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Stack of Books with Teamwork Pictogram People

Learning Styles and Color Alignment:﻿Ah...Spring! Time of renewal and awakening. We were dormant for such a long time.&nbsp; The students are sluggish and fatigued from benchmark assessments and lack luster lessons that do not move the learning target needle.&nbsp; Time to change your learning environment and get the students out of their slumber and into their learning.&nbsp;When you peruse instagram for teaching inspirations much of what you see are activities that promote group work/team building simultaneously. I've observed lessons with all types of gizmos and pageantry. These lessons are well intentioned and promote the teacher "influencer" (still have a problem with this term), but nonetheless they sometimes strain you physically and financially. Think of your classroom as an incubator. Yes! You heard correctly. Students are in the same space but they are not all learning or absorbing content simultaneously. Students "hatch" at their own time. Not every student wants to be a paricipant in over the top experiments, dark rooms with neon signage or computer adapted drills. Depending on preferences and physiological/cognitive progressions (<a href="https://start-teaching.com/why-it-is-important-to-identify-and-meet-the-individual-needs-of-learners/" data-mce-href="https://start-teaching.com/why-it-is-important-to-identify-and-meet-the-individual-needs-of-learners/">https://start-teaching.com/why-it-is-important-to-identify-and-meet-the-individual-needs-of-learners/</a>), some students need to meet the learning targets in a small groups, pairing or individually. Think about your classroom as a public library with specific sections for work (individual desks station, research areas, group collaborations).&nbsp; If you are an active hands on teacher you are in the RED zone (energy); but you must be vigilant to carve out areas for peer/pair work- Yellow Zone, reflective practice-Blue/Green Zones.&nbsp; Remember that your students are not a one size fits all population. Some students have IEP's, some are undiagnosed with ADHD, many just want to do work with another student or by themselves at times and some have such performance anxiety(Gifted and Talented students),&nbsp; that being on and displaying their knowledge aloud is not what they wish to do for every learning trarget/concept you are teaching.&nbsp; Survey your room and start carving out sections this Spring to accommodate learning styles (differentiated instruction), and you'll catapult learning for the last leg of the school year.&nbsp;

Averting the Spring Snooze

<h2>Your Classroom is a Reflection ofYour Teaching</h2><figure id="figure-m7ms2piujm7cjaoh7"><img id="m7ms2piujm7cjaoh7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1760355146/photo/stack-of-books-with-check-list.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7sHUot60Xo4cUzKFZXPhZf7yELpma-8XgIPwQaWPQGQ=" alt="Stack of Books with Check List" title="Stack of Books with Check List" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1760355146/photo/stack-of-books-with-check-list.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7sHUot60Xo4cUzKFZXPhZf7yELpma-8XgIPwQaWPQGQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>When you walk into a classroom the space signals whether learning is taking place and the typle of teaching that is being offered within the classroom. A quick scan of the classroom environment can message to an administrator, parents, colleagues and mostly students whether learning is front and center. &nbsp;<a href="https://rhea.ny.aft.org/files/danielson_2007_2c.pdf" data-mce-href="https://rhea.ny.aft.org/files/danielson_2007_2c.pdf">https://rhea.ny.aft.org/files/danielson_2007_2c.pdf&nbsp;</a> Walking into a classroom is akin to walking into a laboratory.&nbsp; Often we get a glimps of a classroom that is either thriving or a classroom that has descended into chaos.&nbsp;The classroom is a mircrocosom of the school culture. It is a fluid, organic space where minds are exposed to critical theory in math, science and literature. The landsccape within the walls of a classroom should climb into socratic thought and propel students to ask the questions that will enable them to be confident decision makers and leaders in their future endeavors. The classroom should be a magnet for learning across subject disciplines; where you feel the pulse of student engagment and authentic inquiry. That classroom is an extension of&nbsp; the real world outside. Why are so many classroom void of energy, life and curiosity? The newest phenomenon within the classrooms have smartboards and AI programs teaching students without a true life connection to the minds inside these classrooms.&nbsp; We see walls with commercial grade posters and charts that do not speak to processes or collaboration with peers. There should be an explostion of colors representing varied blocks of learnings. The classroom environment is not a place to dim lights and ask for silence. Students need to be engaged in their learning in such a way that they take complete ownership of a subject (Cell Reproduction,The Civil War, Alegebraic Word Problems and The Life of Kobe Bryant).&nbsp; When you give deep thought to your classroom environment and what you are expecting students to extract from their day in the classroom; there is no need to rearrange your seating every other week. There is purpose to the classroom environment and the message to students is as clear as spring water: We are here to learn from each other, ask questions and give deep thought to what we read, solve and analyze. We are here to grow as learners and the teachers are here to facilitate a path to that learning.&nbsp;S0...what does your classroom environment represent? What does it say about you?&nbsp;

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Frame of different stationery on green background

Color has a profound impact on our lives. It influences our emotions, decisions, and even our ability to learn. When we talk about transforming learning spaces, color psychology plays a key role.<h2>The Power of Color in Education</h2>Teachers and educators have long known that the environment can affect how well students learn. Colors can create a mood, improve focus, and even boost memory. By choosing the right colors, we can make classrooms more effective.Studies show that certain colors can help students concentrate better. For instance, blue is known to have a calming effect. It can reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for students to focus on their work.<figure id="figure-3tcy5ntoiilz2025tm"><img id="3tcy5ntoiilz2025tm" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1458349726531-234ad56ba80f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8Ymx1ZSUyMGNsYXNzcm9vbXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE5NTU4NjB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="blue classroom" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1458349726531-234ad56ba80f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8Ymx1ZSUyMGNsYXNzcm9vbXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE5NTU4NjB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>On the other hand, too much of a bright color can be overwhelming. It is essential to find a balance. Using these colors in moderation can create a lively and stimulating environment without causing distractions.<figure id="figure-b6oy70yflklz2026wl"><img id="b6oy70yflklz2026wl" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1461344577544-4e5dc9487184?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxjcmVhdGl2ZSUyMGNsYXNzcm9vbXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE5NTU4NjF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="creative classroom" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1461344577544-4e5dc9487184?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxjcmVhdGl2ZSUyMGNsYXNzcm9vbXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE5NTU4NjF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>likely to remember information when it is presented in color. This is because color helps to organize and structure information, making it easier to recall.For example, using different colors to highlight key points in notes can make them more memorable. This technique can be particularly useful for subjects that require a lot of memorization, such as history or science.<figure id="figure-ve3k9i0zaglz20289p"><img id="ve3k9i0zaglz20289p" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1525876183281-0d0d9308010d?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxjb2xvcmZ1bCUyMG5vdGVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMTk1NTg2M3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="colorful notes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1525876183281-0d0d9308010d?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxjb2xvcmZ1bCUyMG5vdGVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMTk1NTg2M3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>However, it’s important to use these colors carefully. Too much red can be stimulating and even cause aggression. A mix of warm and cool colors can create a balanced and inviting space.<h2>Practical Tips for Using Color in Classrooms</h2>Here are some practical tips for using color in learning spaces:<ul><li>Use blue for areas where focus and concentration are needed.</li><li>Incorporate yellow and orange in creative spaces to boost creativity.</li><li>Highlight important information in notes with different colors.</li><li>Create a balanced environment with a mix of warm and cool colors.</li></ul>By understanding and applying color psychology, we can transform learning spaces into environments that support and enhance student learning. The right colors can make a big difference in how students feel and how well they perform.

The Color Wise Coach

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Averting the Spring Snooze

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Color Psychology: Transforming Learning Spaces for Better...