back to school
Home office for homework
MEDIA BAKERY
Expert tips to support good study habits
By Star Lawrence
IS YOUR TEEN “studying” while lying across
the bed, tapping on a computer, yakking on
the phone or texting, mouthing along with
music—with papers sliding everywhere?
Such study “habits” can be improved,
according to Bobbi DePorter, president of the
Quantum Learning Network and co-founder
of SuperCamp (
www.SuperCamp.com), which
offers seven- to 10-day residential learning
and life-skills programs each summer. The
Quantum Learning School program ( www.
QuantumLearning.com) is an offshoot that so
far has trained thousands of educators to
institute similar learning techniques during
the school year.
“School is kids’ work,” DePorter says.
“But when adults have work, often they have
home offices. These work for kids, too.”
DePorter, author of six books, including
The Seven Biggest Teen Problems and How to
Turn Them into Strengths (Learning Forum
Publications, 2006), says setting out to design
and equip a teen office sends the message that
school—and study—is important. “We want to
create lifelong learners. Learning is a discovery
process, not just facts, but also the ability to
make connections and analyze. An office
makes it serious business,” she adds.
Often parents want to keep the kids in
view during homework hour. But DePorter
suggests the teen office be away from distractions. “People need to focus on one thing at a
time,” she says. This means the office can be
in the child’s room or another non-public area
of the house.
Creating the study environment
AUGUST 2011 ;e Costco Connection 35 The Costco Connection Costco warehouses carry many things you need to get your home—and kids—ready for going back to school, including furnishings for your student’s “office,” food for snacks and lunches, storage bins, clothing and school supplies such as paper, pens and backpacks.
