How to Establish a Home Learning Space That Is Both Cheap and Useful

A child's ability to focus, stay motivated, and learn in general can be greatly enhanced by having a well-organized and designated learning area.  According to research, students do better in school and create better study habits when they study in a structured, clutter-free space.  A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that having a designated learning place can help people focus and keep their minds from getting too busy.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a functional and inviting learning space at home. You can provide a useful space that promotes learning while staying within your budget if you are creative and plan ahead.

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Pick out the right spot

It's important to find the best place to study. The American Institutes for Research found that students do better when they have a regular, quiet place to learn. A separate study room is great, but it's not always required. You can learn in a quiet corner, at a shared desk, or even at the dinner table.

Tips:

✏ Choose a place that isn't near the TV, loud noises, or a lot of foot traffic.

✏ If you don't have much room, use a foldable table or a movable study cart.

✏ If you want to build routine and regularity, study in the same place every time.

Make the most of natural light

Lighting is very important for staying focused and keeping your eyes from getting tired. According to research from Northwestern University, natural light improves mood and cognitive function, which can have a good effect on learning.

Lighting Tips That Won't Break the Bank:

✏ Put your desk near a window to let in natural light.

✦ If you need more light, use cheap LED desk lamps.

✏ Stay away from bright fluorescent lights, which can give you headaches and make you feel bad.

Use cheap ways to keep the space organized

Clutter can really take your attention away. A study from the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that places that are messy can make it hard to concentrate. Keeping your learning tools and supplies in order will help you learn faster and better.

Cheap Ways to Get Organized:

✏ Store school supplies and books in recycled boxes, plastic bins, or baskets.

✦ To get the most out of vertical storage, hang a pegboard or add hanging shelves.

✦ Put labels on storage bins so kids can quickly find what they need.

Use old furniture in new ways instead of buying new ones

You don't need expensive desks and chairs to make a good place to learn. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says that being comfy is important for learning. A chair or desk that is too hard or too soft can make you fidgety and unable to focus.

A strong kitchen table or an empty office desk can be used as a place to study.

For more comfort, add cushions or a seat to a chair you already have.

✦ Put screens at eye level with book or laptop stands to avoid strain.

Gather all the learning materials you'll need.

Having all the learning tools you need close at hand can help you focus on your studies without being interrupted or distracted. According to the Journal of Learning Sciences, students who prepare their work ahead of time are better at managing their time and getting things done.

How to Make Cheap Learning Materials:

✦ Make a list of the things you need to learn every day or every week.

✦ Always have pencils, papers, textbooks, and electronic devices close at hand.

✦ DIY storage ideas will help you keep things in order and make them easy to get to.

Get rid of distractions without spending a lot of money on tools

A study from Stanford University found that background noise makes it harder to focus and remember things. The best way to learn is to keep the study area as free of distractions as possible.

Simple, low-cost solutions:

✏ To make a space feel separate, use curtains or room dividers.

✦ To block out noise from the house, play soft background music or white noise.

✦ If you have to work in a noisy room, use free apps that block out noise.

Make the space your own with do-it-yourself decorations

Studies have shown that making a place your own can make learning more fun. The Journal of Environmental Psychology says that students are more interested in learning when their study room shows who they are and what they're interested in.

Cheap Ways to design:

✦ Let the kids design with their own drawings, posters, or motivational sayings.

✦ Make informative charts or flashcards and put them up.

✦ Put up string lights, bulletin boards, or fabric decorations to make the room look nice.

Buy lots of cheap school supplies

You don't need to spend too much on school items. The National Retail Federation did research that showed families can save up to 40% on school supplies by shopping smart. For example, they can buy during sales or choose used goods.

Tip: To save money, buy in bulk during sales for back-to-school.

✦ Check discount stores or used goods stores for items that have been used a few times.

✦ Join groups in your neighborhood that give away school supplies.

Use technology for learning that is free or cheap

Digital tools can help people learn better without costing more. Harvard University research showed that students are more interested and understand things better when they use digital and interactive tools.

Resources for learning that are free or cheap:

✦ Khan Academy has free lessons in math, science, and other subjects.

✦ National Geographic Kids has fun videos and games that teach.

✦ The Duolingo app is a great way to learn new languages.

✦ Google Classroom: This tool helps you arrange lessons and homework.

Make a cozy reading nook that won't break the bank.

Promoting reading is an important part of learning for life. As per a report by Scholastic, kids are more likely to become book lovers if they have a comfortable place to read.

Tips for Making a Simple Reading Nook:

✦ Make a cozy space with pillows, rugs, or other soft items.

✦ Put books in a small basket or on a shelf so they are easy to get to.

✦ You can find cheap books at your local library or thrift store.

Be able to change and adapt

You don’t have to learn in the same place all the time! A study from Columbia University found that changing where you study can help you be more creative and remember things better.

Ways to Keep Learning Fresh:

✏ For flexible learning spaces, use a table that folds up or a lap desk.

✦ Help kids learn outside—reading or doing math in the yard can be fun and relaxing.

✦ Set up different areas for different activities, like a quiet area for reading and a bigger area for arts and crafts.

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Last Thoughts

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to make your home a good place to learn. You can make a study space for your child that helps them stay focused, driven, and interested in learning that doesn't break the bank if you are creative, organized, and resourceful.

With these tips, you can turn any room in your house into a useful, interesting, and low-cost learning center. Have fun learning and let us start planting for the future! 🎉