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What Inspires You?
July 26, 2010
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
-Beverly Sills, 1929 – 2007, American operatic soprano
-Beverly Sills, 1929 – 2007, American operatic soprano
"Many people do not know what they like until they see it. Create an idea notebook, design board, or inspiration file to bring together potential classroom components. Whether you manually cut and paste images from magazines or create a virtual design board by dragging images from web sites, these processes help to visualize the aesthetic appeal of the total composition.
"A picture, branch, rug, or curtain may inspire a color scheme, style, and focal point. Many times, inspiration comes from designer or authentic pieces that can be recreated or altered. For example, adjusting the height of adult furniture by shortening the legs makes the size appropriate for young children.
"You can establish a color scheme by choosing a favorite furnishing element. If this inspirational piece has many colors, select one color that coordinates with your existing pieces. When used sparingly, a pop of color generates interest. A complimentary or coordinating color may also be integrated into the space. Be careful not to create visual chaos by overloading your classroom color palette."
Inspiring Spaces not only talks about how to create inspiring classroom spaces, but also is highly inspirational through its generous display of creative classroom spaces. The book is built around seven principles of design:
- Nature inspires beauty
- Color generates interest
- Furnishing defines space
- Texture adds depth
- Displays enhance the environment
- Elements enhance ambiance
- Focal points attract attention
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Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsOregon, United States
Just thank you! Such a valuable site and thought! Your question causes one to relax, breathe deeply, (improve brain function!), and think with all parts of our brains, no?
We usually begin our preschool year with color for a theme, and teach our routines & schedule, our ways & means we move through our day,the first couple of weeks. The seasons & childrens' tastes provide much activity around color, but it's a pleasure to include (via calendar pages from a past year) of Van Gogh's works for both primary and secondary colors as children learn them; the textures and images are models of uses of media,too.
'Hope to read more! Thank you!
wexforddayschool
margate, florida, United States
I believe that what inspires me most are the faces of the children when they enter through our doors. As adults we look for places that we can go in and feel that we belong and have a sence of security. Hence, what would a child like to see when they come through my doors and feel like they belong? I see through their eyes, I would like them to see teachers with great big friendly smiles, a cozy friendly atmosphere, and a welcoming colorful place that is inviting to them. Almost like entering a candy store for learning.
I have enjoyed owning my center for 13 years. I love the children and all the wonders and magical elements they bring when they come to our center.
As teachers, we must facilitate all that we have so they can soar with the learning and just take off to a happy environment.
I would love to be part of your magazine if I can help with any thoughts or suggestions on how we do things here in Florida it would be my pleasure.
Our school is APPLE Accredited and we have the Florida Gold Seal! We are proud of our little school and our teachers have been here for many years as well.
Shishu Vikash Kendra
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
The children's own activities in their everyday life inspires me . When I play with them , I observe them extremely and think what I have to do for them .
Actually the children inspire me .
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