The learning spaces within your classroom serve several purposes. First and foremost, they should inspire curiosity and a love of learning. More than that, your classroom invokes calm and helps your students focus on classroom activities.
The learning spaces you design will do this and more when you adopt a nature theme for your classroom. Nature has a powerful effect on our mood and well-being. And when you bring nature indoors, you're nurturing your students and the planet at the same time.
Design learning spaces that help students connect with nature
Humans have an innate desire and need to connect with nature. Scientists have coined this innate desire for biophilia, and a large body of research supports the health-inducing benefits of being outdoors.
However, the benefits of nature don't have to stop when you and your students walk into school. Studies suggest that bringing natural elements into our interior spaces also offers health-inducing benefits.
Harvard researchers asked participants to complete memory and math-related tasks. They found that people who were surrounded by green plants, natural materials, and a nature-facing window recovered from stress and anxiety more readily than those in synthetic surroundings.
Bringing the outdoors inside not only helps us, but it also has the potential to help the environment. When we spend time in nature, we start to feel an affinity for natural spaces, and we're more likely to engage in activities that help the environment.
Nature-themed learning spaces help students spend more time with nature
Despite our deep-seated urge to connect with nature, humans only spend about 10% of their time outdoors, according to one survey aptly titled, the 'Indoor Generation Report.'
Our students' connection to nature may be further hampered by a common perception that playing outside is more dangerous than it used to be. Of course, parents just want their children to remain safe. However, studies indicate that kids are spending less time outside and losing their connection to nature as a result.
You can help your students connect with the natural world and reduce their stress and anxiety at the same time by incorporating nature into your learning spaces.
Use greens, blues, and browns in your classroom dTcor
Greens, blues, and browns are common hues found in our natural world. Set the foundation for your nature-themed learning spaces by using these colors when choosing chairs, tables, and desks. School furniture colors and hues produce incredible nature vibes in any classroom.
You can opt for greens, blues, and browns when choosing other items in your classroom, such as markers for whiteboards, paper on which you print announcements, and borders you hang around bulletin boards.
Use natural materials in your classroom
We know that tables made from porous wood wouldn't hold up well in a classroom environment. Wood-grain laminate tables, on the other hand, offer the best of both worlds by invoking nature while being easy to clean.
Wicker, bamboo, and other natural materials also create a ready-made link to the outdoors. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate them into your learning spaces.
Opt for storage baskets made of wicker rather than plastic.
Use cork boards for announcements and displays.
Use fabrics that invoke nature, such as wool, cotton, and velvet, when choosing pillows, blankets, rugs, and cushions for reading areas and Zen dens.
Bring plants into your classroom
Houseplants are an obvious and easy way to create nature-themed learning spaces. Not only that, but houseplants have also been shown to have a positive and healthy impact on mood, productivity, and air quality. Plants have even been shown to reduce sick time in workplaces.
However, when choosing plants to bring to class, avoid poisonous plants or flowering plants that might trigger allergic reactions.
Plants also offer outstanding lessons about landscapes, life cycles, and caring for the environment. Here are some ways you can incorporate plants in your classroom curriculum.
Have students measure and track the plants' growth throughout the school year.
Research the plants' names and points of origin to learn about different landscapes and climates.
Have students create still-life drawings and paintings of the plants.
Rotate duties for caring for the plants to help students learn how to care for nature.
Ask the students to write a story about one of the plants. Encourage them to assign a name and personality traits to it.
Enlist your students to bring natural items to help you decorate your classroom
Your students will love to have a hand in creating a nature theme for your learning spaces. Ask them to bring items from their yards, the beach, or a nearby park to use in your classroom dTcor. The items they bring can be used in a variety of lessons and crafts.
Kids can bring leaves or flowers and learn how to press and preserve them.
Students can bring rocks and paint them.
The items students bring can be fashioned into a wreath you can hang on your classroom door.
Create nature-themed learning spaces for your student's this year
Learning spaces in your classroom serve many purposes. A reading nook in the corner, a hands-on learning lab, and a classroom discussion area should inspire classroom participation and a love of learning.
Get inspired to do even more for your students by incorporating nature into your learning spaces. Natural elements foster a connection to nature that is essential for our health. And exploring natural materials and colors, plants, and items from the outdoors will enhance your students' well-being.
Trust the room design and furniture experts at School Outfitters
Have more questions or need more inspiration? We're here to help! Talk to our experts about ways you can bring nature indoors. You can also contact us today to shop for classroom products, explore pre-rendered room designs, or get a free quote.
