After checking out the spring event - that I missed - I knew a blog post was in order. Especially, a post before school starts again. For my year-round-schooling-educators, there is no time like the present. We all have something to work towards in our classrooms.
Classroom decor. Oh, you can love 'it or hate 'it. You can alter it or status quo it. You can change the "feel" of the classroom decor or not. Thankfully, life is full of possibilities.
Let's imagine you and your students liked coming to your classroom because it felt warm, welcoming, and engaging. How does that feeling happen? Certainly, your big smiling face at the front door is helpful. In August I will post on greeting students as they arrive to class and its effects on their behavior. Classroom decor often times contributes to the feel of your environment. Just ask any interior designer and they will attest to their craft - decorating. Since you have the whole summer to pillage garage sales, Goodwill, thrift stores and your loved ones' basements, now is the time to collect your goods.
Here's a starter hit list:
- Lamps - Aren't you tired of fluorescent lights? Many studies from the 1970s attest to the negative effects of fluorescent lights on students' behaviors. Warm up your classroom with a collection of cool hand-me-down lamps.
- Throw rugs - I'm sorry, but as soon as you put down a throw rug, your hominess goes up at least 80%. This is a must have. Trust me.
- Old couch - I used to have a pink and white check couch in my classroom and students loved to sit on it and read. We had just two rules for the couch: You had to be 21 years or older to sit on it (that way I could sit on it or parents could whenever we wanted) and/or you had to read silently to sit on it. I swear most days, 4-5 high schoolers would be sardined on the couch reading side-by-side. Couch? That sounds more like a loveseat. A love-to-learn seat, that is. Ha!
- Coffee and/or side tables - If you go with the couch, then a coffee table or two side tables are a must. IKEA has several inexpensive ones to choose from - like this one for $7.99.
- Bean bags - This will show your "old schoolness" and make your cool factor rise, for sure. Plus, who doesn't like a smooshy bean bag?
- Throw pillows - Find these in all sizes. The big ones are great for doing work on the floor. The small ones are lovely for your couch and at students' desks to make their rigid desks and chairs more homey.
Jen
