Learning in Comfort-Still on a Dime

Our bond election last May had some funds earmarked for classroom renovations. Unfortunately it did not pass.
Undaunted by this turn of events, teachers across the district are redesigning their learning spaces creatively with existing materials.
Here are a few examples from VVE.

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A cozy reading center, complete with a water feature

2nd Grade Teacher, Becky Canelos has created a special reading area where her students can get comfortable, enjoy a good book and relax to the soothing sounds of a water fall. (On the top of the piano)

Comfy couches and soft chairs

Nancy Abell, our Gifted and Talented Teacher, has brought in a comfy couch, coffee table and a cozy rocker.
Students choose to sit and work where they are comfortable.

Extreme Makeover - classroom edition!

At the beginning of this school year, Rebekah Ellis, 5th Grade Teacher, took the extreme makeover approach.
She pushed a few tables to the edge of the room and created a variety of learning spaces with something unique in each.
She had no idea how it would work.
But it did!
Every student can find comfort in one of these spaces.
Some move around from day to day, but many have found their favorite place.
Where they sit and how they move is not a focal point in Mrs.Ellis's class.
The students find their comfort zones and are able to focus on the tasks, learning, and activities at hand.
Student engagement is high and behavior issues are at a minimum.

And...Juggling Breaks Happen
(apologies for the vertical video)

More cozy corners and inspiring spaces

Just about every classroom has a cozy corner or an inspiring space for reading, reflecting, and creating.  Here are some: