How Thoughtful Classroom Design Enhanced STEM Education at Northern Elementary
Ashley Wilkirson’s classroom in Lexington, Kentucky, has always been a hub for creative learning, and when she decided to transform her classroom, Wilkirson knew she wanted more than just a physical change.
One of her primary goals was to create a classroom that communicated a sense of calm and safety, essential for fostering high-level learning.
She entered the KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway, and designed a space where students could feel welcome, inspired, and empowered to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and math.
The carefully selected furniture played a crucial role in bringing her vision to life, significantly enhancing student learning, fostering joy, and providing more opportunities for group work, independent study, and hands-on activities.
Ruckus activity tables in a variety of shapes were arranged collaboratively to facilitate group work, allowing students to easily move around and engage in various experiments and learning activities.
“I can already tell the difference in the environment,” Wilkirson said. “There’s a new level of calm and safety here, and that’s what I wanted in this space – to communicate and encourage high-level learning, building a class of problem-solvers while also having a space where students felt comfortable and welcome.”
Understanding that subtle movement can also be an integral part of learning, especially for young students, Wilkirson incorporated Ricochet stools and Intellect Wave rocker accessories into her classroom design.
The Ricochet stools, with their ability to encourage micro-movements, help students maintain concentration during long sessions of STEM activities. Meanwhile, the Intellect Wave rocker provides a gentle rocking motion that can be soothing for students who might otherwise struggle to sit still.
These seating options allow students to wiggle and rock back and forth, channeling their energy in a positive way while remaining focused on their tasks.
Sonrisa lounge chairs offer a comfortable space where students can retreat when they need a moment to themselves for individualized study, quiet reading, reflection, or taking a break.
To keep the classroom organized and clutter-free, ample Ruckus storage units were added. These storage solutions ensured that all materials and resources were conveniently accessible yet out of the way, allowing for a more organized and efficient learning environment.
The new classroom design, with its focus on collaboration, movement, and individual needs, has made a significant impact on the students' learning experience, Wilkirson said.
The furniture not only helped facilitate a more effective learning environment, but also brings joy and excitement into the classroom, making STEM activities more engaging and accessible for all.
See how the makeover transformed Wilkirson's elementary school STEM lab into a space where students can comfortably and easily move around the classroom to collaborate on a variety of experiments and learning activities.
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