Go Back to School with Feng Shui
Are you a teacher or room parent getting ready to go back to school to prepare your classroom for the fast approaching school year? Keeping Feng Shui principles in mind while preparing for the new school year can help set your classroom up for positive, supportive energy flow that will help guarantee success. Read on to find out more.
Each day, school becomes the home-away-from-home for teachers and their students. Oftentimes though, students feel a great amount of stress at school from peer pressure, the amount of homework, and from the amount of work being dished out.
Teachers feel pressure with the amount of work they have as well as from playing so many different roles for the students each day. Being stressed like this is the number one killer of productivity. Here are some Feng Shui tips to help you ease the stress and go with the flow (the positive energy flow, that is) to help achievement levels in your classroom.
Classroom Arrangement
The way you arrange your desk, and those of your students, can actually aid in learning and promote success. First, place the teacher’s desk facing the door with the back to the solid wall at the farthest point away from the door as possible. This is the commanding power position which means you don’t need eyes in the back of your head. You have the best view and the most control over your classroom here.
Now how should you arrange student’s desks? So many students, so little time. Desk arrangement here can make all the difference for student learning and your sanity! It’s a good idea to keep all the desks facing in one direction. Just as in a home study area or office, facing the desks towards the door but keeping away from the straight line of the door can help keep the students from feeling vulnerable. Let’s hope that’s in the same direction as the white/smart board. If possible, it’s also a great idea to keep the student’s desks in the natural lighting from the windows. More on this coming up.
If you have bookshelves in your classroom, consider placing them in the near left corner of the room when looking through the door to enter. Having books in the Knowledge Corner here will help promote critical thinking and learning.
Just Say No to Clutter
I understand that classrooms are very limited in space, so when unpacking all those boxes in preparation for the student’s return, get rid of any extras that aren’t being used. If it doesn’t have a use and never gets used, consider getting rid of it. Remember that piles of clutter, which include papers, workbooks, art supplies, etc., can make students start to feel overwhelmed. Clutter, in fact, is one of the most stressful and harmful aspects of a classroom. The good flow of energy in the room goes along with student learning successfully.
Just to be clear, stuffing the cupboards in the room just to hide the clutter away isn’t the answer either. Just because you hide it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Hidden clutter can cause stress when trying to find something you need right away. Inquire with school janitorial staff and/or administration to see if there are other storage options available. When it comes to the classroom, being a minimalist is a surefire path to success.
Classroom Enhancements
As I have mentioned earlier, replacing fluorescent lights with natural sun light from the windows can aid in student learning. Fluorescent lights give a claustrophobic, closed feeling, so planning activities in natural lighting, even if it means going on outdoor excursions to teach and learn, can make all the difference. If you don’t have large windows or can’t venture outside due to inclement weather, have your classroom walls painted in natural hues or put up a photograph or painting of an outdoor scene and bring in a few live plants to help the students feel connected to nature.
In Feng Shui, it is suggested that a water feature be present in a learning place. Whether it comes from a small fish bowl, water garden, or a table-top waterfall, water symbolizes serenity and the flow of knowledge.
Providing soothing music for the students will help increase their concentration. Music also has the power to heal the mind, body, and soul. While doing independent work, why not provide the ideal classroom environment by playing the soothing, rhythmic sounds of classical music in the background?
Did you know that aromatherapy through the use of essential oils in the classroom can improve students’ focus, comfort and concentration? Diffusing 100% pure essential oils can even help support every system in the human body! Lavender and chamomile can help ease nerves before students are required to make that presentation to the class. Try citrus oils for a boost if students come back from lunch or recess looking hot and worn out. Diffusing essential oils such as peppermint and rosemary can help students stay focused so they retain the material. Purification essential oils can also be important for when those kiddos come back from gym class smelling less than fresh.
Next Steps
The beginning of a new school year brings with it a nervous energy we all can relate to. Now is the time to start preparing yourself (and your students) for a successful year ahead. After incorporating all of these Feng Shui suggestions, don’t be surprised if your students never want to leave at the end of class.
If you need guidance on how to improve your space and your life, I’m always available to help. Learn more on my website today and book a consultation. Better Feng Shui can help you in profound ways on life’s journey.
I am a 3rd generation Feng Shui expert and have helped thousands of people add harmony and balance to their homes and offices without making it look like a Chinese restaurant exploded.
I can help you attract the life that you deserve with Feng Shui. Contact me today!
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Notes: Some essential oils should not be used around small children, certain pets, and anyone with allergies. I’m careful to link to products that I use myself and recommend to my clients, when those products are necessary. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, which enables me to produce and publish free content for you to learn from.
