How to Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment

Sitting down to study is always tough - but with a learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or ADHD is even tougher due to the tendency to try and avoid a difficult task in favor of an easy or fun distraction. Because of this, children with learning disabilities end up being quite environmentally sensitive when it comes to their study environments. However, there are several ways to hack your child’s study space to make them much more productive and distraction-free.

In today’s world, many potential distractions come in the form of technology. To limit distractions, try and remove unnecessary televisions, tablets, and apps from the study area. This can be as simple as silencing cell phones and leaving them in another room, but you can also close non-study-related browsers and programs, delete messaging apps from your computer, and move the television into another room. If the Internet is still a distraction, you can also try disabling wifi during study time.

Distractions can also exist in the visual terrain surrounding the study area. Make sure to clear out all trash and clutter, and try to keep your workspace as empty as possible. Instead of storing pens, books, and tools on your desk or on shelves, try tucking them away in drawers and cabinets. You can also modify existing bookshelves by adding a curtain over the front to block the view of distracting objects. Make sure you have the option to cover your windows, too, just in case something distracting happens outside.

You can also guard against distractions by addressing the sounds in your study environment. It isn’t always possible to achieve complete quiet (and in fact, total quiet can make some people with learning disabilities feel anxious), but there are still things you can do to support study focus using sound. Try choosing a quiet time of day to study, and experiment with playing instrumental music during study time - or, if your workspace is especially noisy, you might try out a white noise machine to muffle disrupting sounds.

The most important thing to remember about a distraction-free study environment is that it will not manifest on accident. Be intentional, and take a little time each day to set up the study area with reduced technology, reduced cutter, and no aural disruptions, and your study time will soon be much easier and productive.