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Back-to-School Bedrooms
Redesign Your Child's Room for the School Year
By Laura Paul
Allocate a corner space, away from the bed, for the child to study. An alcove desk can be outfitted with a 
computer as well as the classic globe, microscope and telescope. Save the video game system for the family room. Children can keep occupied with educational software.
For most children, the bedroom doubles as a playroom. Envision a bedroom that can energize, excite and inspire during the day. When a child is 4 or 5 years old, his or her cognitive abilities are still growing. So don't give away the matchbox car wash with bubble-blower and motorized brushes or the Winnie the Pooh play set yet – these games enhance skills being taught in school.
If space allows, bring a circular table with chairs into the room to encourage social time. Label plastic bins or fabric-covered boxes with modeling clay, craft and painting supplies, puzzles and musical toys and keep the supplies in close reach.
Much of the back-to-school mindset revolves around routine. Laurie Wirtz of Waukee, Iowa, says her three daughters are always anxious for school to start and eager for it to end. Clearing clutter, streamlining the family routine and teaching her children basic organizational skills are a few of the ways Wirtz has been able to find baance.
