Now that the school calendar is well underway, how are we all holding up? Could you use some new ideas to keep home-based learning fun and fresh? Well, here you are: DIY study stations for kids! And before you groan, "Oh no, wood working!" these examples we’re featuring are made of cardboard. Simply assemble and add whatever school supplies your kiddie learner will be thrilled to use.
These study carrels, also called homework stations, create a little private, "me space" for study time—like a mini version of Dad’s and Mom’s home office or to add to an existing study table. So whether your child is doing pure homeschooling or a blend of online lessons and in-school sessions, surprise him or her with a special study station like one of these. Take a look! (*this post contains affiliate links)
Cardboard Study Stations for Kids: Ideas You Can DIY
These examples use basically the same board structure. But it’s the details that allow you to personalize the study station for your own child. Plus, they are portable, so you can move them around to any available space in your home. Then, fold them up when not in use.
1 – Spray-painted for color – This DIY divider featured on Organizing Made Fun shows how to personalize it for your child (especially for siblings) by spray painting the plain board. Then provide slots for mini cork boards, a pencil case, zippered envelope, clothespins for notes, photos, etc.
2 – Hooks make things handy – Found via Pinterest, this study station from Two Fer Mom uses glued-on hooks to hang whatever supplies need to be right within reach for a particular day, lesson or subject.
3 – DIY dry-erase elements – Check out how this clever study carrel from As the Bunny Hops uses clear peel-and-stick paper to create a "dry-erase board" and "dry-erase calendar."
4 – Fun learning printables – Kids love colorful, appealing graphics. So take advantage of the oodles of school-themed printables online and add them to your child’s study divider, as in this fold-away carrel from Mom Delights.
5 – Clever display supplies – The Enchanted Manor shows how school and craft supplies can be great for jazzing up a homework station for practical use! Think adhesive glue dots and Velcro dots, a mini calendar, a mini dry-erase memo board, a sticky-note dispenser, assorted clips, a pencil pouch filled with pencils, pens, erasers, child-safe scissors, and a calculator.
6 – Storage bins and online equipment – Gear up for combined self-study and online learning. Include colorful plastic bins to hold school supplies on your DIY study table along with a laptop or tablet with headphones, as spotted on the BrownWood Bulletin.
7 – Personalizing is key – What young learner wouldn’t love study time at a delightful homework station like this one from Inner Child Fun? See how to use tri-fold foam display board decorated with chalkboard paper, colorful memo pads, shaped sticky notes, binder clips, stickers, and even Instax photos hung on twine!
DIY Study Station Supplies
Excited to assemble a study carrel for your own child? Here are the basic supplies you will need—available on Amazon. Then, just add your own!
- Corrugated Carrels
- Quartet Cork Tiles (12" x 12", 4 pack)
- Large Binder Clips (Pack of 12, Assorted Colors)
- Post-it Super Sticky Notes (Assorted Sizes, 15 Pads)
- BAZIC 3-Ring Pencil Pouch with Mesh Window
- Daily Schedule Pocket Chart (with 26 colored and blank reusable cards)
- Glue Dots Removable Dot N’ Go Dispenser with 200 Removable Adhesive Dots
