How to create an inspiring space in the classroom
Photo: Ashley Broomfield
Every teacher knows that providing students with peaceful, inspiring and safe space is essential when it comes to taking the most out of the learning experience. Children desire classrooms that are positive, organized, cohesive so they can focus and enjoy their time at school.
Properly managed space is extremely important when it comes to teaching. The Reggio Emilia approach to education describes the classroom space as a “Third teacher”, next to parents and peers. Teachers quest is to create spaces that have a unique ability to contribute to learning.
The perfect classroom doesn’t exist and there is always room to improve! Follow our guideline on how to create inspiring space for students!
Promote Movement
Students have a very short attention span, and they just love to be active! The truth is that kids learn better when they stay active and stimulated. Create in your classroom a little space to take a break for a small stretching, walking, or a bit of jumping. Give your students the chance to get up from seats, and let the juices flowing. All students can benefit from a small walk or a group yoga practice in between assignments or classes.
Remove Clutter
The classroom needs to be visually pleasing and not overwhelming. Reduce the amount of cables and wires – you can get charging docs for all your iPads and Chromebooks, so all the devices are neat and organized. Organize the drawing equipment, books and papers and any other things that can distract students. Limit the number of stickers, posters, and papers that are glued on classroom walls. Try to prevent over-stimulation that may happen when kids are surrounded by too many colors, information, and items.
Create Digital Spaces
A modern classroom should provide students with access to technology and digital materials. Educational technology is present in almost every aspect of today’s learning. Teachers need to create ‘technology corners’ for all the iPads, computers and chargers, as well as printers and scanners. If your teaching is focused on implementing EdTech and upload the study materials in the cloud, make sure that you have a fixed desk with a computer. It should be accessible for students who don’t have that equipment at home and may need to use it at school to complete the homework and other projects.
Be Flexible and Agile
Students hate boredom! Create an environment that can be easily and quickly changed and reshaped. The classroom should meet a wide variety of learning conditions and styles. Moreover, discussing different subjects and managing various activities require more space. Be prepared for moving tables, chairs and so on! Make sure your classroom is flexible and you can do a movie day, group project presentation, and do exams.
Add Some Color
Teachers prove that the classroom doesn’t have to be a boring beige room with a wooden chair. If your school doesn’t want to provide you with all the extra equipment try to find a simple, cheap but still efficient solution to pimp-up your classroom! Start with adding some color on the walls – paint each wall on a different calm, and learning-friendly color. Studies show that green makes a room feel more tranquil, and choosing the right shade can improve concentration and make space feel more energetic. Blue it is a calm and peaceful color and it also increases productivity, and orange is a wonderful mood lifter! Remember to keep balance and not overwhelm your students with too many different colors!
Include Writable Spaces
In the past few years, the writable classroom took teachers’ hears by storm. Desks, walls and other big surfaces that are writable are very useful for students. It allows them to simplify processes of brainstorming and problem-solving since everyone can write comments and mark whatever is necessary. Writable desks and walls have plenty of advantages! It reduces the amount of used paper, increases collaboration, and the most important: it’s all fun!
Wrap up
Every year teachers struggle with designing a perfect classroom that can enhance learning. Space in which students spend so much time needs to be fun and engaging, but at the same time, it has to help kids stay focused, productive and creative.
As a teacher, you can do so much good for your students by just introducing small changes in your classroom. Add one colorful wall, let them sit on the floor, add a couch, clean up the cable clutter – each of that will improve their experience.
Don’t be afraid of changes and experiment with your classroom decor! Do you have some pro tips for teachers who could use some extra inspiration on how to transform the classroom? Let us know!
