Create a Visual-Spatial Classroom

  True learning occurs best when materials target both the left-hemispheric language processing and the right- hemispheric visual-spatial processing.  The fine arts are important pieces to learning.  The sights, sounds, smells of a classroom also make a difference.  Lighting, acoustics, and design make a difference in learning.  The brain is extremely sensitive to temperature.  Reading comprehension declines when the room temperature rises above 74 degrees Fahrenheit and math skills decline when the temperature rises above 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  The ideal room temperature for optimal learning is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

  Keeping walls and boards stagnant has been directly linked to students drifting off-task students drifting off-task and seeking other forms of stimulation, such as movement or other distractive behaviors.  So change your room frequently- subtle changes are best and materials related to current learning are best for the brain.  Do be careful not to create a visually distracting room though.  Researchers lean toward the following wall colors:  warm yellow on the 3 walls the students face, and light blue on the back wall.  Use contrasting colors as accents around the front of the room.  Warmer colors (red and yellow) stimulate students and cooler colors (light blue) calm overactive students.  Warm golden-gray carpets are best on the floor.  It is also believed that background music is beneficial for students.  Sometimes students, especially gifted students, are very sensitive to perfumes and other scents.  Peppermint is linked to improve mental performance.