Rethinking the Physical

During the 2022-23 school year, I made a concerted effort to rethink the physical elements of my classroom. During this process, I used this series of blog posts to help me reflect on the physical transformation of the room and understand the impact it had on teaching and learning.

Wall plug in

Part 1: Seating
While standard classroom chairs serve a purpose, I am using two lounge chairs to challenge traditional seating norms. I’m learning how they bring relief to my students’ bodies and minds.




Part 2: Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is ubiquitous in schools. This year, I’ve called this into question by introducing several new and varied light sources to my classroom.




Part 3: Scent
One of the least tangible and simplest changes to my classroom. It only required a wall plug-in and a desire to attend to what is perhaps the most underrated of the five senses.





Part 4: Audio
The SmartBoard does many things well for teachers, but audio isn’t one of them. I address this by introducing surround sound to my classroom.



Part 5: Walls
Coming Soon




Part 6: Overhead Space
Coming Soon



Part 7: Seating, Revisited
Coming Soon


Epilogue: Class Offerings
Coming Soon