Setting Up a Homework Station

Success in school is a marriage of many factors. Proper study habits and continued education at home are some of those factors.

"The assignment of homework, over time, serves to foster the kinds of qualities that are critical to learning Ñ persistence, diligence, and the ability to delay gratification," says Janine Bempechat, author of "Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Kids for the Future" (Jossey-Bass, 2000). "These [skills] become increasingly necessary as students graduate to higher levels of scholarship in middle school, high school, and beyond."

To facilitate the homework process and good study habits at home, create a study/homework area at home that can help students along the way. Here's what can be included.

Desk

A desk is the centerpiece of any homework area. Think about the purpose of the desk and what activities it should be able to handle. You may want the desk to be able to grow with the child. Do you envision it holding a desktop computer or a laptop at some time? Keep these factors in mind when purchasing a desk.

Size is an important component, too. A desk that is too tall or large may not fit into the space you have in your home, and it simply may not be comfortable for the student using it. He or she should be able to sit at the desk with feet flat on the floor and arms clearing the top of the desk. If placing a computer monitor on the desk, it should be eye level and a foot or more away from the person using it.