Papillon Mom Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 We live in an open flat above our business. It is small. No seperate rooms except a bathroom. Our hs area has always been her small flip top desk a chair for me and a large plastic storage box and a small bookcase. Focus has always been an issue especially with the inevitable, unavoidable interruptions from the business. Lately dd has been completely unable to focus. What do you guys think about a really, really small hs room. I'm talking 25 sq feet. I'm thinking of walling of a corner. I'd be in there with her the whole time. Is it crazy? I'd paint it a pale color and keep it plain. I've tried diet, consequences, breaks, exercise... I'm at a loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I think it sounds like a great idea. I don't blame her for not being able to focus under those circumstances! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PachiSusan Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I might even let her have headphones with very light classical music (no words) to help drown out the sound distractions and get a room divider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandragood1 Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I think a very small room would be stuffy - not to mention quite a bit of work to create. I'd put a white noise generator in your space, let your dd use headphones ( good quality, noise canceling) to listen to classical music ( try Bach), and buy a tri-fold presentation board from Staples to use as a visual barrier. You may also want to try having her exercise right before you do academics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Can you study for part of the day at the library? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LazyDazy Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Depends on her preference. Does she think she would like such a space? Could you set up a test area of sorts, possibly using a tri-fold presentation board, to see if it helps to "block out the world" before doing any construction? It would be disappointing to do all of that work only to find she feels too confined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicMama Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Could you try it out using a room divider? Something pretty, like this. Get two or three, and set up a study corner. I don't think it would be stuffy. I'm fantastic at tuning out noise, but I have trouble with visual distractions! I would find it reassuring, and almost comforting. The thought of being in a huge, open room makes me twithchy thinking about it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LivingHope Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 When I have trouble focusing, I like to change my workspace for another area in my home to reactivate my brain. See if rotating to different work surfaces helps...from her desk to the dining table, the table to a cozy seating area (like a couch or bean bag using a sturdy clipboard), and then back to the desk. Her lessons could change with each workspace...math at the desk, writing at the table, spelling on the cozy seat. This movement may help to make your small area feel less cramped. If a distraction presents itself, simply use that as a transition to move to another workspace and new school lesson. (Also use a small dry erase board to do some lessons to add another level of variety.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evansmom Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 I agree with the headphones - they work over here. Can you get out and be creative? Go to a church, coffee shop, library, etc.? Hope you can figure something out....but ultimately I think we are more resislient than given credit for so you can do it if you have to! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Mom Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks for all the thoughts ladies. I was not in a good place. I'm thinking of a hospital curtain to corner off the area not so much bricks and mortar (haha) anymore. Your thoughts are very thoughtful, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.