books, plants, and baskets are always easy to keep a study space looking neat. Layer some framed art and lean it against the wall to fill extra space.' Cute Push Pins set Price: $12.39 Quantity: 25 Be The First To Know The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world. Ruth Doherty is a lifestyle journalist based in London. An experienced freelance digital writer and editor, she is known for covering everything from travel and interiors to fashion and beauty. She regularly contributes to Livingetc, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens, as well as titles like Prima and Red. Outside of work, her biggest loves are endless cups of tea, almond croissants, shopping for clothes she doesn’t need, and booking holidays she does. The Franco-Mexican burgeoning talent shares his curated itinerary to experiencing the City of Light By Gilda Bruno Published 16 August 24 "Quietude" is what HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams have predicted to be the mood of next year, and it's a cool pale tone we can get on board with By Olivia Wolfe Published 16 August 24 Useful links Buying guides. 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However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 27 Small Home Office Ideas That Deliver Big on Style While the home office used to be something of a luxury (just picture someone referring to their “study”), it’s become a necessity for many. Small home office ideas are crucial for those who are short on space and in need of creative design tricks to make tight spaces work for work-from-home life—like cleverly appointed closets, concealed working quarters, furniture that magically transforms from a TV console, or cabinetry that comes complete with a personal workstation. These small home office decor ideas—from interior design pros around the country—are especially geared toward those with a lack of square footage to help you get the job done in style. How do you make the most of a small home office space? The good news is that in the digital age, work areas don’t always require as much square footage as the home offices of yesteryear. “Gone are the days when an office space needed lots of storage and paper filing,” says Brad Ramsey of Nashville’s Brad Ramsey Interiors . “In today’s digital world, with files accessible on the cloud from anywhere, an office space needs to provide a quiet environment to set up a laptop and focus.” Additionally, choosing a compact or wall-mounted desk can make a difference, says Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs in North Richland Hills, Texas. “Use vertical file organizers or wall pockets for documents and office supplies,” she recommends. What’s the best way to carve out a workstation within a larger living space? “If you don’t have a dedicated room for a home office, there are lots of alternatives that don’t have to sacrifice style for function,” says Ramsey. “Replacing a bedside table in a guest room with a small writing desk can be one option. Floating a table behind a sofa like you would a console is another attractive approach.” In both cases, he adds, “you can use a table lamp instead of a task lamp to make the vignette seem more decorative and connected to the rest of the room’s aesthetic.” Curtis agrees that intentional styling, as well as furniture arrangement, helps define a workspace. “In the dining room, put a desk where you would normally put a hutch or a credenza,” she says. “An alcove is another opportunity to place a small workstation strategically.” Read on for a roundup of decor ideas to help make the most of small home office spaces. Select a showstopping desk When your workstation and office chair are your only furnishings, pick a home office desk with personality. In this room, designed by Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design in Los Angeles, a magenta desk with gold hardware sets the tone for a bold home office. Integrate your workstation “In tight quarters, consider consulting your local carpenter to tailor-make a desk and shelves that meld effortlessly with the available wall space,” says Cortney Bishop of Cortney Bishop Design in Charleston, South Carolina. Here, in addition to built-ins, painted trim and wallpaper match with an adjoining room to create the illusion of a larger space. Make the most of millwork “Try to carve out spaces that can serve different purposes; for example, a vanity that can double as a desk, or custom millwork with a desk-height counter that has a cutout underneath for a stool or chair,” says Megan Prime of Brooklyn’s JAM . “We’d also recommend incorporating task lighting, like a small lamp, to create a focused and well-lit workspace.” Choose the right office chair “I tend toward chairs with wheels for practicality’s sake,” says Burnham. “Wheels make a desk chair so easy to maneuver, and they often differentiate a desk chair from a dining chair.” But don’t forget to consider your chair’s arm height. “Some desks have such generous aprons and drawers that it’s next to impossible to fit chair arms underneath, and the last thing you want is an inability to pull up to your work surface,” she says. Craft a laptop-friendly desk space There’s no rule that says an office desk must be six feet wide. If all you need is space for a laptop (as is the case for many these days), a simple office nook may be all you need. This home library , created by New York’s BHDM Design , doubles as an office and features a carved-out nook with custom shelving and a diminutive built-in desk. Consider your chair’s fabric Just as the desk can pack a punch of personality, so can your chair. And a fun fabric—whether it features florals , stripes, or an abstract print—adds visual interest. Burnham also stresses the importance of picking a durable material, pointing out that light colors and “nubby linens” aren’t always practical for maintenance and comfort. “Leathers, vinyls, and outdoor fabrics make much better choices, as does nylon webbing,” she says. Create a calming space “When we design for the average work-from-homer, we try to take advantage of a quiet space with good lighting, whether it be a dedicated office space or a small desk in a bedroom,” says Ramsey. “Of course, anybody can get some work done at the kitchen counter or breakfast table, but to put in a day’s work, you must be able to focus, be comfortable, and have at least three-to-four feet of space to spread out on.” Pick space-saving seating “Look for a chair with swivel or pivot capabilities to make the most of your limited space,” says Bishop. “Your chair can also go beyond mere functionality and be used as another canvas to express your creativity, complementing the overall design of your space.” Go for multifunctional furniture “Choose furniture that can serve multiple purposes, like a desk that can also function as a vanity or a dining table,” says Curtis. Add a tabletop mirror and the desk in this bedroom could easily double as a makeup table. Utilize vertical space When floor space is limited, designing up is the way to go. Rather than adding a freestanding bookshelf, mount floating shelves to hold books, plants, and decorative objects. In this office, created by Chicago’s DGI Design x Build , choosing wall-mounted shelves means there’s space to add a couch. Make your desk pull double duty Sometimes a desk is just a desk, but other times it’s both a workstation and a nightstand . In this home office designed by the Scottsdale, Arizona–based firm Living with Lolo , both sides of the bed get tabletop space for a glass of water and a phone charger. Use art to center a work zone Working with a small space doesn’t mean skimping on the office decor. Hanging a piece of art helps carve out a dedicated workstation within a larger space like a living room or dining room . That’s exactly what the aerial-inspired painting does in this otherwise minimalist office space created by Cortney Bishop Design. Go for graphic wallpaper You can still pick wallpaper with big personality in small quarters. A prime example: this room used to be a maid’s closet. “Since it’s a tight space, the client wanted to incorporate a little pop of color,” says Gideon Mendelson of New York’s Mendelson Group . “It was important to keep the space balanced, so we kept it simple and monochromatic and paired it with a graphic wallpaper to add some visual interest.” Craft a covert office New York’s PJCArchitecture created this cleverly designed closet office in a home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The space, which is just off the kitchen, is easily concealed by two pocket doors that slide completely into the walls when opened and read as panel walls when closed. Add storage below the desk Make use of every square inch—even under the desk, which is the perfect place for a small file cabinet. Take a cue from this room, designed by Maestri Studio in Dallas, and go for a cabinet that adds a pop of color. Poppin makes three-drawer file cabinets in colors like orange, aqua, and pool blue. Opt for a space-saving furniture combo For an extra-efficient use of space, pick furniture that’s a bookshelf and desk all in one, similar to the Resource Furniture piece seen in this home office by DGI Design x Build. Pottery Barn makes a small unit, Design Within Reach has a piece with multiple desk-shelf configurations available, and Crate & Barrel has a bookcase with two desks for a kids’ room. Pick a pull-out desk “The intention of this custom solution was to create a piece of millwork that is flexible in its design and can transform to serve different functions: fireplace, art display, TV, pull-out desk, and storage,” says Philip Consalvo of PJCArchitecture . “Instead of creating several separate solutions, we consolidated them into one elegant object, a custom Birdseye maple unit with metal accents, that complements the modern aesthetic of the design.” Conceal your cords Hiding unsightly cords goes a long way in achieving a refined appearance for tight spaces, says Bishop. “Invest in custom outlets to discreetly hide cords and cables and maintain a clutter-free environment…. These small details contribute to an overall sense of polished elegance.” Create “his” and “hers” office areas… Home office design often needs to accommodate two workers. That was the case for clients of Melissa Lewis of Melissa Lewis Interiors in Chicago. The couple wanted to convert the top floor of their home, which had been used as a small playroom and a smaller guest bedroom, into his and hers offices tailored to each individual’s work needs and style. “For his office, we needed to have space to allow for multiple monitors, a dedicated server for privacy, and have it still be a place he’d like to sit and wind down in at the end of the day,” says Lewis. “Clean and concealed storage was key, as well as warm, masculine finishes.” …that showcase personal style “For her space, we didn’t have as tight of a technical leash,” Lewis says. “We were able to get a gorgeous free-standing desk custom-made to ensure any bits she did need had proper storage, while also integrating fun and poppy wallpaper and accessories,” says Lewis. Weaving in your favorite patterns, colors, and accessories will personalize your office and make you feel (aptly) right at home in even the smallest of spaces. Maximize natural light Even if your “office” is a desk placed on a landing or at the end of a hallway, the space can still inspire productivity, especially if the light is right—and the right desk lamp can be a game changer. Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors in Atlanta says, “Maximize natural light and lamp lighting so the office is an inviting place in which to work.” Trick the eye with high curtains Another tip from Williams: “Hang curtains high, just below the crown molding, to raise the eyes and create the illusion of a larger space.” She also recommends choosing a desk with drawers for plenty of built-in storage and using a desktop organizer to keep clutter at bay. Go big on built-ins This functional home office, created by LA-based Mandy Cheng Design for young adult author Maurene Goo, fully utilizes its wall space with custom built-ins. Not only are there built-in shelves, but even the desk gets its own built-ins with compartments on top and mounted to the side wall to keep office supplies organized. Lean into clean lines If a neat, minimalist space helps you do your best work, skip the patterned office chair and graphic wallpaper. Instead, take a cue from this Manhattan loft by RAAD Studio in New York that’s an exercise in soft lighting, simple forms, clean lines, and meticulous detailing. Outfit a spare room with convertible furniture For this home office–slash–guest room, the Brooklyn-based Brownstone Boys used a custom Swing Chaise wall bed with a built-in custom Flip-Down Desk from Resource Furniture to achieve their multifunctional goals. “Conventional, stationary furniture can make a room feel much smaller than its true potential,” says Challie Stillman of Resource Furniture. “Wall beds and folding desks can provide comfortable sleeping accommodations and a second function when the bed is not in use, like an integrated sofa, dining table, or desk for working from home.” Leave room for lounging If your work style is more about kicking your feet up with a laptop, there’s no rule against using the majority of your space for a lounge area, as RAAD Studio does here. Choose a compact desk—or skip it altogether in favor of smaller side tables. Make the playroom double as a homework zone You’re never too young to learn that design can inspire productivity. In this kid-friendly space by Living with Lolo, a simple table and stools placed in the middle of the room ensure the little ones have the perfect set up to work hard and play hard. 10 Gallery Wall Layouts That Always Look Good in Every Home Lisa Gilmore Design / Amy Lamb of Native House Photography A gallery wall is a collection of framed art, photography, and/or decor pieces grouped together to form a display. This popular wall feature has been an interior design fixture for centuries, but can make a modern space feel fresh and new. You can personalize a gallery wall with your choice of artwork, frame styles, and layout to create a conversation starter with a signature look. Check out these gallery wall layout ideas to help you arrange a conversation-starting focal point in your living room, hallway, stairway, bedroom, and beyond. Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free  daily newsletter  for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more! How to Design a Gallery Wall Layout  Becca Interiors Arranging a gallery wall is an art, not a science. Take your time moving things around until you have an arrangement that works for you. Before hanging artwork on the wall, do a trial run. Measure the paramaters of your gallery wall, then create a border on the floor using painter’s tape to mimic its proportions.  Arrange your collection to create a layout that looks balanced and appealing . Nailing down your layout will help prevent mistakes before you start nailing things into the wall.  Consider an anchor piece. If you are hanging a gallery wall made up of pieces of varying sizes and shapes, start by hanging a larger anchor piece in the center of your gallery wall, or off center if you prefer a more asymmetrical look. Arrange smaller pieces around the anchor piece, filling in empty spaces with smaller art or decor pieces such as mirrors, baskets, or vintage tools or architectural salvage pieces.  Leave roughly equal spaces between individual pieces, whether you are hanging tidy rows or creating a more freeform arrangement.  Create a paper mock-up on the wall. Once you’ve settled on an arrangement, cut out pieces of paper the same size as your picture frames and tape them up on the wall as a mock-up of what it would look like so that you can double check that you are happy with the placement before hanging things on the wall. You can also use painter’s tape to outline frame sizes without damaging the wall. Living Room Gallery Wall Ideas Hanging a gallery wall in your living room will create a focal point and help you to create a warm and personal feel that will make the space more inviting. Here are some ideas. Symmetrical Gallery Wall Laura Brophy Interiors Blow up favorite family photos and display them on the wall in neat rows and matching frames to create a symmetrical gallery wall with a personal touch. Laura Brophy Interiors mounted black-and-white photos in black frames with white mats on a vertical shiplap side wall, installing picture lights above to elevate the arrangement. Off-Kilter Gallery Wall Fantastic Frank Hang a gallery wall with a casual modern feel by tilting your artwork in a haphazard pattern, like this irreverent take on a gallery wall in an otherwise minimalist bedroom from Fantastic Frank that could also work over a living room couch. Full Wall Gallery Wall House 9 Interiors Fill the space between the top of the sofa and the ceiling to create a full-wall gallery wall, like this space from House 9 Interiors. You can hang it all at once or start smaller by hanging a gallery wall over the couch that you add to over time, adjusting as you go. Large-Scale Triptych Desiree Burns Interiors For a bold and streamlined take on a gallery wall, hang a triptych. Desiree Burns Interiors chose an abstract large-scale triptych to complement this Japandi-style open plan living room dining room. Horizontal Layout Create a focal point over the sofa with a horizontal gallery wall that will make an impact with a smaller number of pieces. Desiree Burns Interiors decorated the moody blue walls of this space with a mix of color and black-and-white photography in varying sizes and identical frames. Frameless Gallery Wall If you like the idea of a gallery wall but don't have the budget or are a renter who isn't allowed to put holes in the walls, get creative. Hang torn out pages from a favorite illustrated book or colorful drawings of your own design in neat, even rows using painter's tape that won't damage walls. This idea would also work in a kids' room or playroom to showcase their designs in a way that is easy to swap out. Colored Mat Gallery Wall Studio Peake Contrast a gallery wall of subtle black-and-white illustrations with colored matboard for a cohesive feel. Studio Peake hung white framed illustrations mounted on pale yellow mats on the light blue walls of this London bedroom. Staircase and Hallway Gallery Wall Ideas Staircases and hallways can feel a little empty without wall decor. Make them homier with a gallery wall of anything from family photos to mirrors. Extra-Tall Vertical Gallery Wall Take advantage of a double-height ceilings in a foyer to make it feel like more than a pass-through space and to make the room feel more grounded. House 9 Interiors added a colorful extra-tall vertical gallery wall with a mix of frame styles, shapes, and sizes for an effortless feel. Staircase Mirror Wall Thistlewood Farms Hang a gallery wall of mirrors on the main wall of an open staircase that will bounce light around and amplify views. Thistlewood Farms added interest to the white walls of this farmhouse staircase with mix of thrifted vintage finds and new mirrors in varying shapes and sizes to add interest at an affordable price point. Wallpapered Staircase Gallery Wall Margaret Wright Interior & Lifestyle Photographer Layer art over colorful wallpaper to add dimension to a staircase gallery wall. This staircase gallery wall has a combination of art styles, paintings, illustrations, and photographs in a mix of frames for an eclectic look that feels collected over time. What to Put on a Gallery Wall  Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp You can hang anything on a gallery wall that you find beautiful or inspiring and want to look at every day. Stick to one type of art or wall decor, or mix it up depending on the look and feel you want. Here are some ideas to get you started: Framed or unframed paintings Posters, prints, and illustrations Black-and-white or color photography Family photos Kids’ artwork Vintage album covers Framed diplomas and awards Vintage signs Textile wall hangings Empty frames in varying sizes and styles such as thrifted gilded frames with ornate wood carving Decorative mirrors Wall decor such as baskets, masks, hats, or vintage tools or letters Architectural salvage pieces Sconces or neon signs A collection of practical items such as cutting boards in a kitchen or vintage tea trays in a butler’s pantry How to Choose Gallery Wall Frames Use mismatched frames in varying colors, styles, finishes, and materials for a casual and eclectic feel. Choose black frames and white matting for a classic look, or all-white frames and mats for a more contemporary feel. Complement vintage art with ornate gilded frames in a traditional home or to add a sense of history to a modern space.  Gallery Wall Design Tips You can hang anything on a gallery wall, but here are some guidelines to help you choose what to feature. Display pieces that speak to you , whether that means personal family photos, a collection of hats, black-and-white photography, landscape paintings, abstract prints, or oil portraits. If you prefer objects, hang vintage tools or architectural salvage pieces to complement a farmhouse space, or a collection of decorative baskets for a boho-style feel. Use a large anchor piece as a jumping off point , adding smaller pieces that complement or contrast. If you are on a budget, use a gallery wall to make an impact by hanging smaller pieces that you already own together to make a greater impact, or sourcing small pieces at thrift shops or online at an affordable price point. Mix frame styles for a more eclectic, boho-style feel, or choose matching frames to create a sense of cohesion between a group of disparate styles and sizes. Paint your gallery wall before hanging up art to add more impact. Your collection will look different when hung on white, black, colorful, or wallpapered walls. There are no rules for designing a gallery wall. Adapt your gallery wall to complement your space, from a minimalist photography wall featuring black-and-white photos in identical frames to a maximalist gallery wall that incorporates a mix of frame colors and artwork. Or assemble an eclectic gallery wall that includes a variety of framed artwork interspersed with decor objects, mirrors, or natural elements. You don’t need to choose a theme for a gallery wall that is made up from an existing collection of your favorite prints, paintings, and photos. But if you are starting from scratch, a theme can help you make choices and create a coordinated look. This can be anything from family photos to thrift store paintings of still lifes, color photos of your favorite animal or vacation spot, or midcentury modern graphic design posters.  The best layout for a gallery wall is adapted to your space and style. Create neat rows over the wall behind sofa, fill a whole side wall, or go vertical to ground a space with tall ceilings.  More from The Spruce 250 IMAGES 5 Ideas for a DIY Homework Station Homework Layout Ideas Homework Station Ideas For Kids 10 Homework Stations That Work Homework Station: A DIY Tutorial Love how budget-friendly and easy this is to make! COMMENTS 27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations Adjacent Homework Station. Create a bright and lively space that'll get your kid's creative juices flowing! The cabinets used here were ordered in a factory-applied yellow that echoes the hutch across the room. There's no reason you can't get this look with some vibrant paint and a weekend of DIY. Putting a desk in a space just outside ... Top 10 homework layout ideas and inspiration Find and save ideas about homework layout ideas on Pinterest. Creative Homework Ideas Create a board game. Complete a quiz - you could also ask students to write the quiz in groups and then swap and complete for homework. Write a lesson plan for teaching the topic to a younger class. Teach the teacher - create a poster, Complete a series of exercises. Complete a family tree, real or imaginary. Creative Homework Area Ideas for Productive Study Sessions Transform your study space with these creative ideas for a productive homework area. Make studying enjoyable and boost productivity with these top tips and designs. 15 Innovative School Homework Design Ideas for Teachers 1. Make it Relevant and Meaningful. Connect the school homework to their lives, interests, or current events to make it more meaningful and relatable. For example, if it's Christmas time, you can ask your students to explore the themes of charity, storytelling, etc. 2. 20+ creative alternative homework ideas for teachers 2. Make a board game. This is definitely one of the most creative homework assignments. Let your students come up with an idea for a board game about the lesson content. They have to make cards, and pawns, draw, write, cut, and paste. They have to use their imagination and inventive ideas to create a coherent board game. Click to open. 12 Home Study Room Ideas From Designers In this Montana family cabin designed by Kylee Sshintaffer roomy benches and plenty of task lighting make this bonus room the perfect place to buckle down and study. The tight color scheme ensures ... 30+ Homework Station Ideas for Kids and Teens Homework Station Supplies. Below is a handy list of supplies that are sometimes useful. Pens and pencils. Loose leaf paper for scratch paper or notes. A timer or clock. A folder with pockets. Calculator. 1 box of color pencils or crayons. Computer and charger. Creative Homework Ideas For Your Students Go on a treasure hunt. As a fun homework task that will get your students out and about, ask them to go on a treasure or scavenger hunt, finding certain things that are related to your topic. For younger children, this could be as simple as collecting leaves, flowers, or twigs they might find in their local park, or particular shapes or colours ... 10 Awesome Study Nook Ideas That Make Homework Fun 1. Closet Study Nook Idea. Even a small closet can be an amazing area for your children to get their homework done. Add extra shelves for storage and a desk with a comfy chair. After homework is done, close the door and you can forget that homework exists until the next day…. See a closet homework area here. 2. Designing Effective Homework Reinforce and allow students to practice skills learned in the classroom. Help students develop good study habits and routines. Foster positive feelings about school. In grades 6-12, homework should: Reinforce and allow students to practice skills learned in the classroom. Prepare students for engagement and discussion during the next lesson. Homework layout ideas Sep 14, 2018 - Explore Joo Yeon Chang's board "Homework layout ideas" on Pinterest. See more ideas about planner bullet journal, bullet journal inspiration, bullet journal hacks. 10 Helpful Homework Ideas and Tips for Primary School Teachers Firstly, divide your class into smaller ability groups, 3 or 4 groups would work. Each group can be given their own coloured homework basket. You then fill the coloured homework baskets with activities, games and task cards that the students can take home and play with parents, carers or older siblings throughout the week. Creative Homework Ideas Creative homework assignments can be fun and, at the same time, teach and enhance subjects introduced in the classroom. For more creative homework ideas, be sure to check out our lesson plans and YouTube videos! Learn some ways that you can make homework assignments both more exciting and more effective with our Creative Homework Ideas! Cute Desk Decorating Ideas for an Aesthetic Homework Space Come up with a fun theme that matches their personality, and purchase or create artwork to match. Consider painting the wall behind the desk in a pop of color that goes with the theme. Installing some removable wallpaper is also a fun update. Look for cute desk accessories like a mouse pad, small rug, desk lamp and office chair that further ... 5 Most Creative Homework Assignments: Homework That Works Homework Assignments That Work. 1. A Word Book. A Word Book or Vocabulary Journal is a classic among teachers of very young learners who are not adept at using dictionaries; here they have a chance to make their own. Help them design their very own Word Book from scratch, out of construction paper, cardboard, or any materials you have on hand. 7 Ways To Make Homework Fun For Back To School Instruct students they need to do five activities this week. If a word list, a game, or other resource is useful for completing the activity, you can attach it to the bingo card. You can even use the same card for more than a week. Let students know if they can repeat any activities or have to do all new ones in week 2. How to Make Homework Fun Break Tasks Down: Divide homework into smaller, manageable chunks. Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after completing tasks or goals. Study with Friends: Make it social by studying with buddies. Use Apps: Try fun and educational apps for learning. Listen to Music: Create a motivating study playlist. Make It Visual: Use colors and visuals to make ... 10 Best Homework Station and Study Room Ideas for Kids 10 Ideas for a Smarter Homework Station for Students of All Ages. Professional home educators and long-time school teachers share their top tips for creating a conducive learning environment at home. Put their tips to the test by creating a dedicated homework station and watch your home — and your kid — get a little smarter. 16 Stylish Homework Nooks the Whole Family Can Enjoy Here are 16 homework nook ideas to help you design an intentional space for anyone in your family. 01 of 16. Set a Serene Ambiance . Ashley Montgomery Design. Set an ambiance where you feel calm and collected when doing your work. You can often feel overwhelmed if you have a lot to do or you have a deadline to meet, so counter those feelings by ... How to design the perfect kids' homework area Use the vertical space. (Image credit: Urbanology Designs/Matti Gresham Photography) Empty wall space is wasted wall space when it comes to designing the perfect kids' homework area. Whether you use it for floating shelves, cabinets, or for a cool piece of art, make sure you use the vertical space, and think upwards. 330 Best HOMEWORK IDEAS Dec 21, 2023 - Explore Megan's board "HOMEWORK IDEAS", followed by 6,886 people on Pinterest. See more ideas about teaching reading, homework, teaching. 27 Small Home Office Ideas That Deliver Big on Style Pick space-saving seating. "Look for a chair with swivel or pivot capabilities to make the most of your limited space," says Bishop. "Your chair can also go beyond mere functionality and be ... Guide to Gallery Wall Layouts: How to Make a Gallery Wall Nailing down your layout will help prevent mistakes before you start nailing things into the wall. Consider an anchor piece. If you are hanging a gallery wall made up of pieces of varying sizes and shapes, start by hanging a larger anchor piece in the center of your gallery wall, or off center if you prefer a more asymmetrical look. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis