The school year is still young. Do you and your child have a homework plan? Regardless of how you feel about classwork coming home, it's often a required responsibility for students. Done right, it can be used to help students with future study habits if they go on to college. Deflect the daily drudgery by keeping the homework chore interactive, organized, and inspirational.

Homework Space Ideas for the Home

1. A table against a wall with a bulletin board. Post commonly misspelled words (and words your child struggles with spelling), math facts, a map, and other reference resources depending on your child's age.

2. A crate that can be moved to any room in the house. Weather permitting, allow your children to haul it outside and solve math problems to the comforting sound of a whispering breeze. Choose a crate with handles for easy mobility.

3. A nook in the home office, or wherever you do your paperwork, pay bills, etc. You'll be working in close proximity, and you're available to answer questions as needed. Include a soft chair and throw pillows for a comfortable study space and relaxing reading assignments.

4. An area off the kitchen so you can prepare meals while your child works on his studies.

5. A small table next to the dining room table where she can keep her supplies and spread out to work.

6. An old student desk with the space below the seat to store books and supplies. Look for these at garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets.

7. A table or desk next to a chalkboard, peel-and-stick chalkboard, or white board.

Tips from the Squad (Don't Worry, We've Done the Homework for You)

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11. Ten Tips to Avoid Doing Your Child's Homework

12. Whether your child's homework area is always in the same place, or travels around with her, make sure she has easy access to basic school supplies every time she sits down to work.

Just For Fun

13. Include a small snack near (or in) your child's homework space.

14. For young children, use a chart or stickers to mark every time they complete a home work assignment.

15. For middle school and high school children, encourage them to take breaks from long projects. Go outside, shoot hoops, or take a walk to get the blood flowing, and spend time together.

Image Inspiration: Homework Places and Spaces

Grab some fancy inspiration from these photos, but keep your ideas as simple as you need. Tune into your creativity to find frugal ways to modify the ideas you like.

16. We love this list of Incredible and DIY Homework Stations from Modern Parents, Messy Kids.

17. Number six and number seven on a list of 27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations by This Old House.

18. Home office and homework go hand in hand with these simple, organized spaces from Home Made Simple.