Creating a Culture of Calm
Hygg-Ed
Creating a Culture of Calm | Menopause in the Classroom | Back to Basics
"Caring for Those Who Care for Others"
Environment | Colour, not Clutter
All White?
As mentioned, the learning environment is a hugely powerful tool; it is clearly the third teacher. I completely agree with this, BUT I’m going to throw in a controversial opinion!
A powerful learning environment DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PLAIN WHITE! Nor does the only decor have to be a collection of dead hazel branches entwined with fairy lights!
What we need to remember is that we are all individuals. We get told it every single INSET day! So why is it then that we expect all learners to respond positively to white-washed walls? For me, I consider a plain white room to be very clinical and the moment I step inside, Little Ms Amygdala starts screaming at me to run away!
The Science of Colour
Science has proven that colour can have a huge impact on a child’s learning. Colours can create different moods and feelings. It can deepen focus and calm the nervous system of those in the room.
I like to paint one focal wall and for me, I normally opt for a dark sage green, proven to increase focus, lower stress and reduce spikes of misbehaviour. Wood effect vinyl is a cheap and easy fix for display boards and it saves replacing the backing paper when it gets tired.
Living plants create a biophilic environment that has a calming effect on the nervous system, and of course soft warm white string lights, table lamps and floor lamps remove the glare of the harsh strip lights.
The only problem I find is that other staff never want to leave,
but that's quite a nice problem to have.
