Of course, quality, price, and durability are essential in the decision-making process, but what about the implications each piece of furniture has on a child’s learning?
While traditional teaching consisted of the “stand and teach/sit still and listen” format, today’s teachers understand this isn’t ideal. Instead, educators must work harder to engage students in active learning, knowing that people learn best by doing.
It’s a goal of every educational institution (we hope) to empower children and young adults to reach their full potential. In an effort to make that goal a reality, let’s begin in the classroom.
If there’s scientific evidence showing this is true (and there is), then surely color can impact other areas of our life as well. Take, for example, mood and workplace productivity. It isn’t hard to imagine that these, too, could benefit from exposure to the right color. So, what then, is the right color?
As with anything in life, what’s ideal in one situation may be counterproductive in another. And color is no exception.
However, we’re learning that in order to develop successful, well-educated students who thrive outside the classroom, there’s more to consider than how we teach. As it turns out, the actual design of the physical learning space matters just as much as the method of teaching does.
Of course, quality, price, and durability are essential in the decision-making process, but what about the implications each piece of furniture has on a child’s learning? Take, for example, activity tables. There are many different shapes and options available, each with varying levels of versatility and functionality. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, each of the different shapes influences student-to-student and student-teacher interactions.
Below, in an effort to shed some light on the options currently on the market, we’ve discussed some of the unique traits and benefits of a few different activity tables:
The CDI Spaces team recently had the great honor of not only attending the Glenrose Foundation Courage Gala but also of supplying and installing the furniture and soft seating used for the event at the Shaw Conference Center including their fun photo booth area.
Supporting vital local causes like the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, which has been serving patients of all ages for more than 40 years who require complex rehabilitation, is near and dear to our heart and we are delighted to have played a part in this remarkable evening.
We’re guessing you’ve heard the old proverb, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” – right? Well, when it comes to schools and learning environments, oftentimes, low quality furniture is the weakest link.
Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that a school’s furnishings will impact a student’s education as much as the educators who teach the curriculum do.
From the seating in a teacher’s lounge to the workstations in a classroom, quality and comfort (or lack thereof) influence the experiences of all parties involved.
In recent years, plenty of research has been published both proving and denying the benefits of all types of office layouts. While one study suggests that businesses tear down walls and operate in a purely collaborative environment, another discusses the issues caused by such layouts, and instead, promotes the continuation of the private office.
So what’s a company to do?
Those looking to support their employees while still mitigating operating costs may find themselves scratching their heads and wondering who’s advice to follow.
Truth be told, there’s validity to each point of view. And certainly, there’s not a single right answer. In most cases, business leaders conclude that a mixture of work environments is best. One department’s work may be more conducive to an open, group atmosphere, while another relies on the privacy and concentration that enclosed offices allow.
So, since private offices are here to stay, here are a few tips to modernize and enhance them to reflect the way people work in the 21st century:
Choosing the right furniture for the classroom can be a challenge. With such a broad range of products on the market, you may find yourself asking, ‘where do I start?’ Which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top five furniture products for today’s diverse classroom.