One thing that motivates children in the classroom is having a positive learning environment. All of the things that they surround themselves with play a part in how they work and learn. That’s why you should strive to create a positive environment that students (and staff members) want to be a part of!
Here at A&S Landscape, we offer a wide variety of school canopies that help facilities make the most of their outdoor areas. In this blog, we’ll tell you just how effective canopies are in creating effective learning environments, as well as providing some examples of our favourite products.
Let’s get into it!
What is positive learning?
First of all, it might be beneficial to understand what a positive learning environment actually is. It’s essentially where a teacher or member of staff creates an engaging and effective atmosphere for learning, where students feel safe, motivated, and empowered to grow. This can be achieved in many ways, but focusing on the physical environment is a good start.
When children feel safer in their environment, they’re willing to take risks in their learning without fear of failure and enjoy coming to school. Students and pupils are also more likely to interact with each other and perform to their best abilities under positive circumstances.
According to the Nuffield Foundation’s wellbeing report, the more positive children are, the better the class climate is found to be.
Why is a positive learning environment important?
Moving beyond the classroom, outdoor learning can be just as important. Outdoor learning can actually impact academic performance by encouraging teamwork and giving students the chance to explore other areas. A positive environment encompasses not just the physical space, but also the social and emotional contexts in which learning occurs.
Some other ways that a positive learning environment is effective for pupils include:
- Better academic performance
- Enhanced emotional well-being
- Stronger social skills
- Personal growth is more confident
4 ways a canopy can create an effective learning environment
Now that we know why positive learning environments are important in schools, it’s time to figure out how to achieve them. A bespoke canopy from A&S Landscape is the perfect solution. We understand that each client or school has different needs, which is why we’re happy to tailor our solutions to you. You can shop our canopies by design for more inspiration!
However, for now, let’s look at 4 ways that our canopies can help to inspire a positive learning environment:
1. Reduced crowding with a dining area canopy
Creating a positive learning environment heavily relies on students feeling comfortable and safe, and this extends beyond the classroom. In fact, one of the busiest parts of the day is the lunchtime rush! When pupils are forced to eat their lunch in cramped, noisy canteens, it can increase anxiety, and they can lose out on valuable social and relaxation time.
We recommend investing in one of our dining area canopies. They’re designed to increase seating capacity, enhance your school’s aesthetics, and, more importantly, provide more outdoor space that your pupils can enjoy spending time in. Discover more by reading about the benefits of an outdoor dining area.
Our experts recommend: The Motiva Expanse™.
2. Better mood with a colourful canopy
One thing that is crucial for younger learners is how their mood impacts the way they learn. One simple way to control moods is through colour. By introducing vibrant and well-chosen colours into the school grounds, you can visually improve your pupils’ moods and inject feelings of fun and excitement into their day.
A great way to achieve this is by browsing our colourful canopies. Bright colours are known to stimulate creativity and get rid of feelings of boredom, instantly instilling a positive and uplifting environment where pupils will feel inspired to learn! We’ve also got some top tips when it comes to choosing the best colours for a school canopy.
Our experts recommend: A colourful Motiva Linear™.
3. More opportunities for social spaces
A critical part of positive learning is the opportunity for students to develop crucial social skills. Lunchtimes and breaktimes are a great way for pupils to foster friendships and play with their peers. However, when your outdoor space is limited, students tend to gather in busy corridors or areas that aren’t designed for social interactions.
Social spaces are extremely important in schools. The solution? A dedicated social space made possible by one of our canopies. They allow you to create an attractive and weather-proof zone where pupils can mingle and interact, even in the harshest of weather conditions!
Our experts recommend: One of our curved roof canopies.
4. Improved mental & physical health by being outdoors
The impact of being in nature and overall well-being is undeniable, especially when it comes to pupils and their willingness to learn. Giving the opportunity for pupils to learn outdoors is last on our list of ways to create a positive learning environment. Not only does it expose them to fresh air and natural light, but there are plenty more ways why learning in nature could help your students.
That’s where a canopy from A&S Landscape comes in. A well-placed and well-designed canopy goes beyond aesthetics. They provide a vital space for pupils to learn and interact in, while allowing them to spend more time outdoors, where they can be exposed to vitamin D, natural light, and a more peaceful and calm environment.
Our experts recommend: A stunning shade sail.
Create a happy & positive learning environment with A&S Landscape
Hopefully, this blog has given you some tips on how to create a positive learning environment. Our canopies are the perfect solution, especially those available in unique shapes and bright colour ways. Remember, learning should feel fun and inspiring for all ages!
For nearly 50 years, we’ve helped schools up and down the country make the most of their outdoor areas. Whether that’s for extracurricular activities, outdoor classrooms, or expanding canteen space, we’ve got you covered.
Interested in one of our canopies? Then please get in touch with our expert team today!
