Creativity and Design Thinking – Build an Inclusive Classroom

Let’s do a quick exercise. Imagine you are in your school’s classroom. Look around. Notice the blackboard, noticeboards, windows, tables and chairs. Do the windows have curtains? Are there plants? Is there a smartboard? Are all students from the front to back able to hear the teacher? Are the chairs comfortable enough? Does the current seating style help to create projects together? These are few of the many questions that aid in creating an inclusive classroom. Until age 18, we spend most of our waking hours in a classroom. Within these four walls we are taught everything. From mysteries of the universe, to our glorious past, cultures of different people and so much more. This room will quietly watch us grow into capable individuals ready to do great things. But is this classroom environment designed for learning? An inclusive classroom is designed to welcome all types of learners, lends itself to differentiated instruction and sets the stage for student success. An inclusive classroom isn’t designed just for average students. It’s designed to be universally accommodating for any student. So let's put on our creative thinking hats and create the best environment. Let's get started. Good luck!