As I set up for a new school year of inquiry learning I wanted to improve the aesthetics of my learning environment. I wanted to completely remove a teacher area/desk and make the room more homely and relaxing for students. I have found that with a few small adjustments my learning environment feels more welcoming and student-centred.
 |
| A comfortable learning/meeting space. |
 |
| No teacher desk! One class desktop for projector use. |
 |
| A lamp in the reading area on a hand-made Indian stall. |
 |
| Lava lamp style interesting objects. |
 |
| Green plants. |
 |
| Scented candles (lit before the school day never during) |
 |
| And more plants. |
The results have been well worth the effort. The students are already designing sofa schedules and enjoy adding scented oil to the burner. I have taken their ideas on board for where plants and furniture can be placed and the interesting objects create a lot of discussion points. The classroom feels more homely and inviting and the students have ownership over their learning environment. We are now planning some framed Indian artwork on the walls and more scented oils.
