Monday, August 13, 2012

Classroom Ambiance

Several years ago I worked in an extremely low income school.  I taught three inclusion classes and one accelerated class each day.  It was during this, my second year of teaching, that I discovered gifted kids and kids with special needs often behave and learn the same way.

We always had our grade-level meetings in a very wise teacher's classroom.  I always enjoyed being in her classroom.  I felt calm when I was in her room, as it had an almost homey feeling.  The fluorescent lights were always off and she had no less than 8 lamps spread throughout her classroom.  One day I asked her what had prompted her to start using lamps.  She explained that just like I felt calm and at ease in her classroom, young students felt the same.  The lamps have a calming effect, making all students more at ease, while helping those with hyperactivity and attention issues to calm down and focus.

I immediately went out and purchased Chinese paper lanterns with light switches.  The lamp kits are made specifically for use in paper lanterns.  I can honestly say that I noticed an immediate difference in my students.

I always want students to enjoy coming to my room, and while they think the lamps are just a cool addition to the room, they are really a management tool.  I had a teacher on my hall come in today during planning and remark on how comfortable my room was.  I owe it all to the lights.

I have 7 Chinese lanterns spread throughout my room and a lamp on my desk.  I have changed my lantern colors a few times to match my decor, but this year I am using a mixture of all of the ones that I have.  I'm using hot pink, turquoise and black/white zebra print.  I purchased the pink lanterns at Big Lots, the turquoise at Lowe's, and the zebra at World Market.  Pier One and Ikea also carry a nice selection of paper lanterns.  The biggest thing you want to make sure of is that your lantern is made to accommodate a light bulb, and it's not just one to hang for decoration.  Many of the lanterns come with the light kit and can be found for around $7.  Pier One has their lanterns on clearance right now for about $4 each.

Lighting can make all of the difference in a classroom, which is why my lanterns are the first decorative item to go up in my classroom each year.




**Please excuse the blank bulletin board and lack of decorations.  This pics were made a few days before school started.  :-)

5 comments:

  1. I've always used lamps in my classroom, and you're right--makes such a difference! The past two years, though, I've been fortunate to have a huge classroom with windows all along one wall, so I never have to turn on the flourescent lights.

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  2. I was amazed at the difference it made in the classroom. I have one small window now, so they're a necessity!

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  3. How do you get the paper lanterns past the Fire Marshal? I love them and I do have a few I bought over the years but never used.

    Also, I love treasure hunting at Goodwill and Salvation Army and other 2nd hand stores. I think I am going to go treasure hunting for some lamps. I know a trusty can of spray paint and change anything into a matching decor. Thanks for the ideas on the lighting.

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  4. Frugal Mama, our Fire Marshal has never said anything about them. People all over our county use different styles of lights from the ceiling. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but the ones I use are made to have a light bulb. They come with their own light kits with the electrical cord. I also have each one plugged in to its own outlet - no extension cords or 6-way splitters.

    I too love Goodwill and Salvation Army for makeover items!! Spray paint has become a trust friend this past year!

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  5. How do you attach them. Are their outlets in the ceiling?

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