| All child experts will tell you: one of the most | | | | means they will read more, write more, and just |
| important ways of encouraging your child's | | | | as importantly, take pride in whatever they make |
| interest in school is to set up his own study | | | | when they're there. They feel responsible for |
| corner. Having a dedicated ?learning area??including | | | | what they've done, and they're darn proud of it. |
| a space to write and even his own Child | | | | (Here's a tip: keep the wall next to the child desk |
| Desk?encourages him to focus on his homework | | | | empty, or hang a bulletin board, so they can post |
| and even enjoy it. Here's why: | | | | their recent art works.) |
| No distractions | | | | Greater Comfort |
| When a child shares a desk or a computer table | | | | When a child uses an adult-sized desk or table and |
| with other people, other people or the things on | | | | chair when doing homework, they're forced to |
| the desk can easily distract him. For example, he | | | | slouch forward on the desk, shoulders hunched. |
| may sit down at the desk to do research on a | | | | Their legs dangle on the very high chairs, or they |
| report on dinosaurs, but then fiddle with Mommy's | | | | end up sitting precariously on pillows just so they |
| rolodex or discover his brother's computer games. | | | | can reach the screen. Kids give up trying to be |
| A dedicated child desk lets you limit distractions. | | | | comfortable and just try to finish their homework |
| For example, you can ensure the child's desk is in | | | | or research as fast as they can. Not exactly the |
| an area that the television cannot be heard. You | | | | kind of homework habits you want to develop. |
| can also minimize the clutter on the table, leaving | | | | This leads to posture problems that can |
| only art or writing supplies and paper. Even if she | | | | eventually cause fatigue, discomfort, and aches |
| feels restless and unfocused, there isn't anything | | | | and pains (especially in the neck, shoulder and |
| left for her to do but study. | | | | back area). They won't be able to concentrate, |
| Teaches neatness and responsibility | | | | much less enjoy what they're doing and be |
| When a child has his own child desk or study | | | | inclined to continue doing it longer than they have |
| table, you can easily monitor whether or not he | | | | to. Computer tables and child desks that are |
| takes care of his things. Did he put away his | | | | designed especially for children circumvent these |
| crayons? Has he kept his papers neatly stored in | | | | problems and make ?work? more pleasant. They |
| a folder? You won't be able to do that if he | | | | discover learning is fun?as long as they have the |
| shares the table with somebody else. First of all, | | | | right ?support?. |
| he may not have his own space to store his | | | | In conclusion, a child desk is an important piece of |
| study materials. Second of all, you don't know | | | | furniture for the personal development of a child. |
| who left the clutter (and you can bet the child will | | | | The study habits, which she learns early in life, will |
| always say it wasn't his fault). | | | | undoubtedly benefit her educational and her |
| Gives a sense of pride and ownership | | | | eventual professional development for the rest of |
| Children like having their own special place, and | | | | her life. Though a child desk cannot guarantee a |
| when they have a child desk they can really call | | | | straight 'A' student, it is a great place to start. |
| their own, they're more likely to stay there. Which | | | | |