Executive function Toolkit: Study Space

 

Merriam-Webster defines executive function as the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior. When students try to study or do homework in spaces that are not conducive to focusing (like bed or the couch) and have multiple distractions, they are often unproductive. One way parents can significantly help their children is to establish a study space for their children.

Help your child set up a space. They need to be involved. If you lack organizational skills, perhaps you need to engage someone else to help you and your child in this. If you do it all, then your child will not learn the skill of doing this on their own. If they are going to college, they MUST be able to do this on their own.

1.      Dedicate a space. This could be a desk or a table with comfortable seating, proper lighting, and limited clutter.

2.      Include only essential items. Pens/pencils, paper, computer, calculator, white board/cork board, earplugs, chargers, reference materials, computer. A phone is NOT an essential item. Have a place for everything. If they have a separate individual desk this is easy. If they must use a shared space like the kitchen table, a box or crate or set of shelves can work.

3.      No music with words. Students will constantly tell you they can multitask. They cannot when doing thought heavy work. Studying and homework are thought heavy work and need your brain’s attention. TV, movies, and radio are designed to grab your attention. They need to NOT be on in the space when working.

4.      Set up a visual calendar. Yes, in paper that can be viewed by everyone. This can include activities like Scouts’ meetings, sports activities, and family events as well as long term project deadlines.

5.      Have a to-do list. This could be a planner, electronic agenda or index card. Find a system that works for the child.

6.      A timer should be available. Students can say I will work on this for 10-25 minutes and then take a break. The Pomodoro method is a formal way of managing time when working. The timer helps students stay accountable, identify how long it takes to do things and stay focused. (People with EF concerns are often time blind- they are not good at determining how long it takes to do things. Using a timer helps them to better plan in the future.)

7.      Set ground rules. Children cannot interrupt each other when they are in their study space. Materials in the space cannot be “borrowed” because all too often they go missing. When someone is studying others should not intrude with noise, teasing, changing lighting…

8.      At least once a week the space should be formally picked up. (When I was in college, everything had to be picked up before I started to work. Because I had to work regularly, my space never got too out of hand.) Students may need help with this part.

You can help your child to focus and study better, but they are likely to resist because these are hard skills and require giving up more preferred tasks. Persist and highlight how dedication helps them to be successful.

Sources

Seth Perler and the Sacred Study Space

Creating the Perfect Study Space for Your Teen

Healthline, Music and studying