Deconstructing the Learning Space of an EtonHouse School

EtonHouse International Preschool Bahrain, designs classrooms with your child’s learning in mind. Our teachers spend valuable time learning and thinking about how to create the optimal learning space for your child so they can reach their highest potential. Influenced by the educators of Reggio Emilia and their ideals of the environment being the third teacher, our staff create spaces that encourage 21st century learning skills of collaboration, creativity, citizenship, character, communication and critical thinking. We would like to share with you more of the research that informs our approach.

1. EtonHouse classrooms feel calm. We know that emotions can positively and negatively impact on learning. Calm classrooms result in learners who can reach their full potential. We create calm classrooms by our subtle use of colour, careful thinking about displays and flexible space.
2. EtonHouse classrooms are clutter free. We know that unnecessary items in a classroom can detract from learning. Added to this we also know that clutter reduces creativity and inspiration for learning. Exciting spaces filled with awe and wonder are the essence of an EtonHouse school.
3. EtonHouse schools are visually attractive. Our teachers are very careful with their use colour and textures to ensure that our learners’ attention is not on displays but rather on their learning – where it should be. Teachers avoid bright, colourful displays. Rather they carefully consider what to display and how learners can use this extend and provoke further learning.
4. EtonHouse classrooms are designed for learning. EtonHouse staff create spaces where learners can be flexible. The environments also suggest to learners how to use the space. This might be in terms of sound level where teachers drape fabric over a reading corner to soften and quieten voices due to a more intimate feeling. Alternatively, it may be the way materials are presented and offered to learners suggesting possible uses.
5. EtonHouse classrooms respect learners and their citizenship. EtonHouse classrooms are flexible and designed in zones. In our Early Years classrooms spaces may included reading, construction, art, role play and meeting spaces. In our primary and secondary classes spaces may include caves (spaces to be along), waterholes (spaces for collaboration) and campfires (places for instruction). This attention to ensures your child is able to learn in a way that suits their learning style and purpose. These spaces reflect 21st century working spaces and also acknowledge that learning is complex and requires flexibility. Research is demonstrating this has a positive impact on academic and social outcomes.

EtonHouse prides itself on its calm and innovative learning spaces. If you are interested in learning more about how school environments impact on school learning outcomes why not arrange a visit to one of our schools today!