Back to School - Designer Edition
The season of freshly sharpened pencils and new backpacks is upon us! Back to school has and always will be the most wonderful time of the year for parents. Unfortunately, these last few months have brought a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty for so many. Our goal as parents is to create a safe and nurturing environment for our kids, and when it comes to school and learning that’s no exception. Kids need an environment that is calm, organized, and predictable. Your home is not just your home anymore. It’s your office, a classroom, school cafeteria, and yes, even a gymnasium!
As designers, we’re always thinking of new ways to create spaces for our clients that integrate working from home into their busy lifestyles. But now the pressing question is, how can we create a space that’s functional and stylish for both you and your kids? Today, we are sharing with you some tips and tricks on how to design for the new normal. Before we jump into the design tips, we want to share our go-to list to get your little ones back on track and keep them organized, energized, and excited to learn. Whether your kids are going back to school or learning virtually, they will thrive with a routine mapping out their day from wake-up to bedtime!
Starting at least 2 weeks before school, cut back on screen time. Easier said than done, we know! Whether we like to admit it or not, we’ve all relied on some sort of screen babysitter throughout the quarantine. But now it’s time to cut back big time! While great for short breaks of entertainment, iPads, phones, and tablets can have very negative effects on children. Electronics can shorten attention span, decrease reading time, and hinder face-to-face socialization. And did you know that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, too much time in front of screens puts children at a greater risk of obesity and a lack of sleep (American Academy of Pediatrics)? When the goal is to start healthy and productive habits for the school year, simply cutting back on these electronics can do a lot of good.
Remember when your mom would tell you to leave your clothes on your bed for the next day? Well, that advice is still golden! Planning an outfit, a day in advance, or better yet a week ahead, saves you precious time every morning. Time that can be used to reheat that cup of coffee that keeps getting cold! And yes, even if kids are learning at home, they MUST change in the morning. Changing clothes signals that a new day has begun and it’s time to learn! And don’t forget to get your kids involved so that they are not surprised by what you’ve selected for them.
The same planning applies to meals and snacks! By preparing snacks the night before and creating a weekly menu, you save time and encourage healthy eating habits. Even if kids are learning at home, encourage snack breaks as if they were in school. Snacks provide a much-needed break to increase attention span and focus for later in the day. And secret parent hack, prepare three healthy snack bags and one treat bag. Once the three healthy bags are finished, you surprise them with a yummy snack. Our kids look forward to this surprise everyday! Sitting with your kids for 5 minutes on a Sunday evening and mapping out their meals is all it takes to stay organized. Not only do kids learn the art of compromise here but it also shows them that as a parent you value their choices and their likes and dislikes. You can even have your little ones illustrate the menu for you. How sweet and special!
snack time!
Pack a lunch just like you would if they were going to school! We love these fun zip-block bags from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. (Link in photo)
When your kids know they need to be up and dressed for school by 7am, this becomes a habit for them. As moms, it’s our job to continue that routine even if your kids are learning from home. Having a schedule will help kids understand what is expected of them, and as parents it helps us tackle the day with ease. As important as it is to schedule learning time, it’s just as important to schedule “brain breaks”. Wiggle breaks, Dance Dance Revolution on Youtube, and guided meditations are all great ways to keep your little ones energized. Check out https://www.gonoodle.com/ for some other fun and creative ways to keep them moving!
The goal of this time is to make it as seamless as possible for kids to re-enter the learning environment this Fall. Of course, we must continue to be mindful of cleaning surfaces and keeping play areas organized and germ-free. Whether in school or at home, hand washing time should be scheduled often and of course before all snacks and meals. In good habits, workspaces and desks should be wiped down regularly.
Now onto the fun part! Check out the ways that you can create a space that your kids can be energized and excited about.
Your kids, no matter what age, are used to having learning stations; Art rooms for the little ones, and class periods for the teens. Maintaining this idea in your design can create a path to success for kids of all ages. To do this, create corners and areas where they can focus on a specific task at hand. Have a designated area for reading; something cozy to draw them in but bright enough to keep them engaged. What do our kids love? A reading tee-pee like the one pictured below. It’s the perfect tech-free and quiet reading space for the little ones!
Black Stripe Teepee
Check out our favorite teepee from Crate and Kids! They come in a variety of colors and patterns and can even be personalized for an added special touch!
Schedules don’t have to be boring; especially when you incorporate your family's schedule into the design in creative ways. Making it a focal point of your space not only is visually appealing but also makes it an interactive approach to get your kids organized, involved and excited. Create an accent wall calendar using chalk paint and assign colorful chalk pens for each child to personalize their schedule. Did you know that your favorite paint color can be turned into chalk paint? Get creative, and don’t be afraid to think, or in this case color outside the box.
Wall Calendar decal
Another one of our favorite ways to include a calendar accent, are the wall decals from https://wallternatives.com/. Easily apply and personalize with your favorite color chalk pens!
No classroom is complete without a fully-stocked bookshelf! Gather a variety of books, across many genres, so your child can pick what to read. Ensure the books range in reading levels. Even if your child can’t read the words yet, he or she can tell a story with the pictures. Make the bookshelf appealing by displaying familiar favorites in creative ways. Showcase a few books by facing the covers out for the aesthetic and to encourage kids to dive into reading. Keep the books at kid height for easy access and add colorful bookends to grab attention. Don’t forget to support local independent bookstores and libraries when curating your home library!
With technology being an integral part of the learning process, especially now with daily virtual meetings, it’s important to have a designated space where your kids can be on a computer or tablet. Again, set up a technology station. Give them ample desk space and an ergonomic chair to keep them alert and comfortable, allowing them to focus in on the meeting or electronic assignment. And of course, headphones are a must when you have more than one child!
Kids need to exercise and move around to get their blood flowing and keep their minds and bodies strong! Like we said before, your home is now also a gymnasium! Have areas where your kids can get up and have a dance party. Use bright and colorful rubber mats to create a safe and fun environment for movement. And of course weather permitting, always encouraging outdoor activities for fresh air and exercise.
When designing any children’s space, especially an area for them to grow and learn, using color will spark creativity. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using color in your space. Allow your kids to get involved. Pick their favorite color as the backdrop for the design, or better yet, use a rainbow of colors and allow their imaginations to soar!
Staying organized is an important part of creating daily structure. What better way to stay organized, than with custom built-in cabinetry. Open shelving will highlight your kid’s favorite books and framed art masterpieces, and closed cabinetry will hide the clutter of school supplies, Legos and stuffed animals. Built-ins are timeless. Once the kids are off to college, this bonus storage becomes yours to use. Built-ins always create a high-end, functional custom look that never goes out of style.
Growing up, what we loved the most about back to school was the school supplies. There’s nothing like the smell of a new backpack and notebook! And now we see that same excitement in our own kids. Little touches like personalizing a lunch bag or backpack with initials or names really get kids excited and ready to learn. When creating a space for more than one child, we love the idea of personalizing seating for each child.
Personalized lunch bag
Personalizing school supplies are a perfect way to get your kids excited and ready to learn! How cute is this lunch bag from Bella Mia Design Co!? (Link in photo)
While it’s been a tough few months, the way you style and organize your space can be a fresh start to a great school year! Tackle the project with your little ones with bright colors and creative designs! If you really want to take your space to the next level, we invite you to contact us for an in-home consultation. Our approach to design is luxurious and classic, but also functional and family friendly; sure to be loved by all!
