It is that time of year again.

School supplies are featured in all the stores, school notices are being sent out and the local school parking lots are no longer empty.

A new school year is upon us!

This is also the time of year when most parents ask themselves how they can help their children have a successful school year.

The answer may be easier than you think: Designate a specific study space in your home for your children to complete school related assignments.

Educators and organizers alike maintain that a dedicated homework space goes a long way toward student success.

Location:

The main objective is a comfortable, useful, personal territory with as few distractions as possible.

This is an area where your child wants to spend time but that is used ONLY for homework. A play space cannot double as a work space.

You want the message to be clear: when you are here, you work.

The younger your children are, the more important it is to have their work space close to main spaces in the house so that a parent is there for help when needed.

In most cases, older students can benefit from a location closer to parents, too. (For instance, downstairs vs. upstairs.)

Depending on your child’s study habits, closer proximity to a parent can help them avoid spending time on their other “important” pursuits (downloading music, talking/texting with friends, tweeting, spending time on Facebook and MySpace) and enable you to be more involved and available should a question arise.

And don't forget – choose a location with an electrical outlet!

Desk types:

I never recommend purchasing a child sized desk. A productive desk needs to be deep and wide enough to spread out and accomplish work in a relaxed manner.

If buying one, be sure that it is of adequate size to hold a computer (printer?) mouse pad, an open book or two, writing paper/homework sheet, supply organizer and other necessary items.

Even if your child is young now, investing in a desk with ample surface area will save you from spending money on a larger one in the near future. A generous sized table (wood, glass, etc.) can also make an efficient work space.

A smooth flat surface is a necessity.

Drawers, at least for small supplies, are always useful. Shelving of some kind should be close to the work space, but does not need to be part of the desk. Reference materials, unfinished projects, backpacks, extra supplies and other items will fill the shelves as the year passes.

A filing system, which can be a substantial accordion file, a crate with hanging files or a drawer in the desk, is a good way to manage the flow of school papers.

Class subjects and school activity labels create categories so that you and your child can file important papers, old tests and current announcements. That way, these papers don’t create clutter on the desk or take up surface space. This filing system should be easily accessible.

Use these guidelines, but be sure to allow your child to participate in this choice.

Building excitement now will pay off later when it comes time to use the area.