A Place to Learn

Blog03-27-09
Ever wonder what the perfect classroom would look like? Would it even have desks? Would it look more like a home? Would it look more like an office?

I have seen a few classrooms that “feel” right. One is at my daughter’s high school. The room is full of color, texture, and interesting things to look lie. It is a history teacher’s room and even the panels on the ceiling have been painted by students with scenes depicting historical events.

I think the perfect classroom would include lots of “texture” like this history classroom. I think the variety stimulates our brains. And when our brains are stimulated, or awake, we learn more, we remember what we have learned.

Most elementary schools have very rich classrooms. I am not sure why we don’t continue the trend as children grow older.

Teenagers also seem to gravitate to classrooms that have comfortable furniture. Many times the classrooms of drama/theater teachers have comfortable furniture if only because it serves as storage for set props! It is a popular place for students to gather—it feels like home.

We have seen this same trend in bookstores and libraries—comfortable furniture is inviting! I would argue that when we feel relaxed and comfortable, we are also able to absorb more information.

Its fun to imagine what the classroom of the future might look like—maybe it’s part traditional classroom, part office, part living room!

Share your thoughts!