Classroom Arrangement Can Enhance Learning

Teachers will try almost anything to help their students learn. We present a variety of materials to enhance the curriculum and deliver the content in most creative ways. However one area that is often overlooked in the learning process is classroom arrangement and décor.

Granted,there is often little choice in seating arrangement due to class size and room configuration. But there are several ideas that can be tried for little cost or effort. I’m going to try a few of these suggestions with my second graders this year and see if they help.

Followers of Feng Shui believe classroom arrangement has significant impact on students. Feng Shui is the Chinese method of creating environmental harmony by enhancing positive energy (chi’) through arrangement of work and living spaces. Suggestions include:

1. Eliminateclassroom clutter. Get rid of-or organize-those piles of paper, folders, crates, binders, and portfolios. Keep only what you need and if you can’t bear to throw away those extra worksheets and idea books give them to a new teacher who will truly appreciate them. Also, parents often request tutoring materials and appreciate these extras. Do not keep paper trays on your desk.

2. Put your desk in the back of the classroom. This allows you to see your entire class and leaves your active teaching area in the front of the room less cluttered.

3. Choose colors wisely. Depending on what you wish to achieve, be aware that bright, hot colors energize students by stimulating the brain and increasing respiration (bright reds, yellows, blues). Softer, cooler colors relax children and lower blood pressure. (i.e. lilac, pink, beige, mauve).

The dominant wall in your main teaching area should be a stimulating color. The reading area should be predominantly a cool, restful color.

4. Avoid sharp corners and asymmetrical shapes whenever possible. Use round tables. Put all plants at the sharp edges of tables and in the barren corners of the room. Be sure the plants have soft, rounded leaves as hard pointed ones interrupt the positive flow of chi around the room.

These suggestions are most general but there are additional considerations to create a truly Feng Shui “ed” classroom. Put a turtle figurine behind the teacher’s desk for support. A rooster figurine in the southeast portion of your room will peck away problem student behavior. Put a crystal in a window to help disperse chi around the room.

Lastly, play soft classical music selections in the background to promote a harmonious atmosphere. Now you are all set for a well managed, productive school year. Good Luck!

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