Dr.Lennie
Every August, I spend time rearranging my classroom and usually a little of my own money trying to create a space where students feel welcome and ready to learn. This year, I’d like to be more intentional instead of just making it look nice. If you could choose only three changes that would have the biggest impact on student engagement and learning—without requiring a big budget—what would they be?
— Emily R., 3rd Grade Teacher, Columbus Ohio
Hello! It’s a very thoughtful gesture to want to make students feel welcome. I’m sure your smile will be one of the most important one! And, zero $$$s. One of the things we are learning from cognitive neuroscience is to actually be more clutter free. In other words, too much is actually detrimental. So, with that data in mind some things to think about:
- Maybe there is an area that is left free to showcase student work. Their work becomes the ‘color’ in the room. What this idea provides is the recognition of their work, and as the assignments change, this area can change also – adds to motivation. Could even be student curated given the assignment’s criteria.
- Add some images inspired by nature. Maybe there are some particular flora or fauna which inhabit the area. The connection to nature [biophilic research] adds a calming component to any room. Another idea here is also to have the students go out side and draw/paint make their own nature pictures and these could be pinned up and changed out over time.
- Sometimes learners have to regulate before they can begin to be educated. A corner of the room which has some soft items; squishy things to manipulate; maybe even a small area rug to define it. If students are given permission to use this defined area for
I think you’ll find these ideas within budget. Each will provide a minimum effort and several scientific components are added here.
Best, Dr. L.
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