Even the most intelligent and organized child can have a decline in academic performance if he does his homework at an uncomfortable desk and sits in an uncomfortable chair. And, of course, a student’s workplace means not only good grades, but also health. A schoolchild who takes unnatural poses because of an uncomfortable chair or table deteriorates his posture - the basis of the child’s health. Incorrect posture often causes curvature of the spine, osteochondrosis, and even provokes the appearance of intervertebral hernias.
The health and safety of a child depends not only on the correct choice of table and chair. Many events and situations await the student: adaptation to school, interaction with peers, first independent movements. To always know that your child is okay, track his location and listen to the sound around him, install the “Where are my kids” application from the AppStore or GooglePlay.
According to the observations of pediatricians, it is precisely first-graders whose posture deteriorates sharply, and the older the child becomes, the more difficult it is to correct the situation. And if you don’t have to choose furniture at school, then the right choice of table and chair for homework will certainly save the student from health problems in the future.
Content:
- Chair for schoolchildren Chair or armchair
- How to choose the right chair: basic criteria
- Types of chairs for a schoolchild’s workplace: advantages, disadvantages, average prices
- Table or desk
Size selection
Of course, the choice of the dimensions of the table and its main element - the tabletop - depends primarily on the number of family members and the personal aesthetic views of the inhabitants of the living space. Regular models are designed for 3…9 people. If a larger number of eaters is expected, then preference is given to transforming specimens with a sliding or folding dining surface, such as the IKEA Ingatorp model shown in photo 1. Typically, a front width of 60.0 centimeters is allocated for one eater. Based on this indicator, having planned the arrangement of furniture in the room and the placement of people behind it, you can determine the size of the sample.
As an example, we can give an approximate calculation of the dimensions of a sample for kitchen furniture, which needs to accommodate 5 people.
Chair for schoolchildren
Photo: www.freepik.com
Schoolchildren have to sit for a long time - longer than most adults. Therefore, the chair should be comfortable specifically for your child: this way, the student’s back will always be in the correct position.
Chair or armchair
To parents - and to children themselves - a chair for a schoolchild's workplace seems a more attractive option than a regular chair. But, perhaps, the only advantage of armchairs over chairs is a more aesthetic appearance.
In terms of other parameters: ease of design, assistance in the formation of correct posture, low price - the chairs win.
How to choose the right chair: basic criteria
A good chair for a schoolchild must meet certain criteria:
- The chair should have a back, ideally an orthopedic one. To choose a chair that suits your child, try “trying it on”: in a sitting position, the child’s hips and back should form a right angle.
- It is desirable that the seat be depth adjustable. Sometimes children have to do homework for 2-3 hours or longer, and with the ability to adjust the backrest to the “closer or further” position, the child will be less tired.
- If you are going to use the chair for a long time, you should choose a model whose height is adjustable. As an option: you can buy a regular chair and a footrest for it. In any case, the student’s feet should be on the floor while doing homework, and not hanging in the air. But, if the student is not a model of perseverance, the stand risks becoming a nuisance that distracts attention: an active child will constantly kick and turn it over.
- Children love chairs and armchairs with swivel wheels. But it is better to choose a model that does not rotate around its own axis - possible trips around the children's room are very distracting. You can find a compromise if your child absolutely wants a chair with wheels - consider a model with mechanical or automatic wheel locking. The mechanical locking is regulated by adults; the automatic locking will work itself if a person weighing more than 30 kilograms sits on the chair.
Regarding armrests—whether they are needed for a schoolchild’s chair or not—expert opinions differ. Some pediatricians believe that a properly positioned armrest that does not violate the shoulder line helps the child keep his back straight. But there is another opinion, especially true for primary school students: armrests that are too high raise the student’s shoulders to an unnatural position, disrupting posture.
If you choose a chair with armrests, it is better to purchase a model whose armrests are adjustable to suit the child’s height. The height of the armrests should be such that the student’s hands are on the tabletop.
Types of chairs for a schoolchild’s workplace: advantages, disadvantages, average prices
The table below shows the best and most popular types of chairs for schoolchildren: their pros, cons and average prices.
More details about each type of chairs for schoolchildren:
Classic
The same chairs that are in most Russian schools. The frame of the models is usually metal, less often plastic. Classic chairs are durable, but short-lived: their size cannot be adjusted as the child grows, and the schoolchild will outgrow such a chair in 1-2 years. It makes sense to choose a classic model if there is more than one child in the family - a simple but strong chair will last several years for all children in turn.
Computer (with wheels)
Photo: globusmebel26.ru
Withstands weight up to 60-70 kilograms. For chairs with wheels, everything that is necessary is adjustable: the height and depth of the seat, the angle of the backrest. The wheels of the models are usually fixed; the chair can only roll forward and backward. Models without armrests are produced especially for elementary school students.
Transformable chairs
Photo: fundesk.ru
“Grows” with the child: such a chair can last from first grade to graduation. The seats of transformable chairs are attached to a steel frame, so the models are durable not only due to their ability to “grow”, but also due to their strength.
Orthopedic chairs
Photo: orto-stul.com
The best option for preventing and correcting existing problems with the spine. Orthopedic models cost a lot, but they fully justify their price: they support the spine in the correct position, relax the back, and evenly distribute the load throughout the body.
An orthopedic chair can be selected taking into account the characteristics of a particular child: there are models with knee support - for children with the habit of sliding onto the edge of the seat; models with a removable footrest; models in the form of a rocking chair, developing the ability to maintain balance.
Correct posture
Purchasing practical and comfortable furniture cannot guarantee the prevention of health problems.
A child must follow a number of guidelines while working at the table:
- The distance between the body and the table is a fist.
- Straight back.
- If you are tired, you can bend forward.
- The legs touch the floor, the knees are at a right angle.
- Elbows are static. Located on the table top.
Important! Children should not sit in one position for a long time. You should do a warm-up every hour.
Desk for schoolchildren
A table is perhaps the main component of a student’s workspace. There are a variety of desks sold in stores: large and small, expensive and budget, with and without additional compartments and shelves. All you have to do is choose the table that suits your child.
Table or desk
Having a desk in front of a table has one significant advantage: the tabletop of the desk can be positioned at an angle - this position is good for posture. But there are also disadvantages: the desk can only be used for homework (installing a computer, doing complex crafts, or doing professional drawing on the desk will not work due to lack of space), and not every child will like the desk at home as a constant reminder of school.
A good option is to use the desk while the child goes to primary school. And when the student moves to fifth grade, the desk can be replaced with an “adult” desk.
How to choose the right desk for a schoolchild: basic criteria
The main criteria for a suitable desk for a schoolchild:
- Ideally, the width of the tabletop should be at least one meter , but if the room is small, you can get by with more compact furniture. The minimum tabletop size sufficient for textbooks, workbooks, stationery and other student supplies to fit while completing an assignment in one subject is 60*60 centimeters .
- The height of the table should correspond to the height of the child - a tabletop that is too high or too low will certainly ruin the student’s posture. A simple way to check if the table is the right height is to “try it on”: ask the child to put his elbows on the table and stretch his arms up, the fingertips from this position should freely reach his temples.
- Environmental friendliness - now desks are made from a variety of materials that are harmless to human health. Previously, only wood was classified as environmentally friendly materials, but thanks to modern technologies, furniture made from chipboard (chipboard), MDF (fine wood fraction), and even plastic is not inferior to wood in terms of health safety, and is cheaper.
The presence of additional drawers and compartments in the table is optional. It is better to consult with your child: perhaps it will be convenient for him to store student supplies in the desk cabinets, or perhaps on separate shelves (for example, on a rack).
The health and safety of a child depends not only on the correct choice of table and chair. Many events and situations await the student: adaptation to school, interaction with peers, first independent movements. To always know that your child is okay, track his location and listen to the sound around him, install the “Where are my kids” application from the AppStore or GooglePlay.
Types of desks for schoolchildren: advantages, disadvantages, average prices
The table below shows the best and most popular types of tables for schoolchildren: their pros, cons and average prices.
More details about each type of desk for schoolchildren:
Classic tables with rectangular tops
Simple models that are found in almost every home. When buying a classic table for home, you can save money due to the low cost of the models, but you will have to carefully select the height to suit the child’s height - usually classic tables are not adjustable. For the same reason - the inability to adjust the height of the furniture - the classic model will only suffice until the child grows out of it.
Corner tables
Photo: ekb.rosfirm.ru
A good option for small spaces. If necessary, the corner table can be easily divided into different zones: for example, for two children, or into separate areas for lessons and relaxation.
Desks
Desks are well suited for primary school students: they help to develop good posture and hold your hand correctly when writing. Typically tables and desks are height adjustable.
Transformable tables
Photo: parta-plus.ru
Adjustable in height, depth and width to the desired size from the first grade until the end of school. Typically, transforming tables are designed for heights from 110 to 200 centimeters. Some models also provide adjustable tabletop tilt.
Schoolchild's corner
Photo: bogdanovich.miruyuta96.ru
A convenient option for furnishing a children's room from scratch. All furnishings will be designed in the same style, and you will not have to buy additional shelves or bedside tables. You can choose a corner with the necessary additional elements (for example, for installing a laptop or desktop computer, or with a separate space for drawing), but the price of school corners is high.
Kinds
Speaking about what types and assortments of kitchen tables exist, it is worth considering that the main thing is the shape of the tabletop. It is chosen based on two main characteristics:
- tabletop shapes;
- style solution and product design.
Kitchen dining tables have a standard height of 75 cm, but other options are also available: 70-90 cm.
Circle
The absence of sharp corners in this design will allow parents of small children not to worry about the danger of getting hurt.
A round dining table unites those sitting in a smooth line, as if equalizing their rights.
But it is the round tabletop that has certain features. They are expressed in the fact that a small number of people, approximately 4-6 people, fit behind a fairly compact product. Whereas the need to accommodate a large number of people (8 or more) will require a dining table with a very large diameter, which is suitable only for large rooms. Round tables can be transformable - their sections can be moved apart and a rectangular structure can be inserted inside, which turns the round tabletop into an oval one.
The advantage of such furniture is that it does not cause unpleasant associations with work or study (office desk, school desk).
Oval
This option is the most universal, as it is close in shape to a rectangle with rounded corners. It will fit well into a small space and will have higher aesthetic values. Oval tables can also have a modifiable tabletop - it can be extended due to the inserted part.
An oval table is a great option for a spacious dining room. It can accommodate many more people than a round one, and it is not inferior to it in terms of stability.
Square
Ideal option for small kitchens. A small square table located in the corner of the room takes up little space and allows only two people to sit comfortably at it. 90 cm of tabletop length is the minimum needed for comfortable eating. If the kitchen is small, then one side of the table can be placed against the wall, and, if necessary, moved away from it during meals. And subsequently put in place.
The square table represents rigor, simplicity and functionality.
Rectangle
The most standard version of a kitchen table is a rectangle. This is a traditional form, which is placed both inside the space and adjacent to one of the walls or in the corner of the room. There are various modifications of rectangular tables - non-separable, sliding, folding. It is precisely such mechanisms that help increase the number of seats at a rectangular table, without sacrificing free space.
The most common option is a rectangular table.
Triangle
Based on the visual features of such a product, it is most often chosen for modern style solutions for kitchens - loft, high-tech, minimalistic, modern. With small parameters, 3 people can comfortably fit behind it. To seat more people, the overall dimensions must be significantly increased - this feature must be taken into account in each specific room.
A triangular-shaped table will perfectly complement the decoration of a spacious kitchen.
As for the materials of triangular tables, you can most often find products on the market with glass tops and metal legs. Less often they are made of wood or its imitations.
Polyhedron
This is the most exotic option - it is rarely found on sale. But, despite the unusualness and unusualness, it is this configuration that gives the model a high level of functionality. It is behind the multifaceted layout that it is convenient to accommodate the maximum number of people with relatively small overall parameters. At the same time, such a table looks good both in large rooms and in small kitchens.
If you want to become the owner of an unusual-looking table, you should make the product to order.
How to choose the right height and other dimensions of a table and chair for a schoolchild: cheat sheet
Pediatricians recommend choosing furniture for a schoolchild based on the following parameters:
The recommended depth of the desk, regardless of the age of the child, is 60 centimeters or more, and the width is one meter or more.
Pay attention to the student’s posture: the elbows should be placed freely on the tabletop, and the legs should be firmly planted on the floor at a right angle.
Optimal tabletop width and inclination
When choosing furniture for work, you should give preference to those with an inclined tabletop. This position reduces eye strain. The medium that the child reads should be positioned at an angle of 40º.
There should be enough space to place a textbook, notebook, and writing materials. A width and depth of 1 m is considered suitable.
In order not to store paper and textbooks on the lid, you need to take a desk with drawers. It should be remembered that the area under the lid, including the boxes, should not be less than 2.5 m2.
How to properly organize a student’s workspace
The main thing in organizing a student’s workspace is to designate a separate place, even a small one, for doing homework. Try to teach your child to do assignments only at his desk (and not in the living room or kitchen) - this will make it easier for the student to get organized and tune in to his lessons.
Important rules for organizing a workspace for a schoolchild:
- The desk should be in a well-lit place. It is desirable that the light falls from the side: on the left - for right-handers, on the right - for left-handers;
- The best option is to place a table near the window. Please note: it is better to place the table at a distance of about 20 centimeters from the heating radiator - this way the furniture will be preserved better and the child will not breathe dry air;
- if the table is intended for two children at once, divide it into separate zones for each child. Such a separation will prevent schoolchildren’s belongings from getting mixed up and eliminate unnecessary reasons for conflicts;
- drawers and shelves should be as close as possible to the child, preferably at arm's length. To reach shelves located far away, the child will have to get up often and, accordingly, be distracted;
- Now even first-graders have many different subjects in their curriculum; for convenience, you can have a separate folder or pocket for each discipline - this will make it easier to find what you need. But the method is only suitable for organized children; for a not very organized child, textbooks and notebooks will simply get mixed up;
- Teach your child to use a book stand. When the textbook is located at a slight angle, the text is completely visible to the child, and he does not have to bend over the book and strain his eyes too much;
- Place a desk lamp on your desk. When a child studies in the dark, he will need two light sources: overhead lighting in the room and a less bright table lamp. It is better to install the lamp in the far left corner of the table - so that direct light does not fall into the student’s eyes, and a shadow does not appear on the notebook.
Preparing for school often worries parents more than the students themselves. In order not to worry that you forgot about something, start with the main thing; school little things can be easily purchased throughout the year. And by the first of September, buy only the essentials, but exactly what both you and your child will like!
Separate from the computer
It is necessary to separate a desk and a computer desk for a number of reasons:
- Due to the combination of spaces, the child does not distinguish between rest and work time. If a child sits at a computer desk while playing games and doing homework, then the idea that the desk is a workplace is not formed in his subconscious.
- Computer desks are compact. They do not provide additional space for accessories. Therefore, writing on such furniture is inconvenient.
- If there is a computer on the desk, the child’s attention will be scattered. The baby will be distracted by technology.
Important! The child should have 2 tables. One is for doing work by hand, for reading and counting. The other is for working on a computer.
