Tips and Ideas for Creating Effective Learning Spaces

        I get the feeling that every person working in education either absolutely loves or devastatingly loathes decorating and arranging their learning spaces. I think we can all recall teachers from school and other programs we were involved in growing up that fit into one of those two categories. Every teacher I ever had either had a classroom decked out with rugs and bean bag chairs fit to be featured on MTV Cribs: Classroom Edition or one that was completely bare aside from rusty desks and that one school-issued motivational poster from the 1970s. I also think you can probably figure out which of these two that I classify as with very little effort - I LOVE IT! In my opinion, there is no better feeling than creating an effective system and actually being able to watch it function successfully in real time. Even without sparkly or colorful do-dads sitting around, personalizing the space where you teach and work with children in whatever capacity that is can and does have a major impact on how effectively you’re able to do that work. All it takes is a couple of seconds with your back turned for a quiet, well-mannered group of kids to turn into a mosh pit of slung toys and eardrum rupturing shrieks of maniacal laughter. The last thing you want is to get caught with your back turned for too long because you can’t find that specific book for story time.

For the sake of organizing this post as well as my own thoughts, I am going to break down the concept of a learning space into three zones: reflective learning, cooperative learning, and explorative learning (DISCLAIMER: honestly these are categories I made up for my own room planning so please don’t think any of this is actually some kind of official psychological terminology). You may have one of each or even a few of each of these zones in your space and when organized effectively, they can help to manage even the rowdiest groups. If you have ever been in a school, daycare classroom, youth center, or any other space typically inhabited by children I am sure you have noticed these zones sectioned off from one another without even realizing it. Each has its own benefits to child development and serves a purpose in the space as a whole in cultivating a manageable environment. Lacking or poorly executing even one of them, in my experience, tends to throw off the whole ecosystem.

    Reflective Learning Zone    

Reflective learning, or quiet learning, is learning that occurs while reading, listening, creating, or even just sitting quietly getting lost in your own thoughts. This kind of learning requires little to no movement and a calm, focused atmosphere. This kind of space is important because it is where a child can go to take a break for a while, practice self-care, and practice slower, more meaningful thinking. Have you ever sat quietly next to a child while drawing or watching clouds and they suddenly ask you the most random, off-the-wall question having nothing to do with anything in your general vicinity? That’s reflective learning at work as those little mental gears grind.

Reflective learning spaces are for usually independent play and self-led activities. You want to keep these spaces small and sectioned off to discourage rowdy or “big” play. Typically with kids, their mind wanders as far as they can see, so if you keep a space small they will almost always keep their play small as well. You can effectively section off a reflective learning space with sturdy, bottom-heavy shelving (harder to tip over and move), storage benches full of stuffed “reading buddies”, play tables, and comfy seating. My favorite seating choice for these areas are small, colorful beanbag chairs, but I only recommend using them if you are working in a smaller room because kids can get a little carried away on them and need to be watched closely. Great activity options for this type of space would be age-appropriate books, puppets, small “busy” boxes, puzzles, and other sit-and-play options. If you are working with older ages, this can be a great space away from busier areas to do things like boardgames and art projects. This space is also ideal when you’re working with teenies as there is less movement or chances of being kicked or stepped on.

I always considered my group and teaching spaces to be reflective learning areas as well and treated them as such. Kiddos learned early on that when we sat at the group table, they were expected to be quiet, polite, and use their classroom skills. If I felt a group was capable enough, I would also provide small fidgeting toys to keep their hands busy during discussion and keep their ears focused. Posters, die-cut words, and various other classroom decor can be a great addition to reflective learning areas as well for quiet reminders and encouragement. Will children talk and interact in these areas? Absolutely! And they should. It is ok to allow meaningful conversation in these areas, it just isn't a space for zooming cars and jumping jacks. 

    Cooperative Learning Zones    

Cooperative learning is like your middle ground when it comes to play areas. This is the zone where there is definitely going to be movement and talking, but it still isn’t full on running and jumping. A good example of this is when parents and teachers have kids using their “inside” voices and manners. Cooperative learning is exactly what it sounds like, children cooperatively working and playing together. This zone is so incredibly important because it is where children of all ages develop their social emotional skills. Sharing, taking turns, communicating thoughts and feelings, recognising social cues, and more are just the beginning of what is learned in these areas. The difference in this space, versus a more explorative learning space that we will talk about next, is it can be much more easily monitored. This is a great space to learn and practice communication with close supervision and assistance from an adult, ie: you the advocate.

When you are planning out your cooperative learning spaces, think about the type of play and interactions you want here. The space is going to be just a bit larger than what was allotted for reflective learning as children will likely need to move around with their cars and block building, however you definitely want some kind of containment or the entirety of your room will suddenly become a NASCAR speedway or a colossal mess because the child couldn't maintain focus. What has worked best for me has been using fun, colorful, or themed rugs to visually limit the space and teach kiddos to keep the toys ON the rug. My favorite theme is some type of town or city rug with lots of roads and buildings printed on them for little hands to trace with automobile toys. I also highly recommend a good organization system in this space with fun clipart or photo labels to help teach kids to put things back once they are done. Cheap plastic bins form the dollar store labelled with packing tape and printed labels are a great option for organization and come in a lot of fun colors. Again, this space should have visual barriers and limitations to keep play reasonably small, but within that area should be a good bit of floor space for multiple kids to play together.

As mentioned before, cars and other automobile toys are great in an area like this. I would recommend smaller toys no bigger than a child’s hand. If you try to incorporate larger things like big firetrucks and tractor trailers, I can almost assure you that kiddos will scope out a larger area of floor to sling them clear across the room. Save the bigger versions for your outdoor “explorative” areas. Other great options for these areas are building blocks, oversized puzzles, large felt boards, collaborative games, houses and neighborhoods, inclusive dolls for use in houses and neighborhoods, dress up clothes, pretend play toys (kitchen, shopping, parenting toys), and any other “smaller space” group play activity. This is also a great space for collaborative and group art projects with the supervision of an adult. You want to keep in mind what ages will have access to this space and plan accordingly. Make sure outlets are safely covered, playthings are often gone through to remove broken pieces, small swallow-able toys are kept up or better yet out of the space altogether, and all ages can safely learn in the space.

    Explorative Learning Zones    

Explorative learning is your biggest form of play. This is running, jumping, climbing, rolling, cartwheels, and exercising just how loud your voice can go. Unless you are working out of a huge facility with indoor jungle gyms and trampolines, it is fair to assume that this form of learning will likely take place in an outdoor space. This learning can get loud, fast, and messy, all of which are totally acceptable and encouraged with the understanding that your kiddos are also practicing kindness and respect. This is the type of area where kiddos really get to test out their abilities physically, mentally, and emotionally. This space is where children can safely face fears and limitations, use up stored energy, act silly, and be spontaneous. This is also a space where children are really put to the test on things like how they treat others and taking turns without being told. There should absolutely always be an adult present when children are utilizing an explorative learning space, but this space is significantly larger than the other two spaces and an adult cannot reasonably (and shouldn’t) hover over every conversation and interaction. While a space should be arranged in a way that the supervising adult easily has eyes on everything happening, this space should provide an opportunity for children to learn to be trustworthy and independently good people. 

Children should have plenty of opportunities to explore in this environment, including their own abilities, emotions, senses, communication, and information about the world around them. There should be a vast collection of things to see, hear, feel, smell, touch, and do. I personally like the idea of incorporating some of the first two learning zones into exploration as well to really round a space out. Where you may have houses, dolls, and puppets provided for an indoor cooperative space, you might provide life-sized playhouses and buildings in your explorative space. Arts and crafts can be translated into your exploration space through sidewalk chalk, sensory tables, and gardening. If you are creating a space used in trauma-informed play, empowering stepping stones, a sensory walking path, or a labyrinth can be a great addition for reflective “big” play. Other explorative and “big” play ideas you might want to consider incorporating might be climbing structures, large play equipment, sitting areas, a small performance/teaching “amphitheater”, seating for outdoor picnics, projects, resting (for both adults and kiddos), pull-up bars and other exercise equipment, gardens with accents like fairy houses and toy car paths, riding toy paths, and storage for lots of outdoor playthings like balls, jump ropes, and hula hoops.

I hope that this post has been helpful in planning your own learning and teaching spaces. I purposefully didn’t include any photos as I don’t have any personal ones to share (a downside to predominantly working in confidencial spaces). If you have a learning space you would like to show off, I would love to add your photos to this post in its correct category and of course give credit where credit is due. Otherwise, please feel free to check out my Learning Space Inspiration Board on Pinterest for lots of ideas linked to the original posters. Don’t hesitate to comment or contact me with any questions, comments, or things you might like to know more about or elaborate on. Until next time…

Good Luck & Keep Fighting,

Jess ♥️

So You Want To Be An Advocate....

 

   

    Becoming an advocate is not difficult. There are a million and one ways to get into the advocacy field with a million more truly worthy causes that need people advocating for them. It may not seem like it is a widespread profession, in fact this may be the second time you've been introduced to the term (I would assume the first introduction led you here).

    Advocates are not always called advocates. Some are called case workers, others are social workers or spokespeople. Depending on where and what field or cause you want to work for, your title may be different. The role, though, tends to stay the same across the board. Advocates, from my experience and observation, have three main responsibilities:

 1. Emotional Support    

     This is our main role, what we get into the business for, and what we are truly meant to be doing. No matter what cause you join forces with, you are more than likely fighting for people going through unfortunate and unthinkable circumstances. This means when you get into this fight, you meet and work with those people. Our job is to hold their hand and help them get through whatever their situation may be. You may develop a passion for childhood cancer and work with families at St. Jude or have lived a life where you were homeless at one point but got on your feet and want to help others do the same so you go be a case manager at the Salvation Army. Whatever passion it is that you develop and cause you decide to fight for, your number one job will be to hold the hand and be a support system for people facing that challenge. They will be your clientele and they are who need you the most. You will listen to them talk for hours, watch with quiet tears in your eyes as some take your advice and others don't, and you will celebrate with them when finally they achieve their goals needing you a little less than they did before. This is the hardest and most important job of an advocate.

    2. Encyclopedia of Resources    

     This is the part Of the job everyone forgets to tell you when you start and what you will literally work on every day of your career. It never ends. It is the reason your clients think you are a miracle worker, your family and friends think you are a workaholic, and the thing that will keep you up at night. Going hand in hand with your role as a support system for your clients, they will often (multiple times an hour day) come to you seeking direction and guidance. It is your job to know ALL THE THINGS. Don’t be afraid, you will never know ALL the things. But over time with diligent research and experience, you will learn more than the average Joe. I have told clients for years that your advocate is essentially your own personal walking, talking encyclopedia of community resources. Your child needs tutoring? I know the school guidance counselor, lemme make a call. You can’t find a job? I have a connection at “x” local restaurant, call and tell them Jess sent you. You’re moving in an hour and just realized you need a couch? Just so happens I was just scrolling through Facebook Marketplace and a friend had one for sale cheap, lemme text her to see if she is willing to donate! These are the kind of questions you’re going to get asked every 15 minutes day. It will be hard fielding these questions at first because you’re new and don’t know anything, but fret not, you’ll get there. Eventually, you will subconsciously take mental notes of resources you run across even when you’re not in the clock. You will slip business cards into your pocket with a client in mind, you will bookmark websites that you will totally forget about until you’re researching for a specific case and need it, and you absolutely will get into the habit of scrolling through craigslist or Facebook marketplace with a running list of links copy/pasted into Google Docs. I promise you’ll get there.

    3. social activist    

     Okay, this part of the job just comes with the non-profit And superhero territory. If you didn’t already deduce from the word “non-profit”, most organizations Worthington with people in need do so at little to no cost. When you aren’t charging for your services, the money to keep the lights on and support staff financially has to come from somewhere. This may not be as huge of an issue when you work for a nationally recognized Organization with donations coming in from across the globe (maybe? Enlighten me. If you do!) however I have only experienced working with small, local, grassroots organizations. When you’re small in name and usually staff, it is everyone’s job to raise awareness in the community about your agency and cause. This includes the networking I mentioned above as well as attending events, hosting festival booths, and organizing fundraising efforts. You will want to learn how your agency works inside and out, write and practice a script you can repeat over and over because you will be telling EVERYONE about what you do for a living. This is how we bring in funders, volunteers, clients, etc. You can’t make a difference in a world that has no idea that you exist.

     Speaking of networking, another great way to spread awareness as well as find resources is to join boards and councils relating to what you need. If you regularly work with the homeless or displaced, jump at the chance to join your county’s housing coalition meetings. If you are employed with a child advocacy agency, find out when the school board meetings are (they are usually open to the public) and go sit in to listen. Smaller councils and boards are typically invite only so you will just have to ask around as you grow your contacts, but when the opportunity comes up, take it. This is how you make connections, start collaborations, and education the community about your agency and clients’ needs.  All in all, just get used to talking about what you do. If you truly have a passion for it, it will come naturally.

    One more incredibly important aspect about advocacy, and I cannot stress this enough: Take care of yourself too. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way and in talking to colleagues over the years, it seems to be that way for everyone. I tell worn out parents all of the time “take care of yourself because if something happens to you, who is going to be there for your child?” Just like you can’t pour a drink from an empty pitcher, you can’t care for others if you aren’t caring for yourself first. Set an alarm at night so you can get those 8 hours of sleep, carry that water bottle around with you everywhere you go, pick up your phone and make that therapist appointment, and just do things to make yourself happy and restored. This job is not easy. It is heavy, it is emotional, and it is tolling on your mental and emotional health. You will give everything short of the shirt on your back to help these clients get where they are going. Please, don't forget to take care of yourself.

    I hope that this will be at least a small glimpse into what life working in advocacy looks like. I have no doubt that all of these topics will come up again later in more detail. Don't let any of this sway you from your desire to get into this field. It is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Even if you don't make it your forever, job, consider trying it for a short time. These causes and people need caring individuals to fight for them, speak for them, and hold their hand through the darkest points of their lives. Just be aware of what it entails and prepare yourself to fulfill the duty in the healthiest way possible. I hope this helps you even the tiniest bit on your own journey.

Good Luck & Keep Fighting,    

Jess♥️