Setting up a Positive Learning Environment
One of the most chill-giving moments of my college career was in a Special Education class. We were watching a YouTube video about designing culture responsive classrooms, and the entire video was dedicated to transforming the physical appearance of a cramped, ineffective science classroom, into a progressive, inviting space for learning. It was amazing - I literally almost cried. Seeing the immediate change in the kids and the teacher just proves how important environment is to learning.
Take natural light for example. On a rainy day, you feel more down and lazy. You don't want to get out of bed, or you might feel a bit sad about something that really doesn't effect your life too much on a day to day basis. On the contrary, if the sun is out, you're probably feeling great and motivated to take on the day. The same applies to learning environments. It's a simple as changing the lighting in your classroom.
I personally hate the fluorescent lights in my classroom. They serve absolutely no vital purpose, and I would much rather keep the windows open and my lamps on. This allows for a more cozy, inviting space. I'm also not a fan of clutter on the walls. Whenever I am observing, I immediately look at a teacher's walls. Are they packed with posters and laminated lists? Or are they clean and showcase the most important information that will legitimately help students? Take some time to really think about how your learning environment can be beneficial, safe, and supportive for students. There are tons of little things that you can do to improve your classroom.
Tips and tricks
1// Furniture-Desks in a half circle helps promote discussion and leaves space for the teacher work space.
-Tennis balls or wheels on the bottom of the desks and chairs for easy transition to individual or group work.
-Clips connected to the desks for books bags: way better than cubbies or clutter in the isles.
-Seat cushions! We can't expect students to be sitting on hard chairs all day and not get aggravated.
2//Student Areas
-Wall space - white boards and computers close by. Sort of a brainstorming areas for groups where there is accessible technology as well as an area to write temporarily.
-Have computers at the student level so they can stand and move around. The removing of chairs help to save space for other useful things. Movement is key.
-iPad station/corner for more technology!
-For kids who prefer to sit, have a round table with whiteboards already connected to the table. Students can move to this area as a group or individually to study, brainstorm, etc.
-Reading nook - self explanatory. Have comfy chairs, low key lighting (string lights!) and quiet.
-Writing nook - Inspiration boards, Story board templates, a computer, paper, pencils, and a bulletin board to "pin" things that inspire stories and writing.
-Hands on nook - Some students need this. Have different hands on activities available for students to help focus.
-Play dough to knead while reading, pedals on a desk to "ride" while studying, etc.
3// Teacher Zone
-Keep the computer in a more private area, and try to stay off it during class time. Phone can stay in that area as well.
-Have a "teacher zone" at the front of the room so teacher can see all students and vice versa.
-Teacher should be intertwined in the classroom, not a separate entity.
-Whiteboard on the desk for writing notes, to do lists, equations etc.
-Have everything RIGHT where you need it (remotes, ELMO, projector, etc.)
4// Display
-Don't clutter up the walls with things students haven't learned yet.
-Bulletin boards are good if they are useful
-Inspirational quotes
-Don't clutter up the walls with things students haven't learned yet.
-Bulletin boards are good if they are useful
-Inspirational quotes
-Show student work :)
-Wonder Wall - post it notes // questions to answer throughout the semester
-Light up signs DIY - Have one word or phrase on the wall that lights up
5// Personality
-Color - white with pops of bright color!
-Lighting - natural light is better than fluorescent lighting
Other resources for setting up your classroom:
|| Alternative seating
|| Setting up your classroom: 9 Practical things you haven't thought of
|| Amazing rooms to check out!
-Wonder Wall - post it notes // questions to answer throughout the semester
-Light up signs DIY - Have one word or phrase on the wall that lights up
5// Personality
-Color - white with pops of bright color!
-Lighting - natural light is better than fluorescent lighting
Other resources for setting up your classroom:
|| Alternative seating
|| Setting up your classroom: 9 Practical things you haven't thought of
|| Amazing rooms to check out!
All photographs, aside from the first, have been pulled from Pinterest. I do not own them.
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