ROOMS TEACH, TOO!

Allow your room to be a partner in the teaching/learning process. Surroundings affect children’s attitudes and resulting learning. Your classroom is a silent partner that has the potential to aid or hinder the learning of your pupils. A learner is influenced by the environment as well as by teachers and peers.

All of us learn to some extent by “osmosis” from our surroundings. This is particularly true about children. Boys and girls “read” the environment we create for them and these impressions become their first lessons with deep significance for every other lesson that follows.

Are there eye-appealing decorations on the door?

Are walls painted with colors carefully chosen to be a supportive element in the teaching/learning environment?

Is the room well-lighted?

Are bulletin boards attractive? Bulletin boards and display areas can be used as a tool to motivate, teach and enrich your lesson. Whenever possible, let the children be involved in the construction of the display area and in the lesson it’s designed to teach.

Are pictures mounted attractively and at eye level? Pictures provide a valuable substitute when personal experiences are impossible. All visible teaching materials should be changed often and from the current unit of study.

Is there adequate storage? Hinged shelves on rolling casters allows flexible space for storage.