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Kimber Kinney, Staff Writer
September 13, 2023
“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
-Maya Angelou
It's the first day of school, all of your classrooms have blaring bright lights, plain tan walls, and hospital like colors. It's truly a nightmare! Not at Palm Beach Central (PBC)! You walk through the halls, welcomed to sterile walls, until you reach the doors of Ms. Jackson’s room; you are welcomed to warm lights and the cozy atmosphere.
"It is to show my personality by making it comfortable in a ‘homey’ environment to me and students,” commented Ms. Jackson, Art Teacher at PBC.
There are countless classrooms that are warm and welcoming for you to enjoy. Like the famous poet Maya Angelou stated, creativity has a never ending path, especially when it comes to classrooms. But really, what is the importance of having a welcoming classroom?
Mental Health Benefits for Teachers & Students
It shouldn’t be surprising that putting in the slightest creativity can go a long way for students and teachers' mental health. According to Spaces4Learning, “[Students] can relax, block out negative thoughts and focus more effectively on instruction.” Teachers and students are humans too, many of us deal with mental health struggles day to day.
Having a comfortable classroom helps students focus on school, rather than being uncomfortable. “I have noticed a lot of students like my classroom because of its ‘vibes’,” stated Ms. Jackson.
Many teachers have different perspectives, whether the inspiration is for the students or for themselves.
“It's a bonus if the students enjoy it as well. I spent so much time in the room I couldn't stare at the bare walls. I enjoy the fact that my classroom is a comfortable place for students to be. If the students are comfortable, they are more willing to listen. So whether it's providing blankets because it's super cold or coffee because they're tired, I want them to learn something...even if something is as simple as knowing they are accepted,” spoke Dr. Jourgensen.
Photo by: Nicole Pacheco, Staff Photographer
Photo by: Nicole Pacheco, Staff Photographer
Photo by: Nicole Pacheco, Staff Photographer
Photo by: Nicole Pacheco, Staff Photographer
Student Perspective
Valarie Chandler had Ms. Platas for AICE General Papers for her Freshman year through a computer screen, with no classroom and no one on one interactions, because of COVID-19.
Now, Valarie has Ms. Platas for her senior year in her AICE English Literature class. This time around she has not only a classroom, but a creative and welcoming one! Here is what Valarie said when I interviewed her.
“What’s it like going into her class as a senior? Could you describe how her room has helped you mentally and how it has welcomed you?”
“Lockdown was hard for me as it was for everyone. Not being in a classroom left something missing. Three years later, and now I'm with the same teacher I had freshman year. The walls are covered in pictures, posters, and inspirational quotes.The second you walk into the classroom you can feel the energy. As silly as it sounds, it feels safe. I know I have the ability to be as creative as I can. The decorations also help you see who your teacher is without a single word.”
Teacher perspectives
Ms.Jackson, Ms.Platas, and Ms.Gracen all noted similar points of how having a cozy room helps their mental health and well-being. They noted that it helps ‘humanize’ themselves by showing their life outside of teaching and shows hobbies or interests.
Dr. Jourgensen noted, “I decorate my classroom with things that I enjoy. My room reflects my personality: colorful, inviting, accepting, a little nerdy, and extremely busy.”
Final Tips
Now we know the importance of a creative classroom, but how do teachers get started or start decorating to make it feel more at home? Here’s what the teachers had to say to ones who want to get started, but really don't know where to start.
“I feel that lighting in general helps. I could have my lights blaring, but I choose to have a specific type of lights. I personally feel that all of the lights on makes it feel sterile.” -Ms. Jackson
“A little at a time, it doesn't have to be crazy.”- Ms. Gracen
“My first tip is to be connected with a lot of art students and how artistic ability can help decorate. I also put up an Amazon QR code on my syllabus and I have received decorations from my wish list.” -Ms. Platas
Decorated rooms are much more than just ‘decorations’ or a ‘cool room’. To students and teachers it is a way to make others feel welcome or safe.
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