The Little Inquiry That Could

Next week is June first. I can't believe it, but it is that time of year. June is a time for endings and beginnings, grief and excitement. For me, it is a time of reflection. A time to look back at the work we have done and the impact it has had. 

This year, nothing has given me more gratification than the transforming learning spaces inquiry. It has been a privilege to work with incredible educators who have pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to meet the learning needs of their students. This was a true inquiry, we didn't really know how it was going to go. We certainly had no idea the spread it would have. We started with a small group of teachers and it organically grew to touch schools in all areas of our Board. It has become a constant conversation and starting point for many other inquiries. Educators are seeing the connections between transforming their spaces and it's connection to STEAM, Inquiry and play based learning. When space is transformed so is the learning. We have heard from students and staff that changing the space has created an environment that has allowed students to make decisions. They need to think about the working space that works best for them. 
Moving to community space rather than individually held real estate has fostered collaboration, a sense of team and empathy.

Mrs. Sweeney's Door!

We are also seeing that having a variety of spaces is having an impact on movement. Students are moving and being active in their learning significantly more than they were with traditional desks and chairs. We know this is important, "Amazingly, the part of the brain that processes movement is the same part of the brain that processes learning" (Jensen, 2005) For more information on the movement/brain connection, check out this link; Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Eric Jensen. We are seeing students who are now motivated to come to school and engage in learning in ways they never have before. 

We have learned a great deal about the importance of physical space on student learning over the last few months but this is just the beginning. We are encouraged by what we are hearing from the participants of this inquiry. We have also been inspired by spaces in Private Industry. Tyger Shark digital media welcomed us into their thoughtfully considered space in downtown Barrie. They have designed their space to foster creativity and collaboration. Between their space and their message of, "we need people who are hungry to constantly learn" we felt inspired and affirmed in our work. 
This work is challenging and there are often more questions than answers but when I walk into a transformed space and feel the learning, I know it is worth it. 

This year, I feel like June is only a launching pad for the incredible learning and work to come. The little inquiry that could is no longer little and it will only continue to gain momentum. I couldn't be more proud to part of this team that is changing learning environments for the better.

Stand up desks student feedback

Personally I think that the stand up desks benefit me. I am a very restless person and get anxious quickly so sometimes I need to take a quick walk before I can focus on my work. With the stand up desks I am able to get up whenever I feel I need a break without having to walk to the front of the class to ask the teacher if I can go to the washroom. Lately I have been moving spots back and forth and walking around my group which eliminated my need to leave the class and it also helped my thinking. When I move around I tend to come up with better ideas and they come to me easier. These desks not only benefit my learning by helping me focus but they are a healthy solution as well. Sitting increases health risks and when we are at school we are sitting for 90% of our day. These desks change things, we are allowed to move around and in gage in exercise without even thinking about it. Therefore in my opinion stand up desks are very beneficial to me and I think it could be to many others.

personally I love these stand up desks. I have always had an issue with getting restless in class and I had always wished that there was a way I could get rid of my restlessness without going for a walk and missing something in class. So now that there is an opportunity for me to stand up whenever I want, it helps me to learn better because then I am able to focus.

Stand up desks I think stand up desks are efficient, I like how you are able to stand up whenever you want and it helps me focus. They also allow you to move around and get active instead of sitting in a small desk for 75minutes, it helps the mind think. I think the desks should be bigger so there is more space for books or less people at a desk. Overall, I think stand up desks are really good and I think more classrooms should have them.

Stand Up Desks I enjoy the standup desks because sometimes, especially in the morning, it's really hard to focus and stay awake, so when I'm able to stand up and move around a bit, it wakes me up and I can stay on topic. Also, I like working in groups because it helps me to get more work done. In other classes, if I'm working by myself and don't know the answer, or I get stuck on a question, I have no one to ask for help. But in these groups, odds are 1 of the 5 people I'm sitting with can help me out. Also, working in groups can benefit me if I have to research different topics. The group members can give me ideas and opinions to help me get on the right track. Also, I can help other people with their projects with throughs and ideas which helps to boost my confidence in myself and my ideas.

Grade 5-6 Ferndale Woods ES

Transforming our space (note  the deliberate use of the word "our") was a collaborative activity that took most of the instructional day. It was an eye-opening experience for both the students and me. For me, I had to be willing to let go of my perception of what a classroom should be and for the students, they had to accept that the space was theirs, not the teachers and that their ideas and opinions matter. In the end, we had a space that felt like it belonged to everyone, not just the teacher who designed it according to his needs or specifications.

We love the open space, collaborative opportunities and freedom to work where we feel comfortable

The journey begins!

Transformations are underway in classrooms around Simcoe County! Here are a few snapshots of spaces that are being revamped!