Classroom Feng Shui ... for next year

At this time of year, many of you are probably cleaning the classroom, tossing old projects, and looking forward to a relaxing summer.  Here are some ideas to consider over the summer so you can begin with a Feng Shui-ed classroom in September:

A.    Your entrance area needs to be welcoming and uncluttered.  It is also your diversity area.  FS this area to bring your students into your realm with an arrangement that helps them feel comfortable with their environment.  As with any other meeting, first impressions are important.  So, you need to attack as many senses as possible.  Can you find a round metal table from a yard sale that you can place there? (Remember to wash it well before placing it in your classroom to remove other folks’ bad chi.)  It should be no more than about 18 inches in diameter or whatever will fit comfortably in that space.   On the wall in that area, include posters or mantras that show people working together for the common good.  

B.     Put your metal file cabinet to the left of your door for strength – it will support your career area.  On the side of the cabinet as students come in the door, rotate career ideas for your subject area every month.  By the end of the year, you’ll have shown them ten different careers that will use your subject matter.  Avoid earth elements here, but include wavy, watery things, perhaps a wavy border around the four edges of that side of the file cabinet highlighting your career posters.  Keep the top clear of clutter by placing an incandescent lamp there – something blue or black, wavy, and metal. 

C.     Place your desk to the right of the door with your back to the wall.   A white flowering plant on your desk would be perfect.  Remember that this is usually an "metal" corner in most classrooms, so use a round ceramic pot that has a touch of turquoise or blue for that plant.  Also, keep your desk neat and clutter-free as much as possible. 

D.    The magic number for your knowledge corner (left as you walk in the room - see below) is 8.  Can you think of 8 key curriculum concepts you can highlight either on the wall?  Remember to refresh those eight concepts with each unit or marking period.

For more tips to consider this summer, read Feng Shui for the Classroom: 101 Easy-to-Use Ideas.  While you're browsing my website, consider reserving a workshop for the rest of the faculty next year!