Creating a thoughtful learning space: Spend TIME not MONEY

While preparing to write this I spent too long online in an iridescent Pinterest Bubble of beautiful classrooms. Probably because I miss being in a classroom filled with inquisitive minds and sticky hands. And because I like to see pictures of clean spaces, knowing that these are only pictures. Definitely not my reality.

As a guide for people growing their executive functioning skills, I think about how we use spaces. Or, often, how spaces are not used. Hint: lovely, picture perfect spaces that stay that way--because they aren't used for real life activities.

At the time of this writing, people are beginning to realize that not only is learning and working at home a thing we do, but it is also here to stay for a while. AND most of us don't have a lot of extra money (or time) to buy all new things for a home "school."

So, how can we use what we have and make it work--thoughtfully?

Here are FIVE tips to consider from an executive functioning perspective. And one guiding principle from a mindful lens. Let’s start there.

INTENTION and ATTENTION

What we focus on is where our energy goes. So, if we spend a couple of hours looking at Pinterest for cute home classroom ideas, what are we left with? If you’re like me, you’re left with an online folder of cute pictures and a lingering sense of dread.

Or, we could use a few moments asking ourselves questions like these and begin to grow a plan with actual possibilities.

WHO is going to use the space?

• What motivates them?

• What distracts them?

• How can they participate in planning?

Having a role in creating in the space can give kiddos (and most humans) a feeling of ownership. This can mean two things if kiddos are involved: it probably won’t look Pinterest Perfect AND they will be more likely to use and maintain the space that they help create.

As parents we can have a pretty fixed idea about what things should look like. And kiddos often don’t share that idea. This can either be a tear-filled deal breaker OR an opportunity to work together--with guidance from the parent.

Having too many things around can be distracting. So the stuffies and toys that your child insists should be there won’t get invited to live in this space. Maybe they can have their own space in the corner of a room? And what absolutely has to be on the wall? If you’re trying to make it look “school like,” less is always more. Artwork and helpful learning tools can be added and taken down throughout the year.

HOW are they going to access the space?

• How big does it need to be?

• Seating? Movement?

• Lighting?

• Materials in reach?

A space for a Kindergartner will look a lot different than one for a teenager (or our home work needs) for many reasons. If you’ve ever spent time in a kinder classroom (or seen photos of one), you might recall that there are actually several separate areas used for different purposes. Kiddos need to move more frequently than adults. And they aren’t as tall as us either; they do a lot of work and play on the floor.

So maybe a lap tray could become a “desk” for the floor, or a small shelf could be a few boxes attached together. And while a pencil sharpener some pencils might be necessary, a new pencil holder may not be (but a brand new pencil box may motivate a kiddo to keep up with them.) Keeping “like items” together will limit trips to “go get the pencil sharpener.” This means less time walking and more time learning. It also helps when it comes time to clean up the space.

And a new desk lamp may not be in the budget, but perhaps there is a window that could offer some light? Or an old lamp that doesn’t get used as much that could find a new job at the workspace?

If a computer is involved, that means that plugs will be necessary at some point. Technology is only good when it works. And that starts with being charged or plugged in. Keeping plugs and cords in reachable (or out of small hands’ reach) and consistent places can make a big difference.

WHAT are the MUST HAVE items for learning?

• What type of learning needs to happen here? Computer learning? movement? creating? reading?

• What materials are essential? (not “nice to have”)

• What furniture and materials do I already have that I can adapt?

Materials will depend on the age of the child and the type of learning they will be doing. Again, less is more. Teachers frequently rotate materials based on the needs of the students. And they limit how materials like paper and glue get consumed. If you’ve ever seen how many pieces of construction paper a five year old can use, you will understand why.

If a child needs a desk, maybe you already have a small table that can be repurposed. Or perhaps you look on a “free” or “buy nothing” site for something that could be used? And a shelf or a cubby could look a lot of ways...maybe it’s plastic bags with a label or few plastic bins with or without a top?

WHERE does the space need to be?

• Near a parent?

• In a quiet space?

• Access to a space to move?

We can consider not only keeping materials near the work space but also thinking about where the space (or spaces) can be. Using our imagination is actually a very good skill to use here. We can call up what we know about the types of spaces we’ve seen and experienced and layer in the answers from the questions above. Using flexible thinking and end-goal planning, we can see possibilities that we may have missed initially.

We can get down to Kindergarten height and see how a space might look, how far away people and things are, how easy it is to use the materials. Or...we could ask our Kindergartner to help us. (Of course, that could go one of two ways...again, one with tears and one without.)

HOW does it feel to do work or learn in the space?

Did you know that the work that we do (any work--chores, writing, working) are linked to how we feel? There is a direct relationship between feelings and doings. Which is why Pinterest Perfect rooms are a thing. They feel good to look at. We can imagine how much easier and productive we would be sitting at a desk overlooking the ocean (or is that just me?) And seeing photos (or real life) messy desks can make us feel overwhelmed. So, how will your Teen One Month From Now feel about their space? How will Future You feel? It can make a big difference!

These are ideas that can help guide us to creating spaces for learning and work that are functional. They are not new or surprising, but spending a few moments thinking about them can save time--and money--down the road. Also, by including our kiddos in the process, it can be an opportunity to connect with them--and an opportunity for all to grow executive functioning skills that will be used frequently. --Kathryn Mercer