For those parents who work in an office, you will easily grasp the importance of organizing workspace so that needed tools, information and outlines are easily accessible. Where did I put the pens? I can’t find that phone number! My file is lost somewhere in the filing cabinet or computer…. These situations make for a long day’s work. When items can be found easily, production soars. And when production soars, work items are finished early and more time opens up for fun, family and friends.

The same is true with children, but they may need your help to develop their organizational skills. Don’t leave this important segment to chance. Designate a homework space that’s quiet and distraction free. Whether it’s a spare bedroom with desk and computer, or a small section of his or her room, designate that area as the student’s workspace. Be sure that televisions and cell phones stay off and that computers are used for work during that time (not work, plus social networking, plus chat, etc.). Once homework is finished, there’s more time left for other things.

Use whatever space you have to your advantage. Small tables and corner desks make the most of tight spaces, and stackable, plastic boxes and drawers could take the place of an executive desk with cabinets, file holders and drawer sets.

Once you’ve established the spot, help your child organize. Ask where he/she thinks pens should go. Let the student choose the likely place for tape, scissors, stapler, paper clips, note cards, notebooks and computer paper. Have another section for markers, colored pencils, crayons, construction paper and other project-style accessories.

When the student has ownership, i.e. has chosen the logical location for items, it will help him/her to remember where all the tools are located.

If a computer is part of the workspace, help your child organize documents into files on the computer. Here again, each person’s brain works differently, so ownership is key. Ask how the files should be arranged. Does the student want a file for each class: English, Math, Science…perhaps within each class, there’s a file for recurring assignments: a file for Journal Entries, Observation Log, Essays….

Or, the child may find that his/her brain prefers all the essays in one place, the projects in another, and a separate file for research. However it makes sense to each student, help them designate computer files so that homework time is spent working, not searching. This will lessen frustrations for all.

Finally, remember that an important part of workspace is those small moments of encouragement. For adults, it might be the family photo or small desk plant. It might be computer wallpaper or screensaver of your kids with the family pet.

Grant your children the same courtesy. This should be an opportunity for encouragement, not distraction, so avoid photos of friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. Opt for homemade or computer printed signs like: You Rock! or Almost finished… Keep Trying :) and Exercise your brain muscle!!! Of course, let your child pick the sayings and colors since age appropriateness and personal taste mean the difference between encouraging and lame.

This is also a great place to hang school awards, graduation memorabilia, school banners and trophies. Perhaps hang papers or projects that boast a big, red “A”…. Anything that reminds students about the rewards of hard work, and of previous successes. Upcoming-goal reminders like a graduation-countdown calendar or academic-club event flyer might also add to feelings of ambition and work ethic.

Personalize each child’s workspace for particular goals, talents and academic needs and remember to encourage children and to praise them on jobs well done. With a homework space outfitted before the start of school, you’re setting children up for success.