Feng Shui Your Classroom

By Gary Juren
Curriculum Specialist
Architecture and Construction

Is your classroom suffering from a bad case of Chi? The goal of Feng Shui (Pronounced “fung shway”) is to adjust the energy (Chi) of your surroundings, find balance and harmony, and thereby create beneficial effects in your life. Chi plays an essential role in Feng Shui—it is the moveable positive or negative energy that permeates everything around us. By understanding its rhythm, you can nourish and direct this flow of energy around you and your classroom. A carefully harmonized classroom will have a profound effect on you and your students.

The Chinese art of Feng Shui has been practiced for over 3,500 years. Only recently has our Western civilization begun to explore the influence of designing our surroundings in harmony with the principles of a natural energy flow. Increasingly, there is an interest in Feng Shui among architects, interior designers, city planners, and landscape architects. Feng Shui is very complex and is a constantly evolving body of knowledge; it is not a guaranteed fulfillment of some “fortune cookie” philosophy. It is a fascinating concept and getting started can be easy. Below are four helpful Feng Shui tips for your classroom.

·         Declutter Your Classroom

Chi needs space to move around and between all things in your classroom. Clutter restricts the flow of positive energy and can result in cluttered thinking. Clearing the clutter can be a very emotional process and can be difficult for many of us to perform. I am not talking about cleaning up for “Parents Night” by putting the clutter in filing cabinets and under your desk.  Clutter is anything you don’t use regularly, things you don’t like, things that are broken, or those items you have kept too long out of guilt and obligations. Get rid of clutter—unless it is being used as part of a current lesson plan. Minimize the visual clutter. Your students will be less distracted and will be able to focus their energy on making their learning experience more productive.

·         Arrange Proper Furniture Arrangement

The entry to your classroom must be unobstructed. Relocate any extra chairs or trash receptacles away from the entry. Leaving a clear path for the positive Chi to flow promotes clarity of thought and ideas. The teacher’s desk should be the farthest point away from the entry. Having a wall behind you will stabilize your energy and increase your focus. This location will also allow you to see everything that is coming into and going out of your classroom.  Additionally, your bookshelves should be located in the far left corner of your classroom when facing into the classroom from the entry. In Feng Shui, this promotes critical thinking and intellectual activity.

·         Reduce Florescent Lighting

Florescent lighting drains mental energy, but it is found in most classrooms. Place your Activity Center(s) near the windows—the more natural light, the better. Sunlight is a powerful manifestation of energy, and it can inspire your students. Consider bringing floor lamps into your classroom, or consider working without the florescent lights on if the classroom is sunlit.  Keeping a small task light on your desk is another method of reducing the harshness of florescent lighting. The best type of artificial indoor lighting is full spectrum lighting. This type of lamp mimics natural sunlight and is readily available in the retail market. Be sure to get your school’s approval prior to changing the florescent tubes.

·         Bring Soothing Sounds Indoors

Play classical music in the classroom whenever possible. Music can help with concentration; its steady and soothing rhythm is ideal for independent reading or class work. Simply introducing your students to the artistry of Bach or Rachmaninoff will be beneficial. Music is known to heal the body, mind, and spirit.  You can also add soothing sounds by adding a fish aquarium or a tabletop water fountain to your classroom. The term Feng Shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English. Chi is retained when encountering water. Immediately, you will discover the calming effect that comes from the tranquil sound of a waterfall. In Feng Shui, the flow of water promotes knowledge.

By creating a balanced and supportive environment, your classroom will begin to feel happier and healthier. While a space might look good without Chi, adding good Chi will make your space feel good.