How To Create Learning Zones In Your Home

What is a learning zone?

A learning zone is simply a creative and functional space that encourages learning at any age. And there are many reasons why you might want to have a dedicated learning zone in your home.

A creative & functional space that encourages learning at any age.

Setting aside space for a learning zone can encourage reading or early learning, homework during the school years or study at university, give you an organised space for a hobby or craft, and even create an inspiring and productive space for your home office.

Design questions to consider

When establishing a learning zone in your home you want it to fit in with your way of life, be easy to use, comfortable, and inspiring. You want it to look good, but also be practical to the activity you’re planning to undertake.

Sort out your assets and bank accounts

Review your assets and work out what can be passed directly to beneficiaries and what will have to go through your estate.

For example, if you own a property with a partner as joint tenants, the property will automatically transfer to your partner in the event of your death. The same property owned solely by you will become an estate asset and will need to be dealt with in your will.

Check with your bank if your bank accounts can be accessed by your partner when you die and how they could get access.

Evolving design: How has technology changed our homes?

There are many things to consider:

• Permanent or movable: Do you have the space – or room – for this to be a dedicated learning zone, or will the space need to perform several functions?
• Multiple zones: Activities like homework could be performed in different places at different times – you don’t always need to be in the same place, and variety can be creative in itself.
• Storage: there’s nothing worse than not having what you need to hand, or having too much clutter in the way – good, organised storage and supplies are essential.
• Flexible seating: stools, chairs, balls, beanbags or couches? Who prefers what?

A learning zone doesn’t have to sedentary or book learning – it can be a garage outdoors.

• Appropriate desk space: writing, typing, crafting, constructing or standing?
• Set-up: what practicalities do you need like power for electronics, easy clean surfaces/flooring, or running water nearby?
• Lighting: lighting can make or break the functionality of any workspace or learning zone, particularly for detailed tasks or studying.
• Engaged or private: do you want a private, dedicated workspace or a study nook in another room? A home office or university work zone might need some privacy, while young kids might be best in the hustle and bustle at the heart of the home where help is at hand.
• Aesthetics: a plain space can avoid distractions, a decorated space can be more appealing, but most importantly the space should suit the activity. Eg: a homework space might incorporate a blackboard, while a craft space might have a pinboard for inspiration and ideas.
• Planning: engage the learners – kids or adults – by involving them in planning and designing a space that works for them.
• Indoors or out: A learning zone doesn’t have to be sedentary or book learning – it could be something practical and hands on outdoors or in the garage or shed.

7 Learning zone ideas:

1. A craft or homework table in the kitchen – younger kids can be learning or getting creative with the family in close reach.

2. Dedicated library or book worm zone – a bedroom, study corner or lounge with bookshelves and comfy chairs or beanbags to encourage a love of books and reading.

3. Study or sewing zone in a disused cupboard – a home office or sewing nook you can close the door on at the end of the day without it taking up a whole room.

4. Dedicated media and entertainment room – with desk space for added connectivity and flexibility.

5. A study nook: perhaps it’s a desk in the corner of the kitchen or lounge, or a shared desk space in a mezzanine or hall area – a flexible space for homework or home office without the need to be in the bedroom.

6. An edible garden trail or pot corner – herbs, edible flowers and vegies, grow them from seeds to harvest time.

7. A construction zone – in the back of the garage or shed, get creative with tools and encourage a love of DIY or making things.
Source; http://www.realestate.com.au/blog/how-to-create-learning-zones-in-your-home/