Lessons Learned
"Education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think." -- Albert Einstein
Many moons ago, when I was a student, on a typical afternoon I’d come home from school and head to my room to unload my backpack on my bed. I’d throw all my books and notebook on my bed in preparation to get started on homework, turn on my radio, go get a drink and sneak a snack, then head back to tackle the mountain of homework laying there.
Invariably, my mother would get home from work and crack my bedroom door open to check in….and then complain about the music coming from the radio. “Turn that thing off, you can’t concentrate with all that noise.”
The truth of the matter is, I had a harder time concentrating without that music playing in the background. Sure, I may have hummed along to a song playing, but I never really HEARD it. To me, it was the white noise I needed to blot out all the other little distractions.
Then I had kids…
I’d have a space cleared in the kitchen for them to sit at and do their homework while I worked around them. And we’d struggle almost EVERY DAY to get the work done. I couldn’t understand why we were fighting almost daily to get it finished. It couldn’t be the constant noise and distractions?!
What a homework tyrant I must have been to them.
I never thought to ask them what they needed to feel supported in their homework endeavors. I just assumed they needed me to be present and have all the things at their disposal.
Flashforward again, and now I homeschool a granddaughter. I thought we needed a dedicated space – a beautifully decorated room with charts and graphs and whiteboard.
Nope!
Until a year ago, when she started “high school”, she typically worked in the room that I was in. No fancy space necessary. No whiteboards on walls. No charts and graphs hanging everywhere. Just a countertop and her pens and pencils.
Why am I going on and on about studying spaces?
Because my journey from my own school days to now has taught me a valuable lesson: the ENVIRONMENT in which students study can make all the difference, as I learned with my kids and, now, granddaughter. And it can look very different from child to child and family to family.
If you've ever struggled with your child's homework routine or felt like their focus could use a boost, you're not alone. Allow, me to save you time and frustration by sharing my wisdom and the lessons I’ve learned on how you can create a nurturing space that sets the stage for your child's academic success. And don’t miss my juiciest tip, near the end, of our biggest and most valuable discovery.
CREATING THE ULTIMATE STUDY ZONE: Let's dive into creating an ultimate study space where your student will actually love spending time learning.
Find the “Zen” or sweet spot(s): Ideally, you’ll want to find a spot that’s away from the chaos of the house. It may be their bedroom, a quiet area in the living room, or even a tucked away spot in the dining room. The ideal place will be where there are no constant interruptions.
The Cozy Factor: Make sure the desk or table is at the right height and the chair they sit in is comfortable…if they even sit in a chair. In her younger years, my granddaughter used to lay on the floor while reading. Ultimately, being comfortable means they are more able to concentrate on the task at hand versus the distraction of trying to find a tolerable position to sit.
Mess-Free Magic: Again, the main goal is to minimize distractions. Keeping their supplies in a caddy or organizer within arms reach lessens the need to stop in the middle of an assignment to grab something. When they know exactly where things are, they a) won’t waste time hunting for an elusive ruler or colored pencil. And b) won’t have to sit back down and refocus their efforts.
By having a quiet area ready, your student(s) can sit down and get to work. Their brain will begin to recognize, “Hey, this is the place where we sit down and learn.” You’re giving them the gift of focus.
TECHNOLOGY CONUNDRUM: Now to tackle the tricky world of technology.
With the technology available to students today, it can be a balancing act: using it as a resource vs. the distraction of social media vying for their attention.
Don't get me wrong I’m not anti-tech. I know technology can be useful during study time to do research, look up definitions, etc. But, we also know how tempting those screens can be, pulling their attention away from their studies to do the mindless scrolling of social media.
For younger students, set time limits for certain apps during study time. Help teach an older student how to become self-aware of when it is appropriate to mindlessly scroll and when they should be focusing on studying. If they tend to struggle with being mindful, set time limits for them as well until they understand there is a more appropriate time for scrolling.
Also, encourage children to put their phones down during the day. Getting outside, stretching, drawing, or doing something crafty are all great breaks from technology and can help with study fatigue.
If they need music like I did, consider headphones if they won’t get distracted by having their phone close by. Bluetooth speakers are a great idea if the phone needs to be further away.
Remember, it's all about finding the right balance. Technology isn't the enemy; it can be a powerful tool when used mindfully. By teaching your child how to manage their devices and when they need a tech break, you're helping them master a skill that will serve them well beyond their study years.
ROUTINES FOR STUDYING:
In a previous blog post, I talked about the importance of creating routines for a successful day. We can also create a more focused routine to make the most out of our students' study time.
Set a regular study schedule: One that works with your child’s natural rhythm. I did better digging in soon after getting home from school. One of my daughter’s focused much better in the evening. Whatever the time, keeping it consistent allows the brain to slip into study mode more easily.
Pre-Study Ritual: Mine was unpacking my backpack, getting a drink of water, and turning the radio on. For some, it may be a short walk, deep breathing, or grabbing a snack. Whatever the ritual is, it’s like a signal to the brain that now it’s time to study.
Balancing Act: I understand, I can’t even focus all day long, so I certainly don’t expect a child to. Take a break…but take the right kind of break. I step out of my office and grab a drink of water and maybe look out the window for a few minutes. My granddaughter gets up and dances for a few minutes or comes and talks with me. By switching gears and moving, we help keep our bodies active and minds fresh.
Possibly my biggest lesson was to incorporate Mother Nature and her valuable plants to assist in maintaining focus (I wish I had learned this when my kids were still in school. Oh the hours of discord I could have saved).
As we strive to create the perfect study space for our young learners, we can't ignore the power of essential oils that can help promote focus, concentration, and create a calming atmosphere. These natural aromatic wonders can be a valuable addition to your child's study routine, helping them stay on track and engaged.
Oils for Concentration and Focus:
Peppermint: Known for its invigorating scent, peppermint essential oil can help stimulate the mind and promote alertness. Its refreshing aroma is like a gentle wake-up call for the brain, making it an excellent choice for study sessions.
Rosemary: This herbal oil has been associated with memory enhancement and mental clarity. Diffusing rosemary essential oil can create an environment that supports cognitive function and focus.
Lemon: The bright and uplifting aroma of lemon essential oil can help improve mood and concentration. It's like a burst of sunshine in the study space, making it easier for your child to tackle their tasks.
Basil: The herbaceous aroma of basil essential oil can help stimulate mental clarity and improve concentration. It's often used to promote mental alertness during study sessions.
Cypress: Cypress essential oil has a woody and refreshing scent that can help improve focus and mental clarity. It's believed to support emotional balance, which can be beneficial during intense study periods.
Vetiver: Vetiver essential oil has a grounding and earthy aroma that is known to promote relaxation while enhancing focus. It's often used to calm an overactive mind and encourage a centered state of concentration.
Here are 4 Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes we use for Study Success:
Clarity Boost Blend:
3 drops Rosemary essential oil
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Lemon essential oil
Focus and Calm Blend:
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Frankincense essential oil
2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
Energizing Focus Blend:
3 drops Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Rosemary essential oil
1 drop Basil essential oil
Uplifting Study Session:
3 drops Lemon essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil
1 drop Peppermint essential oil
To diffuse these blends, simply add the specified number of drops of each essential oil to your diffuser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the delightful aroma to fill the air, creating a study-friendly atmosphere that encourages productivity and a calm mind.
I hope I have saved you some frustration tears by sharing the lessons I’ve learned.
But the best and most valuable piece of advice I can give you is to always ask for your child’s opinion. After all, it’s THEIR study space. This is where they’ll be spending hours diving into lessons and tackling assignments.
By including them in the process of creating a personal study environment, it lets them take ownership and pride. Whether it’s sitting at the kitchen table, lounging in a quiet spot in the living room or settling in their bedroom, having a say in what will create the best study space for them gives them a sense of responsibility. As you fine-tune the details, remember that their voice matters and their ideas can shape a space that fuels their focus and fuels their academic journey.
