Beauty should be a priority when designing a classroom as children notice these things, although others may think they do not. The infamous Reggio inspired classroom environments are beautiful, coming from Italy, where art and beauty are clearly represented. We need to create a workspace and play space that is appealing for children, where there is much thought put into it. Finally, it is important for the next generation of children to appreciate and value the natural world. The reality is many people do not and continue to destroy nature in the past and present, replacing it with unnatural elements. Many of us do not see the beauty and magic that nature embraces. Therefore, the more the natural world is incorporated within children’s learning environments the more they will develop a better and stronger appreciation of it.
Read more by clicking the link below:
http://searchingforsparks.blogspot.ca/2013/01/natural-elements-in-classroom.html
The second learning found for this category of research is an online newsletter regarding bringing nature indoors. The newsletter discusses various natural items that can be incorporated inside a classroom, such as stones, pebbles, stumps, plants, sunlight, feathers, table pot gardens, nature artwork, flowers, leaves and other seasonal reminders. All of these elements help children embrace and embody the beauty and warmth that the nature holds. By incorporating these natural materials we as teachers are nourishing children’s senses and fostering their appreciation of what our world brings us.
Read more below:
https://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/learnenews/2003_05/article101.shtml
This piece of research also discusses the importance of connecting children with nature. Although the article focuses on taking children outside to experience nature, it highlights the importance of nature for children, which can be applied within a classroom as well. The article discusses firstly that children today do not have many opportunities to connect with nature, as a result of technology being so popular in today’s world, such as television, video games, and computers. The article discusses the positive impacts of nature as it supports multiple development domains, such as intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. The research continues to discuss that nature impacts a child’s self-discipline, as green spaces and settings enhance piece of self and self-control. The article also states that nature, for example green plants and scenery reduces stress in children. In addition, the article states, “play in nature is especially important for developing capacities for creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual development” (The Natural Learning Initiative, 2012, p. 2) Thus, these are all significant reasons as to why it is important to bring nature inside the classroom and incorporate it with play, learning and with various features of a classroom.
Read more by clicking the link below:
http://naturalearning.org/sites/default/files/Benefits%20of%20Connecting%20Children%20with%20Nature_InfoSheet.pdf
The Impact of Natural Light
It is evident that natural light has a lot to do with bringing nature indoors. The article below from CNN discusses North Carolina educators, who believe sunnier classrooms lead to more intelligent and happier children. The educators had architects design schools that give students natural light. The result was that natural light in a classroom not only benefits schools in cost but actually have positive effects on student performance. The positive effects include health and performance benefits and higher attendance rates. Therefore, natural lighting should be recognized as important in the design of schools and classrooms, as it benefits children’s well-being and school performance.
For more information please visit the link below:
http://www.cnn.com/TECH/9606/06/daylight.school/
The Importance of Colour in a Classroom
In addition, the colour of a classroom and its materials should be taken into consideration when designing a classroom. In the research paper, “The Classroom Environment: The Silent Curriculum” the writers discuss valuable points regarding colour in a classroom environment. The authors state that “colours have psychological effects such as being warm, cool, stimulation or relaxing and can even change moods” (Allen & Hessick, 2011, p.17) . They argue that research has shown that warm colours such as red, orange, and yellow promote action-oriented activities, whereas cool colours such as green and blue were found to help facilitate quiet, peaceful learning activities (Allen & Hessick, 2011). Furthermore, the use of natural colours, such as green and brown tones create a comfortable and relaxed classroom environment.
Visit the link below to read more regarding the classroom environment:
http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1032&context=psycdsp
In the report, “Plants in the Classroom can Improve Student Performance” it discusses research that had been done with students in year 6-7. The research involved plants in a classroom with students and they were tested academically prior before the plants and then six weeks after the plants being in their classroom. The results of the plants being present showed improvements in student performance particularly in math and spelling. In addition, the report discusses the importance of re-establishing better links with nature as it has become a significant international public health concern. Plants in a classroom are also a wonderful tool for teaching children about the growth of plants through different observations and how to care for a living organism. In addition, the trials implemented in the classrooms found overall that plants consistently led to performance improvements across the curriculum and so, the author’s recommend that plants inside the classroom should be a standard installation of school classrooms.
Please read more below:
http://www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/Plants-Classroom.pdf
As mentioned above, nature and plant life can reduce stress in children, which is my next category of research. The online newsletter used above has also provided research in this category and it is evident that nature has positive effects on a child’s well-being. The research found states that “activities in nature have been shown to lower the symptoms of children who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder” (White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, 1999-2015). Research shows that children prefer to spend time in nature and that the lack of contact with nature negatively effects their well-being. The idea that nature protects children from the stresses of life has important implications for policy and design. This can very well connect to the design of a classroom environment, creating opportunities for nature to be experienced indoors.
Child care and school settings are essential features of design needed to foster the resilience of children and promote healthy development. In addition, the newsletter concludes by stating that early childhood communities need to take a better look at modifying its design standards and practices to better the needs of young children. I believe this professional learning is extremely critical and can be most definitely be applied to the design of an indoor classroom environment, as it is after all where children spend most of their time in a designated area created for learning. Therefore, as educators we should want to make this environment the best possible place to learn and promote a healthy stress free space, with natural elements for the well-being of all children.
Read more below:
https://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/learnenews/2003_05/article104.shtml#article
Strategies of Applying Nature in a Classroom
In the video clip provided below Bevin Smith describes the importance nature has inside a classroom. Nature inside a classroom allows children to use their senses to learn, which is important as multisensory practice is vital as children find it easier to connect new information to their previous knowledge, using various senses to learn. In the academic article “Using Brain-Based Teaching Strategies to Create Supportive Early Childhood Environments That Address Learning Standards”, the authors address the importance of multisensory learning. The article states that, “using real materials that are familiar and tangible help make ideas concrete to children”. In addition to this, the more senses involved during learning means it is more likely that a child’s brain will receive and process the information.
Furthermore, Bevin states in the video that the more senses used in learning, the deeper the learning becomes. She recognizes that in today’s society people are afraid to let children get dirty. Although true for some people, we must recognize that “getting messy” can result in creative and imaginative play that is necessary for children to experience. When children explore nature using their senses they are making many connections. Nature brings many miracles, big and small and it is important for children to experience them. For example, what the texture of sand feels like, what certain flowers smell like and to see where small insects live. As educators we can promote this kind of sensory learning in the classroom using nature and hands on activities. According to the article below, “hands-on investigation increases sensory input, which helps learners focus" (Schiller and Willis, 2008, p. 5). Experimentation is vital within hands on investigation and children need to participate in trial and error through their explorations. This increases the chance that children will make sense of the information and establish relevancy for what they are learning. Therefore, children need to be active in their learning and using nature is a wonderful way for teachers to apply all the strategies within a classroom to help children learn about their natural world.
To read more regarding brain based teaching strategies please visit the link below:
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200807/BTJPrimaryInterest.pdf
To watch the video with Bevin Smith please visit the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZBH_YBCYJY
It is my hope that all educators recognize the importance of re-evaluating the classroom environment. Our environments shape who we are, classrooms included. Children deserve an optimal learning environment and it is our responsibility as child advocates to provide this context of learning for them. Nature should be a key part of all classrooms as it promotes well being and positive learning experiences for all children.