By Lisa Lyons | US Director
They say that "looks don't matter," but do they really?
When it comes to the appearance of a classroom, whether or not the environment is attractive and welcoming really does make a difference.
Obviously a nicely decorated, colorful classroom cannot make up for poor quality of instruction or other qualitative issues. But take a look at the photos accompanying this report. Which of these classrooms would you rather spend your day in, if you were a 4-year-old - or for that matter, a teacher?
ETC encourages early education teachers to make their classrooms into appealing spaces where children want to learn. Students' artwork is featured prominently, in order to inspire pride. Colorful charts and furnishings go a long way toward making students feel both comfortable and interested in what they are there to learn - not only academic basics such as letters and numbers, but "soft" skills such as cooperation, creativity, and regular attendance.
Teachers too feel happier and have better job satisfaction in more attractive classrooms.
None of this has to be expensive, but it absolutely makes a difference. Everyone wins!
As always, we thank you - our friends and supporters - for making this important work possible.
SPECIAL NOTE: ETC is participating in GlobalGiving's Little x Little campaign, which runs between April 8th and 12th. Gifts of up to and including US$50 can be matched at 50%! Watch your inbox for further information!
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