Children like to have a space that’s
their own, where they can play and create. A kids desk provides a creative space where the
child can learn to sit and focus. This helps the child with developing focus for academic
endeavors, as well as art projects. A kids desk allows the child a kid-sized place to sit,
where his legs will not dangle from too tall a chair. It also provides a place for
computers, storybooks, reference books, drawing pads and coloring pens.
While it is good to read to your child, and spend time engaging your child in stories and
art, the kids desk gives the child a little independence to continue on her own. It will
help her get used to a place to sit down and study, as she continues in elementary school.
When selecting your desk, it’s important to consider: How long do you want to keep it? If
you want the desk to last through the teenage years—as your kids continue to grow--you will want to select a
desk that will be large enough to accommodate a teenager.
Some kids desks come with built-in chairs and lots of table space for tiny tots to color
and paint. Other varieties are more studious, looking more like standard adult
furniture. A solid wooden desk is a good choice; but, there are many options in painted
particle board, painted wood, veneer, or metal. Other models come in children’s themes, such
as princesses or cars. What will appeal to your child?
Ask yourself: What will be the primary uses of the desk? Will the child
write letters to a pen-pal? Will she focus on her studies, pouring over
books? Will she have a computer? There are models of furniture with
pull-out panels for computer keyboards. If the child will be using the kids desk for school,
I would recommend purchasing one with drawer space. A hutch is another way to add storage
space—and a handy place to put books.
As a child, I loved to read, draw, and paint. I recommend emphasizing
the desk as special—something to be excited about. If the child has favorite books, place
them on the desk. If she likes to color, get a nice pad (or stack) of paper, and keep
crayons, coloring pens, and paint in the drawers—along with scissors, glue, and other art
supplies. The idea is to present the desk as a fun, happy space—so that it will continue to
be so when the child transitions to using it for school and study.
If you’ve purchased a computer for your child, it would be good to spend some time at the
kids desk with her. While the child has independence, and knows it’s “his” or “her” space,
children love the loving attention of a parent. Take some time to color with her, to read
her a story, and to show interest in her. Encourage him or her to read stories and
books. Find the child’s interest. Is it science or
math? There are great children’s books on science experiments that can be done at
home.
If he likes animals, anatomy, geography, maps, or astronomy, you can find
educational posters to put near the desk. You could even get one of
chemistry’s periodic table of elements. Children are curious, and
they will look at the educational decorations you’ve provided.
Encourage the child to explore areas of personal educational interest. This will keep his or her mind hungry in school.
