We went mobile this summer and held our Summer Camps at a local school. The district was very accommodating and we were very thankful for the space they provided. But... there's always a but isn't there?
The classroom we were assigned was an interior one that was windowless. No big deal, right? The campers would be able to focus on their projects better. Well, after spending 8 weeks in the space, I am completely convinced that EVERY learning space that we create for kids should have natural light, and preferrably a window to the outside world.
By the end of the summer, both Kristin and I were feeling a little weary from spending our summer days under the fluorescent lights of a windowless classroom. Thinking of the kiddos who spend the bulk of their school year in these types of conditions, really makes you ponder how they are able to maintain interest and excitement in learning in such an isolating room.
As someone who had childhood dreams of being an architect, and then later becoming a teacher, space and how it's used is very important. We love what this article from edutopia has to say about light, space, and learning. In our eyes, better learning environments = better learning.
