While most people consider January 1 to mark the new year, teachers across the country see this time of year as a fresh start. And what better way to start a new school year than with a classroom reset?
A classroom reboot may be exactly what educators need to kick off the school year. It can offer a solid foundation to face the challenges that the coming months may bring.
As educators look to revamp their classrooms, they must consider various ways the layout and design can impact students. The goal is to make your students feel comfortable while promoting active and engaged learning. We have partnered with TO to share tips for designing your classroom inclusive and welcoming to all:
Ideas flow in the classroom… people should too
The design of a classroom is critical to the safety of students and teachers. It also affects how effective the instruction can be.
Classrooms must be designed with clear walking paths free of obstructions. It is important that teachers can safely move around the room while observing and supporting students.
Similarly, this hazard-free design should allow students to easily enter and exit, specifically allowing for quick exit in an emergency.
Students must be able to access materials and different stations or screens with ease. Flexible seating and work surfaces make it easy for educators to maintain safe classroom pathways, no matter what layout that day’s activities require.
Consider multiple points of view
There are many people involved in a learning environment, including administrators, staff, students, and parents, and they all have different perspectives. When designing your classroom, consider the literal and metaphorical opinions of everyone involved to ensure that the space can meet your different needs.
Points of view to consider include:
- Students they view the classroom on a different level than adults, both literally and figuratively. They need to be able to see the teaching unfold and have the opportunity to participate. High-tech interactive displays, such as SMART interactive displays, can increase student visibility and engagement.
- Teachers they are constantly multitasking. They need to be able to see their students, the entire classroom, the hallway, and the technology. Integrating SMART products into furniture ensures that teachers can access their technology for lessons, timekeeping and communication, all while keeping an eye on their students.
- school leaders they often need to observe what is happening in the classrooms. They must be able to enter the room discreetly without interrupting the instruction.
- Mantenance staff they have the important task of creating a welcoming space while keeping it clean. They need an easily maneuverable space to do their best work.
- of all safety is a priority. In the event of a threat at school, classrooms must include an area that cannot be seen from the hallway and safe, easily accessible exits.
Meeting all of these perspectives can be challenging, but KI’s classroom planner tool can help teachers in the process. Teachers can use the planner to explore all of the above perspectives digitally, using custom measurements and different camera angles.
Find inspiration with fellow educators
Updating your classroom design can be a daunting task, and sometimes you need a little inspiration to get started. Take one culture walk Working with other teachers to observe each other’s classrooms and hear their perspectives is a great way to assess strengths and areas for improvement in your own space.
Things to consider on your culture walk:
- What is the atmosphere of the classroom? Each master may have the same technology and furniture in their room, but the mood or ambiance can set a space apart. Take note of those special touches in other classrooms that make it feel a little more welcoming.
- How does the classroom make students feel? By placing an emphasis on creating a world-class space, your students will feel valued and more confident in their academic “jobs.” It’s amazing what a little color and organization can do to transform a space into an inspiring and high-value environment.
- How are different perspectives addressed in the classroom? Consider how each space looks and feels from the perspectives listed above. Check that the point of view of all perspectives is addressed and that everyone can move through the space effectively and feel welcomed and valued in the space.
- What elements make the space feel comfortable? Consider how to incorporate items like plants, rugs, and pillows to add character and comfort to your classroom. While these items may be small, they are often considered the icing on the cake.
Create your best space
The start of a new school year presents teachers with the perfect opportunity to reset, and updating your classroom is a powerful first step.
When designing your classroom, consider its flow and layout, as well as everyone’s point of view. Creating a functional, efficient and aesthetic space will benefit you and your students. Most importantly, make it yours! Add your creative touch and find ways to incorporate your students into your classroom design as well.
We want to make sure that educators can do just that. Lumio offers teachers the chance to win a classroom makeover. enter to win a $2,500 gift certificate to purchase whatever your heart desires to outfit your classroom! The contest closes on September 30, 2022, so be sure to submit your entry soon.
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