Engaging Classroom Spaces

As we finish talking, the children stand up and walk away from our daily gathering. The gathering is a time for children and educators to share ideas and stories about current work in the classroom. The children continue to move around the room in all directions. Some children begin working on creative projects from the previous day, and others form a group game. Two children walk to an area filled with recycled materials, look through the bins, collect materials, grab a glue gun, and talk with each other as they begin to create. An educator sits in the corner of the classroom with a group of children. Together they build with wood blocks, Lego, and Knex while sharing stories, a small slice of life in the classroom.

In school-age care, the children's interest in project work follows a pattern. Project work begins when children express an interest in something that connects to a question a child wants to explore, a material they find interesting, or something they want to create. Educators work with small groups of children when exploring a new interest in the classroom. As the work unfolds, new questions and ideas blossom. The scope of work grows as other children become interested and join the investigation. Each new investigation travels an uneven path with a different timeline. Some investigations last for days and others for years. As an educator, we support children's project work through classroom design. 

What elements of classroom design engage and support children's work?

Connect Classroom Design to Children's Interests

All design needs to speak to the user. Each classroom space blends children's ongoing work and new invitations. Classroom spaces that inspire investigation feature familiar materials and new materials to invite experimentation. When children begin work on an investigation, they often gravitate toward familiar materials. To spark curiosity, educators can place new materials near existing work to invite creative thinking, experimentation, and discovery. 

Share the Learning Journey

Create and share documentation from each ongoing investigation in the classroom. Documentation supports children's work. Sharing images, words, and drawings about an investigation helps others learn about and follow the learning journey. Parents and children enjoy seeing an investigation unfold through words and images. Documentation inspires children to join existing work in the classroom. Through documentation, children revisit their discoveries and imagine future work possibilities.

Beautiful Spaces

Creating organized and pleasing spaces supports an investigation. Open and calm spaces support creativity and deep thinking. Less is more in space design. A few simple curated materials in each classroom space are ideal. Too many materials in one area create decision fatigue and distraction. Try and think like a designer. What materials can I add to a space to support the current user's experience? Use bowls, plates, cups, and recycled containers to organize and create beautiful spaces that inspire children's work. 

Create with Authentic Tools and Materials

Educators often offer children toy versions of tools and materials in classroom design. Authentic tools and materials are much different than toys. Utilizing authentic tools and materials gives children a deeper sensory and learning experience. It supports an opportunity to explore and experience unique textures, shapes, and natural colors. 

Change is Good

No matter how attractive a material or investigation is, a time will come when the children are ready to explore new work. Children's actions in the classroom inform us when they are ready to move on. Children may display boredom, low energy, and enthusiasm for a space. Children may start to avoid an area or stop using the materials with care. As an educator, you have many options. One is to change some of the materials within a space or add materials to create new invitations and interests within an ongoing investigation. Another option is to remove all the materials from an area and start over. Rotating or changing materials inspires children's work. New materials foster creativity, focus, and inventive thinking in children's work and play.

As co-learners with children, we have an essential role in the classroom. Connecting classroom design to children's interests supports learning. Sharing documentation tells the story of the learning journey and motivates future work. Beautiful, curated spaces open the mind and clear a path for thinking and discovery. Authentic materials delight the senses and tell children they are capable and their work is essential. Change is always in motion. The evolution of an investigation depends on our ability to embrace change that helps us follow the winding path of the learning journey filled with possibilities.