Setting Up a Natural Classroom in 3 Easy Steps

Today I’m sharing a guest post by Tina Gabel, an amazing transitional kindergarten teacher, who shares my love of bringing the outdoors in. She is a natural classroom specialist and has some great ideas to share!

Easy Natural Classroom Set-Up  

Setting up a natural classroom can be achieved in 3 easy steps. Although these steps are just the beginning of natural classroom design, they make a huge impact and can be achieved on a budget. The best part ~~ you can put these plans into action tomorrow morning.

1. Bring the nature in…

Plants are a quick way to add nature to your classroom space. They help clean the air, can be added to a sensory area, and are fairly easy to grow in a classroom. Even if you feel that you have a black thumb or two, there are options. You could add succulents (they are super easy to grow and drought-tolerant). You could intersperse artificial plants with live ones (creating a lush area that is easier to manage). You could even ask students to bring in their favorite plants on a loan basis.

2. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting…

Creating an atmosphere that celebrates natural lighting is always a game changer. Turning off half of the overhead artificial lighting is a way to combat harsh lighting that ultimately causes headaches, lack of productivity, and drowsiness. Throwing open the shades and allowing natural light to filter into the space is a key component to natural classroom design. Incorporate the light into the learning. In my last classroom space, I had an entire bank of windows that were covered in the morning sun. So I created my science area around the windows and used the sunshine as a learning tool. Work with what you have.

3. Organizing the Learning Space…

Decluttering is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to begin the natural classroom journey. Allowing for the focus of the learning to be showcased in a clutter-free area is really one of the key pieces of natural design. Although there are more components to the design, once the space has been decluttered there will be room for renewed natural energy.

Designing a classroom space that showcases the natural world can be achieved fairly quickly. Embrace what you have, be intentional with what you remove, and bring in ALL the nature.

Until Next Time
Happy Learning,

Ms. Tina

Are you still skeptical, or need more ideas and direction before embarking on the natural classroom journey? Maybe you need a mentor teacher to help you put the plan into action? I have a quick guide to help you get started. 17 pages of FREE goodness to help you on your journey today. Grab the Master Guide to Natural Classrooms here.

Tina Gabel is the owner and creator of Teach The TK Way. She shares her passion for creating natural classroom environments with educators around the world, while offering play based, standards aligned activities. You can find her and her FREE Master Guide to Natural Classrooms on all social media @teachthetkway