Although I would not consider myself a beginner, I do have a designated drawing space. I have a small desk I work at, my iPad is my paper, and the Apple Pencil is my pen (or pencil or any other tool I wish it to be. My table has a mat on it so that I am not burdened by the edges of the desk. 

Children naturally tend to clutter so this is so valuable to keep in mind when I am working with them.

Thanks again Paul for the simple reminders of good practice!