As educators, we spend, on average, nine hours on the school campus every day. EdWeek estimates that teachers work fifty-four hours a week, on average. This is not counting the commute. If you get any sleep after grading the 179 essays, let’s say a solid six hours, this means the vast majority of your awake time is spent at school. This is also why your space matters. Here are some ideas to make your space as warm and inviting as possible!
- Change the Lighting: Yes, unless you’re at a school that has invested in LED lighting, you have halogen lights. These lights cause headaches. These lights cause aggravation for learners (and adults). But, there are some solutions! Amazon sells filters that you magnetize to the exterior of the overhead lights. If you don’t have a room with windows, there’s also the option to add standing lights in your room with LED lights. Lastly, and if possible, natural lighting is the best option. So, raise those curtains, and let the sunshine in!
- Add an Accent Wall: Sherwin Williams, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. have the option to get sample paint. These little sample pints might be just enough to add an accent wall to your room. Blues, greys, and light purples and greens are best for calm and focus. They also sell removable sticker wallpaper at Target. If you choose the wallpaper, be mindful to stay away from patterns, as that can be a major distraction.
- Bring in Elements of Home: Some schools have rules about outside furniture, but double check to see what your rules are. Also, a nice lesson I’ve learned: better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. The photo included is an elementary classroom in Colorado. This might not be possible for you, but if you can bring lights, coffee tables, chairs, sofas, etc., why not? I have friends with Keurigs in their rooms, I had a couple butterfly chairs in the back of my room, and I know other friends who have put curtains over their windows. The options are limitless. Play instrumental/ soft music while learners are entering/working independently. If you don’t have learners with allergies, add some diffusers/wall flowers/ essential oils. Be mindful of smells. Peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon all energize and engage. Lavender and chamomile are sleepy smells. Fresh linen was always a go-to for my room. Heck, we even had a pet leopard gecko (it never went home with any of my high school seniors).
- Decorate (Respectfully): For your learners’ sanity (and yours), this is the most critical. While it is important to create a space that is warm and inviting and not sterile, it is also important to ensure that it is not stimulation overload. Watch out for colors and patterns. Both have the potential of creating unfocused and agitated learners. If your school colors are red and black, stay away from an accent wall in either of those colors (dark energy according to color psychology). If patterns do not line up, or are too busy, ADD, ADHD, Autistic, and OCD learners will focus on that (it’s also why I recommend stearing clear of furniture with patterns). Hang up motivational posters, characters that learners are familar with, etc. I always encourage a theme. Yes, my high schoolers had a Harry Potter themed classroom one year, Dr. Suess the next, Twilight another, and so forth. Themed rooms help to keep you organized, also.
- Get Crafty: Home Depot will cut sheets of whiteboard surface for you (so much cheaper than buying individual boards for learners, too). You can then adhere these around the room for stations/ do now/ etc. Fabric stores are a great place to find bulletin board backgrounds. You can staple into the fabric, it lasts year after year, and it stays cleaner than putting up construction paper. Garage sales/ estate sales/ antique shops are all awesome places to pick up some items for your room. Dollar stores often have a row full of bulletin board borders and cut outs. Do not underestimate the generosity of others! I have friends who share their Amazon wish list with friends and family. I have friends who get renders of their spaces and post it on GoFundMe and Donors Choose. Get crafty and scrappy without cutting out the things that make your space an oasis- for your learners and YOU!
We are starting the 2023/24 school year. Let your room be an extension of you. Let your room be a safe space and a place learners feel welcomed. While not all schools have it in the budget/ are ready for future-ready classrooms and furniture, be the trailblazer who shows others how it’s done- that type of energy is infectious. Share your rooms as inspiration, or share your rooms for help and tips! Whatever the case- have a fabulously remarkable start to your school year!
Edukater's Corner 