While DS has had a desk since being a toddler (a family 'heirloom' school desk that gets passed down) it was in 3rd grade that we went and bought him a 'real' desk. And he actually uses it! He does homework in there and also enjoys drawing at it.

We found that working on the kitchen table with the family room/TV attached was too much distraction, so in second grade bought a tiny Ikea desk for the living room (which is quieter, but not isolated) and it's worked out great. Now the younger child uses it too. I think it's good mental space to have the place to focus and with all your tools handy.

Anonymous wrote:I did homework on the dining room table until I graduated from high school. I liked it -- lots of room to spread out. Annoying when I had to move stuff for weekend family dinners, but not a big deal. Oh, and I graduated first in my class, so the table wasn't an impediment!

Thank you for posting this! Because I don't think we have room to get the kids their own desks.

my son started doing homework in his room around 4th or 5th. we bought a desk for him in 6th. He does the HW either on his bed or the desk. I try to get him to do things involving writing on the desk.