Every classroom benefits from a dedicated space where students can slow down, think, and put their ideas into words. A writing corner doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, but it should feel intentional. When students see writing as having its own special place, it sends a powerful message that their voices matter. Over […]
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School Specialty Helps Middle School Career Academy Design Authentic Learning Environments
When designing learning environments for career exploration, authenticity is key. Students benefit from learning in classrooms that look and feel like the work environments they’re likely to encounter in the real world, using actual tools and equipment handled by professionals in those fields. Authenticity was top of mind when the Henry W. Longfellow Career […]
Best Educational Outdoor Activities for Summer
While students may think of summer vacation as a break from learning, it can be an opportunity to sneak in some additional lessons disguised as adventures. Getting students outdoors can be a great way to reinvigorate their curiosity and love of learning. Here are five ideas to jumpstart your summertime lesson planning. 1. Nature […]
The Power of Compliments in the Classroom
Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in creating a healthy classroom environment, and what better way to celebrate this than acknowledging Say Something Nice Day on June 1st? Compliments might seem like small gestures, but they make a huge impact. Why Compliments in the Classroom Matter Compliments do more than brighten a student’s day. […]
Helping Students Find Joy in Literacy and Numeracy
In the 13th episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung sits down with two incredible educators, Juan Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. (@teaching3rdwithmrg on Instagram) and Rebecka Peterson (@rebeckapeterson_ on Instagram), to discuss their love of literacy and numeracy. Juan Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. Juan Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. is an elementary school teacher who is well-known […]
Creating Healthy Learning Environments for Staff & Students
When students are healthy, happy, and physically active, research shows they perform much better academically—and learning healthy habits at an early age can set them up for a lifetime of success. While PK-12 leaders are rightly focused on the well-being of their students, staff health and wellness are just as important for student success. […]
Wellness & Social Emotional Learning Spaces
In the first episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, host Nancy Chung and Guest Dr. Sue Ann Highland discuss the importance of learning environments and their role in promoting social emotional learning (SEL) and wellness in the classroom. Creating a classroom environment that promotes social emotional wellness is crucial for the overall development and success […]
5 Keys to Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs
Strong family engagement is critical in supporting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of children. Research shows that when families engage with early education programs, their children exhibit better behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills. Engaging parents and other caregivers in their children’s education is essential for supporting their long-term growth and […]
Why Books Matter: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Classroom Library
Reading has been shown to increase academic knowledge and improve student performance across all content areas, specifically in comprehension and vocabulary skills. Outside of academic performance and growth, students who have access to books develop a more positive outlook on reading and learning. Other positive effects include improved concentration, memory, and sleep. For these reasons […]
Six Factors to Consider When Creating Learning Space Design
Recently, I presented why it makes sense for K-12 leaders to create a unified vision for what the learning spaces in their district should look like. Establishing a district-wide standard simplifies the design process for new learning spaces, guarantees consistent high quality, keeps projects within a defined budget, and helps achieve equity for students […]
Block Play: Stacked with STEAM
Blocks have been described as the tool you can’t teach without. This statement is true, given that block play readily supports children’s development across all areas. Not only does it enhance growth in oral language, social and emotional learning, and gross and fine motor skills, but it also supports development as it relates to […]
5 Tips for Designing Flexible, Multiuse Learning Spaces
COVID has demonstrated the advantages of designing schools with maximum flexibility and utility in mind. Schools with multipurpose spaces and modular, movable furniture were able to be reconfigured easily to accommodate multiple needs for both today and tomorrow. Now that schools have had to pivot to handle pandemic pressures, we can see an even […]
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