The homework zone is tricky. It's tough to predict what might work for your struggling student. Some days the focus is there, other days it is not.
What can we adjust around the homework zone to support and sustain the focus?
An optimal homework zone is optimized to the senses. Sensory comfort/discomfort can make or break your student’s ability to focus.
There are some small but mighty shifts that you can do today, to support our struggling students back into the focus zone.
Standing and walking is optimal. Clear some floor space, because struggling students think best when then move.
Screens off and siblings away - Unless, by some miracle, you've been able to get the sibling to work quietly on their own.
Music will be needed to blend out the inevitable house, kitchen, people, car, pet, and ventilation noises. Play music either through open speaker or headphones, there are pros and cons to both, but the music is essential. Headphones are very helpful.
Refocus distractions are magical. When your kiddo is working, and they lift their head directly up, what do they see? That spot is where you put the “refocus distraction” such as a note, a whiteboard, or yourself.
Parental availability and gentle redirecting back on task will be needed. Don't use this zone, if redirecting your student back on track sends you into a tailspin of frustration. Check out one of my favorite approaches called, "body doubling."
Avoid using the kitchen digital clock. Struggling students need to SEE time reprepresented with equal intervals of space. Use an analog timer, such as the Time Timer or a battery operated, stand alone, tick-less analog clock.
Pets are encouraged and helpful.
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Check out the other workplace set up article: Top 5 Parts of a Focused Workspace
