Kids need a comfortable, well-lit place where they can study each night. Provide a spot where they have room to set out books and writing materials, and ensure there's adequate lighting (a desk lamp will beef up ambient lighting to prevent eye strain). A dedicated homework area can be anywhere in the home (ie. their own bedroom, or in a common space), but if a computer is part of the setup, experts advise keeping it in the family room or den so you can supervise and ensure minors' online safety.
7. Running shoes
Whether they wear them everyday or just tote them to gym class, kids need well-fitting, supportive runners or cross trainers. The proper footgear will help encourage kids to be active. Other things to try: drop your kids off a couple blocks from school, not right at the door or get them to walk the whole route on foot if it's safe and they're old enough, schedule in a weekend hike en famille.
8. Binders
Whether you opt for small subject binders or a larger binder with dividers, ensure your child has a three-ring binder in which to keep his or her lesson notes and homework organized.
9. Pencil case
A stocked pencil case remains a standard must-have, although what's in it will vary by age. Junior primary school kids need pencils, an eraser, coloured pencils and possibly pens, while older grade school kids will definitely needs pens, as well as a pen eraser or corrector fluid, plus a small math set with protractor, rulers, and compass and possibly a calculator. High school kids needs will vary and they can be responsible for stocking up on their own.
10. Library card
Finally, if your child doesn't already have one, make sure they have their own public library card. In spite of the Internet, the public library system remains a priceless ticket to research materials, not to mention "free" books, CDs, DVDs and magazines on loan. For first-timers, schedule some time to hit the local library together, and for high school students, arrange a trip to your city’s major public research library together to give them the lay of the land, which is great preparation for navigating big university libraries.
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