1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:18,920 Welcome back to the Calm Classroom, the podcast dedicated to cultivating tranquility and creativity 2 00:00:18,920 --> 00:00:21,400 in the learning environment. 3 00:00:21,400 --> 00:00:26,400 I'm your host, Ellie Laird, and in today's episode titled Calm and Creative Learning 4 00:00:26,400 --> 00:00:33,200 Spaces, we'll explore the art of designing a classroom layout that inspires focus, imagination, 5 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,240 and innovation. 6 00:00:35,240 --> 00:00:40,600 Imagine stepping into a classroom where there are purposeful places that nurture calmness 7 00:00:40,600 --> 00:00:47,240 and spark creativity instead of cluttered walls that are visually overstimulating. 8 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:54,080 That's precisely what we aim to achieve with our approach to classroom organization. 9 00:00:54,080 --> 00:01:00,000 From cozy reading corners to vibrant innovation stations, each space serves a unique purpose 10 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:04,200 in fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment. 11 00:01:04,200 --> 00:01:08,520 In this episode, we will provide you with several different ideas to incorporate into 12 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:11,240 your Calm Classroom. 13 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:15,520 I don't know what your classroom layout looks like, but chances are you don't have much 14 00:01:15,520 --> 00:01:20,240 space after all your desks are put into place and bookshelves are assembled. 15 00:01:20,240 --> 00:01:25,440 That's why I stress the importance of picking and choosing spaces that meet your needs and 16 00:01:25,440 --> 00:01:28,760 convey the type of environment you want. 17 00:01:28,760 --> 00:01:33,760 Our aim isn't to convince you to include every one of these spaces in your classroom, 18 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:39,960 but rather to pick and choose one to two spaces that best matches your personality as a teacher. 19 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:44,200 Remember, too much of anything will provide the opposite effect. 20 00:01:44,200 --> 00:01:48,120 Keep it simple and stick to one to two spaces. 21 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:49,120 Let's get started. 22 00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:54,440 We're going to start with my favorite, the Book Nook, a cozy retreat where students 23 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:58,360 can escape into the world of literature and imagination. 24 00:01:58,360 --> 00:02:03,480 For this area, you'll need a few things that you can probably find at your own home or 25 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:05,840 at a secondhand store. 26 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:11,280 In my Book Nook, I throw a rug down that can be easily cleaned and vacuumed. 27 00:02:11,280 --> 00:02:17,400 You do not want to put a shag rug or an overly furry rug in your classroom anywhere, believe 28 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:18,800 me. 29 00:02:18,800 --> 00:02:21,760 This can turn into a disaster. 30 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:24,840 You'll also need pillows. 31 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:30,120 The best pillows for a classroom setting are weather resistant pillows made for outdoor 32 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:32,680 furniture, believe it or not. 33 00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:37,320 Not only are they water resistant, but they're also a lot more durable. 34 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:43,760 The next thing I include in my Book Nook is a basket filled with inexpensive fleece blankets. 35 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:49,120 I found a pack of eight cozy blankets on Amazon for about $45. 36 00:02:49,120 --> 00:02:51,000 That's pretty reasonable. 37 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:54,840 These blankets can be easily thrown in the washing machine once a week to keep your classroom 38 00:02:54,840 --> 00:02:56,600 hygienic. 39 00:02:56,600 --> 00:03:00,160 Make sure your Book Nook is placed near a bookshelf filled with books at appropriate 40 00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:02,400 reading levels. 41 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:05,160 There's one last thing I include in my Book Nook. 42 00:03:05,160 --> 00:03:10,560 This might be something teachers of younger grades will appreciate more than older grades. 43 00:03:10,560 --> 00:03:13,360 I have a basket filled with reading buddies. 44 00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:17,600 These are just random stuffed animals that students can whisper read to. 45 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:21,120 This makes reading fun, but it also has a purpose. 46 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:25,280 While my students are whisper reading to their reading buddy, I can go around and listen 47 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:28,320 and observe to see if they're reading fluently. 48 00:03:28,320 --> 00:03:33,320 But it's less intimidating when they're focused on reading to their reading buddy. 49 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:39,080 Picture this, a space furnished with plush pillows, soft blankets, and shelves overflowing 50 00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:40,880 with captivating books. 51 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:47,360 The Book Nook invites students to unwind, explore new worlds, and cultivate a love for reading. 52 00:03:47,360 --> 00:03:54,240 My next space idea is called the Zen Zone, a tranquil oasis designed to promote mindfulness 53 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:56,320 and relaxation. 54 00:03:56,320 --> 00:04:01,280 I utilize this space in my classroom for students who need a little extra help regulating their 55 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:03,120 emotions. 56 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:08,720 The Zen Zone is meant for only one student at a time to allow for the best possibility 57 00:04:08,720 --> 00:04:11,080 of de-escalation. 58 00:04:11,080 --> 00:04:16,360 In my Zen Zone, I provide different options meant to help students self-regulate. 59 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:19,200 Here are a few ideas. 60 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:23,840 Situate your Zen Zone at a small table with comfortable seating like cushions or inflatable 61 00:04:23,840 --> 00:04:26,440 wiggle seat pillows. 62 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:29,760 Include a small warm light table lamp. 63 00:04:29,760 --> 00:04:34,360 A basket filled with a sand timer or a water bubble timer. 64 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:40,240 In the past, my Zen Zone had a small sand garden with a rake, but that kind of turned 65 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:41,240 into a disaster. 66 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:46,920 At one point, I also had a small inexpensive water feature, which also probably wasn't 67 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:48,400 the best idea. 68 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:51,640 If you're going to include those two things in your classroom, you need to be very clear 69 00:04:51,640 --> 00:04:59,080 with your students of how they should be using them and how not to use them. 70 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:04,440 Include laminated pictures of nature to look at and breathing exercise cards. 71 00:05:04,440 --> 00:05:10,240 Other options for your Zen Zone are Play Doh or Clay or other fidgets to manipulate. 72 00:05:10,240 --> 00:05:16,440 Remember from our previous episode that neutral blues, greens, and muted oranges are colors 73 00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:20,080 to focus on for content and serene focus. 74 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:23,320 Try to include these colors in your Zen Zone. 75 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:28,800 This space offers students a peaceful retreat where they can practice mindfulness techniques, 76 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:35,240 engage in deep breathing exercises, or simply find moments of quiet introspection amidst 77 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:37,400 the hustle and bustle of the school day. 78 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:41,680 Let's move on to our next calm and creative space. 79 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:45,000 This one's called the Secret Sanctuary. 80 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:49,320 It's a hidden gem tucked away from the typical classroom chaos. 81 00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:54,320 You might think this sounds very similar to the Zen Zone, but it's actually entirely 82 00:05:54,320 --> 00:05:55,480 different. 83 00:05:55,480 --> 00:06:01,600 This space can only be accessed by students who have earned a Secret Sanctuary token. 84 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:05,400 This is one of my favorite spaces because you can include it in your classroom management 85 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:07,960 routine to encourage good behavior. 86 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:12,960 The Secret Sanctuary has items that aren't typically used during the typical class day, 87 00:06:12,960 --> 00:06:20,040 like glitter glue, felt and gel pins, scented markers and twistables, stickers, a cute clipboard, 88 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:21,160 and more. 89 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:25,320 It includes a cozy place to sit and journal or work quietly. 90 00:06:25,320 --> 00:06:30,840 My Secret Sanctuary also has fairy twinkle lights strung up to make it more inviting. 91 00:06:30,840 --> 00:06:36,480 You can make your Secret Sanctuary concealed behind a curtain or a bookshelf, or even in 92 00:06:36,480 --> 00:06:41,280 a small, teepee-type tent if you have room in your classroom. 93 00:06:41,280 --> 00:06:45,640 This cozy nook offers students a private space for reflection, journaling, or engaging in 94 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:50,480 solitary activities that nurture their creativity and self-expression. 95 00:06:50,480 --> 00:06:53,600 It's a privilege that must be earned, though. 96 00:06:53,600 --> 00:06:59,880 If I see a student displaying exceptional behavior beyond what is expected in the classroom, 97 00:06:59,880 --> 00:07:05,440 I might hand this student a 15-minute Secret Sanctuary token that they can redeem during 98 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:07,080 independent work time. 99 00:07:07,080 --> 00:07:12,600 I will say it is one of my most popular rewards and really motivates students to go above 100 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:14,360 and beyond. 101 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:19,840 Decked out with soft blankets, floor cushions, and twinkle lights, the Secret Sanctuary invites 102 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:25,280 students to escape the chaos and immerse themselves in moments of peaceful solitude. 103 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:30,760 Now it's time to move on to a space called the Active Alcove. 104 00:07:30,760 --> 00:07:33,600 This has to be one of my all-time favorites. 105 00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:38,560 I don't have one in my classroom this year due to space, but if you have an overly active 106 00:07:38,560 --> 00:07:42,120 student, this is the space for your classroom. 107 00:07:42,120 --> 00:07:46,600 It's a dynamic space designed to promote movement and physical activity. 108 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:50,160 In the Active Alcove, you can provide many different options for movement. 109 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:52,280 Here are some ideas. 110 00:07:52,280 --> 00:07:54,120 First off, you need a sand timer. 111 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:57,760 Otherwise, students will try to stay in there all day. 112 00:07:57,760 --> 00:08:05,920 You can include a balance ball chair, a mini trampoline, an aerobic step, or a yoga mat. 113 00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:11,360 You'll also need cards with pictures of exercise and stretching prompts on them. 114 00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:15,400 If you notice a student getting particularly restless, give them a chance to visit the 115 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:19,600 Active Alcove to let them let off a little steam. 116 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:25,240 The Active Alcove encourages students to stay active and energized throughout the day, enhancing 117 00:08:25,240 --> 00:08:28,440 their focus and overall well-being. 118 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:33,120 Next we have the Crafty Corner, a creative haven where students can unleash their artistic 119 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:37,760 talents and express themselves through art and craft projects. 120 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:41,520 Here are some ideas of what you can include in your Crafty Corner. 121 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:45,680 You'll probably want a table with about three to four seats. 122 00:08:45,680 --> 00:08:51,800 You might want themed art challenges, a variety of different types of paper, glue, coloring 123 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:59,120 materials, paint and paint brushes, crafting supplies like pipe cleaners, pom poms, sequins, 124 00:08:59,120 --> 00:09:02,080 stencils, stickers, and more. 125 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:05,800 Air-dry clay packets are always a hit too. 126 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:09,160 Don't forget paper towels or wet wipes for cleaning. 127 00:09:09,160 --> 00:09:14,680 Stocked with a variety of art supplies from paints and markers to clay and collage materials, 128 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:20,080 the Crafty Corner inspires students to explore their creativity and think outside the box. 129 00:09:20,080 --> 00:09:25,120 Now let's step into the Writer's Wonderland, a magical space where words come to life and 130 00:09:25,120 --> 00:09:26,720 stories unfold. 131 00:09:26,720 --> 00:09:30,520 In this space you'll want to include some of these ideas. 132 00:09:30,520 --> 00:09:37,240 A writing desk and an area with multiple seats, writing journals or paper, lots of pencils 133 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:43,520 and pens, writing prompts of various genres, and you can also create a classroom publishing 134 00:09:43,520 --> 00:09:47,520 center where students can share their work with their classmates. 135 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:52,760 This could be a binder with clear page protectors that students can insert their work into for 136 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:56,360 others to read or something similar to that. 137 00:09:56,360 --> 00:10:02,160 This should be a cozy writing nook equipped with writing prompts, journals, writing materials, 138 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:03,800 and publishing pages. 139 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:08,440 The Writer's Wonderland encourages students to embrace the writing process, experiment 140 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:12,760 with different genres, and discover the power of their own voice. 141 00:10:12,760 --> 00:10:17,640 Our next calm and creative classroom space is called the Innovation Station. 142 00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:20,240 It's a hub of creativity and problem solving. 143 00:10:20,240 --> 00:10:27,360 Here, students have access to hands-on materials for STEM projects and design challenges. 144 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:31,580 Here are some ideas on what to include in an Innovation Station if this is something 145 00:10:31,580 --> 00:10:34,160 you want to include in your classroom. 146 00:10:34,160 --> 00:10:37,280 You'll definitely need a place to build. 147 00:10:37,280 --> 00:10:41,400 Building design or problem solving cards are essential for this station. 148 00:10:41,400 --> 00:10:47,040 You might also consider having paper available so students can sketch designs out. 149 00:10:47,040 --> 00:10:51,440 Here are some hands-on building materials that require creativity. 150 00:10:51,440 --> 00:11:03,320 Small Dixie cups, Popsicle sticks, Legos, Blocks, Magnetiles or Magnetic Bars, Clay, 151 00:11:03,320 --> 00:11:09,360 Play-Doh, and an iPad or something to take pictures of designs with. 152 00:11:09,360 --> 00:11:14,200 The Innovation Station empowers students to explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, 153 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:18,560 and tackle real world problems with confidence and ingenuity. 154 00:11:18,560 --> 00:11:24,360 First but not least, we have the Maker's Market, a space where students can showcase 155 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:27,480 their creations to their peers. 156 00:11:27,480 --> 00:11:30,260 This is a display place. 157 00:11:30,260 --> 00:11:34,600 This is one of my all-time favorite spaces to have in my classroom. 158 00:11:34,600 --> 00:11:40,240 Students use their skills and creativity to make DIY projects on their own time, whether 159 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:44,400 it's at home or during free time in the classroom. 160 00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:49,160 This is a space to display those creations, whether they are friendship bracelets, clay, 161 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:55,160 sculptures, paintings, Lego designs, keychains, candles, or whatever they choose to make on 162 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:56,600 their own time. 163 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:00,960 In the past, I've taken this a step further and had a weekly Maker's Market shopping 164 00:12:00,960 --> 00:12:06,920 day where students can use their class tokens to purchase items from the market. 165 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:12,880 The students who created the items get to keep the tokens for future use in the classroom. 166 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:18,640 One reason I love this space is because it doesn't take up too much room or time. 167 00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:22,640 All you really need is shelving to display the items. 168 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:26,960 When you see students displaying exceptional behavior outside of the expected classroom 169 00:12:26,960 --> 00:12:32,400 behavior, give them a Maker's Market token that they can spend on an item made by another 170 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:33,760 student. 171 00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:38,600 Not only is this an awesome way to include rewards in your classroom management system, 172 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:43,960 it also helps students get a glimpse of a small economy early on in their lives. 173 00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:48,080 Students can earn Maker's Market tokens by having exceptional behavior or selling their 174 00:12:48,080 --> 00:12:53,000 own awesome creations on specific shopping days. 175 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:58,400 Whether it's a DIY project, a science experiment, or an entrepreneurial adventure, the Maker's 176 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:04,320 Market celebrates students' curiosity, resourcefulness, and innovation, providing a platform for them 177 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:07,440 to share their talents with the world. 178 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:12,240 By incorporating one or two of these diverse spaces into your classroom layout, you can 179 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:18,120 create a dynamic and inspiring environment that encourages exploration, collaboration, 180 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:22,400 and personal growth while keeping your classroom calm. 181 00:13:22,400 --> 00:13:27,240 You might be asking, but wait, when would I ever have time to incorporate any of these 182 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:29,600 ideas into my everyday teaching? 183 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:34,000 My days are only filled with instructional minutes. 184 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:35,080 Here's what I do. 185 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:39,800 I set up one to two stations in my classroom that I know will meet the needs of my unique 186 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:41,680 class. 187 00:13:41,680 --> 00:13:45,480 Sometimes we even do a class vote on which ones should be included in the classrooms 188 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:48,080 so that they are more invested in them. 189 00:13:48,080 --> 00:13:53,120 Then during the week when I do reading stations, I make sure that one of my stations is called 190 00:13:53,120 --> 00:13:54,440 free space. 191 00:13:54,440 --> 00:14:00,200 Usually, I only have about six to eight students per group, so providing a small group rotation 192 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:06,720 that they can choose to utilize a classroom space makes it a perfectly calm experience. 193 00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:11,120 That rotation also pretty much runs itself as I give explicit instructions on what each 194 00:14:11,120 --> 00:14:16,360 space is designed for, and I also clarify consequences for students who do not use the 195 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:20,280 space correctly, so it's less planning on my part. 196 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:24,880 Well, that's all I have for calm and creative classroom spaces. 197 00:14:24,880 --> 00:14:30,160 Join us next time as we continue our exploration of the calm classroom, delving into more principles 198 00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:32,920 and principles of tranquil engagement. 199 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:38,040 Until then, keep embracing tranquility and teaching with compassion. 200 00:14:38,040 --> 00:14:40,680 This is Ellie Laird signing off. 201 00:14:40,680 --> 00:15:00,240 Take care and stay calm.