We don’t all have the space to dedicate an entire room to learning activities; sometimes, what we have is a nook, a lot of imagination, a plan, and a budget!
Almost all homes have a nook or a space that could be better utilized – or cleared out to be put to better use.
Creating a learning nook that is engaging and filled with everything (almost) that your child will need to thrive is an exciting thing. If your child is very self-guided with their learning, they will enjoy having a large amount of say over how the nook looks and what type of materials, tools, and desks are there.
For example, a big reader might just want a reading space filled with books!
What are the benefits of a learning nook?
Just like how adults often prefer to read, study, or work in a specific space in the home (or out of it), children benefit too. Learning spaces encourage children to take an active approach to their learning, but it gives them autonomy.
They can read, draw, create, learn, and entertain themselves in a dedicated space. Children tend to like some form of routine, and a learning space that is dedicated to them can provide that.
The nook offers a space with a sole purpose, which can help increase the focus. Just like an office puts adults into work mode, desk space can help children switch into study mode.
A learning space or nook means that learning becomes a fun experience because the entire area is guided towards their interests, and they will like to have a range of things to do.
So how can you create a little space for your little humans that is both fun and functional?
Where?
The where can be one of the most important things. If the nook is to be used for studying, then a place where people don’t walk by too often is the best option. This will allow for that all-important quiet time.
The same would apply to a reading nook or any other activity that your child or children like to do with some silence.
For craft corners, then a little bit of noise and mess is par for the course, and that means that the nook could be somewhere where there is a lot of foot traffic.
Light
Often the nooks in the home can be darker than other areas and don’t always have a light source. Pay attention to the intended nook over the space of a few days and how the light acts in the space. If it gets a lot of daylight, then you’re good to go!
If not, consider if it would be safe to have a floor lamp or if you’d need to hang a lamp to offer the right light for the intended activities.
Furniture
Children’s furniture can often come at a premium, so it is good to measure well and make a list of everything you think you will need. Remember to think about storage, comfort (beanbags, rugs, cushions), as well as a desk or table when you start your search; look for vouchers and coupon websites like Net Voucher Codes that can offer a reasonable reduction on the overall cost.
How do they learn?
How your child learns will impact how they interact with the nook. Some children need to do and expel energy to learn, while others can read something and absorb all of the information. Think about how your child learns best, and ask them what they think.
Older children often like to put headphones on and study while listening to their own music. If this is the case, make sure that there is somewhere to hang their headphones when they are done.
Regular rejig
Some things like glue, craft paper, and glitter seem to run out quickly – no matter how much you buy. So once a month, it is a good idea to get stuck into the storage boxes and pen pots to see what needs to be replaced.
Depending on your child’s age, it can be a fun idea to attach a wipe-clean board to the wall. This can encourage them to write a list of what they are running out of and take some responsibility for the upkeep of the area.
Interests
For decoration, the type of books, and the theme, if your child is old enough to talk you through it, create something that leans heavily into what they are interested in. Keep in mind that over time some interests might change – so don’t do anything too drastic!
Colors
We know that colors have a significant impact on our focus, feelings, and creativity. It is essential to do some research into the shades that will help your child (and you) reach your goals. Cooler tones tend to be better for relaxation, while brights like yellow and orange can help to increase focus.
Of course, in the end, the child’s own color preferences and the decor of the rest of the space will have a significant impact.
Organization
No one likes to work in a messy workspace – even if they are typically a messy person. Ensure that there are plenty of drawers, boxes, containers, pen pots, and hooks so that it is easy to keep the space neat and tidy.
When you first create the space, try to make sure that everything has a place and that you help your child put everything back the first few times until they do it independently. But don’t be surprised when it becomes reorganized to suit how they interact with the space.
For example, their most-used pens and paper might be in the drawer, while glue and scissors might rarely exit their storage.
Personalize it
Aside from their favourite color, books, and other fun stuff. The learning or reading nook can also serve as a display of their own best work. Drawings, written work, certificates – anything that celebrates them and what they do can be included and shown off.
The learning nook can also accommodate modern learning and teaching styles, like online learning, and here is how to make that work: Tips for Successful Online Learning from Home (Part 1).
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