Saturday, August 28, 2010

mindful and artful

the teaching and learning setting


I will be greeting my sixth grade students at Davis Waldorf School in less than two weeks! With a handshake and a good morning, I will welcome them into the classroom space. It is the space where teaching and learning will meet; it must hold us and support us. With a feng shui background, it was with mindfulness and intention that I designed the sixth grade classroom. The classroom is minimalist and uncluttered. There are living plants that the children will nurture and make grow. There are some decorative objects that are born from nature and crafted by hand. Musical instruments and artwork inspire creativity. Rugs, lamps, and pillows give lightness and warmth. Placement of students' desks and my desk, bookshelves, and file cabinets organize work spaces. I am fortunate to have a large enough room to define a space for my work, where I feel supported and protected. When I am prepping for school, the children are all home, the campus is quiet, and the room is all mine, I can pause and sit at the piano and play. It is my meditation; I breathe, and I will look forward to another day.

6 comments:

Hallie said...

This looks just beautiful and soothing... I just bought paint for our school room and I've been trying to find pictures of other classrooms. Thanks for sharing!

Sarah said...

It is beautiful. My daughter begins 6th grade at our Waldorf School next week. What aspects of Feng Shui did you use for setting up your room?

Rick Tan III said...

Thanks for leaving nice comments! I studied feng shui with Terah Kathryn Collins from the Western School of Feng Shui in southern CA - a very practical approach. I did not use the deeper elements such as the bagua map and remedies, but I applied the more practical elements such as consciousness of safety and energy flow, balance of fire, earth, metal, wood, and water, and the general feel of warmth and comfort. Let me know if you want more info! Rick

Jane said...

What a beautiful room! What an inspiring teacher to some lucky students!

Anonymous said...

Great description of your classroom Rick! Would love to see more pics when you have a chance--I find it so interesting-- the process of transforming a "bare, stark room" into a warm, inviting classroom. Very inspirational :-) Blessings to you as you teach! Laurie G. in Murrieta

daria said...

amazing classroom!! With love, Daria