Can Rearranging the Furniture Help Your Child Learn?
In an article titled Blame the Furniture for the Poor Educatio
n, the author discusses ways in which furniture (and its arrangement within the classroom) can facilitate a positive learning 
environment for students. Although, not specifically cited, the author references recent studies that suggest that teachers, by controlling the environment (where students sit, how desks are arranged, and where other environmental stimuli) can purposely or unknowingly affect a child’s interaction and ultimate success within the class environment.
As the author states “Sensory stimulation is another effect of a good classroom setting. For children, it is easier to learn in a very appealing classroom- like the elements of the things that would appeal to the senses are there. Pictures, colors, sound, and so forth. The arrangement of furniture affects space allocation and space allocation has effects to the learning atmosphere. If the classroom looks narrow and small for students, they feel restricted and they do not interact well. On the other hand, if a classroom provides adequate space, students feel that there is space for interaction.”
Environmental considerations are important in the home as well. In our study skills tutoring program at KnowledgePoints, in addition to core topics such as note taking strategies, techniques for remembering information and time management, we also help students identify their learning style --- and embrace it. Embracing a learning style can include setting up the right environment – a throw pillow on their bed for reading, for example or taking a break every 20 minutes to walk around. Some students can settle in to homework and studying time with background music.
When my kids were younger, they each set up a “chill space” where they could retreat and “chillax.” My eldest cleared out the bottom of her small closet and decorated with it pillows, stuffed animals, pictures and a small light fixture. For a time, this was the place where she would frequently read or do homework.
When you eat dinner or watch T.V, you want to be comfortable, right? Why wouldn’t you want the same (if not more) for studying and homework?
Think Tutoring offers study skills and other subject tutoring programs (Math, Language Arts, Reading) to students of all grade levels at its center in Florham Park and serving the surrounding communities of Morristown, Livingston, Madison and East Hanover. For more information, contact us at 973-593-0050.
