In the world of design and project planning, collaboration is the cornerstone of success. At Kay-Twelve, we firmly believe that the most significant contribution you can make towards ensuring your project's success is to engage in a Guided Collaboration Workshop with our team. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of such workshops and how they play an integral role in our process. What's even better? It's a free resource when you work with us.
I. Project Vision:
In the early stages of any project, having a clear vision is paramount. A well-defined vision can impact a student's progress by up to 25%, either positively or negatively. At Kay-Twelve, our Guided Collaboration Workshop serves as the perfect platform to align your physical learning environment with your instructional goals.
During this workshop, we facilitate guided conversations and present various visual concepts for your consideration. Our process has consistently yielded success across numerous projects. By aligning your vision with our process, we can work together to ensure your project's success. We understand that each project is unique, and we can adapt to your timeline, helping you achieve your goals effectively and efficiently.
II. Timeline Alignment:
Timeline Alignment is a huge key to success and each project comes with its own unique timeline. That's why, during your Guided Collaboration Workshop, we go the extra mile to ensure timeline alignment. We'll highlight key milestones along our process and align our calendar with your project timeline. This flexibility ensures that your project progresses smoothly and stays on track from start to finish.
III. Budget Considerations:
Budget considerations are often a significant concern in any project, particularly in the educational sector where resources can be limited. Whether you're embarking on a new construction, a major renovation, or a simple refresh of furnishings, we can provide detailed cost estimates tailored to your project's specific needs.
Our experts will model cost estimates based on various factors, including cost per student and the percentage of the total project cost. This comprehensive approach ensures that your budget aligns with your project's scope and vision.
Our Guided Collaboration Workshop is an integral part of our Kay-Twelve process. Here's how it fits into our overall approach:
Step 1: Collaborate (24-36 Months Prior to Opening)
Step 2: Customize (6-9 Months Prior to Opening)
Step 3: Create (1-3 Months Before and After Opening)
In summary, a Guided Collaboration Workshop is a crucial step in the success of any project. It ensures alignment of vision, effective budgeting, and a clear roadmap to achieve your goals. At Kay-Twelve, we offer this invaluable resource as a part of our process, at no additional cost when you work with us. We believe that collaboration is key, and we're committed to helping you create engaging and collaborative environments for your school.
The easiest way to get started is to schedule a one-on-one consultation session with your local Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist. This initial consultation will help set the stage for your project, and from there, we'll work together to get your Guided Collaboration Workshop on the schedule with all your main key stakeholders for the project, including but not limited to:
Contact us today to initiate this collaborative journey towards creating a better learning environment for your school.
]]>Are you an educator looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and insights in the ever-evolving field of education? Lucky for you, we've put together an updated list of the top education podcasts for 2023. Whether you're a teacher, principal, administrator, or simply someone passionate about learning, these podcasts will provide you with valuable tips, strategies, and inspiration to enhance your educational journey.
Host: Kevin Stoller
The Better Learning Podcast remains a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve education across various levels, including K-12 schools, higher education, and corporate/adult learning. This podcast is all about positively impacting the current and future generations of learners by reaching a mass audience to inspire action.
New for 2023: The Better Learning Podcast continues to feature groundbreaking interviews with educational leaders, including comedian Joe Dombrowski, former NFL player Merril Hoge, and owner of the Savannah Bananas Emily Cole. Tune in for fresh insights into the world of education.
New for 2023: Join Jacob Chastain in 2023 as he continues to bring you the latest insights and inspiration from educators in today's classrooms.
Host: Justin Baeder
Principal Center Radio hosted by Dr. Justin Baeder, provides a weekly dose of instructional leadership insights. With over 250 episodes featuring thought leaders like Charlotte Danielson and John Hattie, this podcast is your comprehensive guide to the latest ideas and books in educational leadership.
New for 2023: Stay tuned for Dr. Baeder's interviews with fresh voices in educational leadership as he continues to help you build your capacity for effective school leadership.
Host: Jeff Bradbury
Jeff is the creator of The TeacherCast Educational Network, a long-standing educational podcast focusing on pedagogy. Explore topics that matter most to teachers, students, and parents with influential educators and educational technology experts.
New for 2023: The TeacherCast Podcast remains committed to bringing you the latest discussions and insights in the world of education.
Host: Jeff Gargas & Rae Hughart
The Teach Better Talk Podcast hosted by Jeff Gargas and Rae Hughart, features expert educators sharing progressive teaching tactics to reach more students. This podcast is fueled by passion and offers weekly conversations on failures, successes, and innovative strategies for educators at all levels.
New for 2023: Join Jeff and Rae as they continue to provide fresh advice and inspiration for educators worldwide.
Host: Steven Miletto
New for 2023: Steven Miletto's podcast remains a valuable resource for educators seeking inspiration and practical tips.
Host: Vicki Davis
The 10 Minute Teacher is your daily PD breakaway! In just ten minutes a day, you can become a more remarkable educator by listening to insights from some of the brightest minds in education from around the world.
New for 2023: Vicki Davis continues to bring you quick, actionable tips and ideas to enhance your teaching skills.
Host: Jethro Jones
The Transformative Principal is the longest-running and most-downloaded podcast for principals. Jethro Jones and his guests focus on providing actionable advice to help school leaders effectively manage their institutions.
New for 2023: Jethro Jones welcomes more transformative leaders to share their insights on leading schools successfully.
Host: Jennifer Gonzalez
The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast covers a wide range of teaching-related topics, including classroom strategies, educational technology, and the social dynamics of schools. Host Jennifer Gonzalez interviews educators, students, administrators, and parents to uncover the secrets of effective teaching.
New for 2023: Jennifer Gonzalez continues to offer fresh advice and perspectives on making your teaching more effective and enjoyable.
Host: Various
The EdSurge Podcast explores the intersection of technology, education, and the future of learning. It features interviews with educators, edtech innovators, and thought leaders discussing the latest trends and developments in education technology.
Host: Joe "Mr.D" Dombrowski
Comedians Joe Dombrowski (former elementary school teacher) and co-host Gaspare Randazzo (current high school teacher) discuss the chaotic life in and out of the classroom, the nuances of parenting toddlers, and pretty much all things millennial. Each episode on the Social Studies Podcast is different. Sometimes they'll bring you a Hollywood guest such as comedian Anjelah Reyes-Johnson or renowned School Psychologist Dr.Jody Carrington.
Host: Dr. Megan Sumeracki and Dr. Yana Weinstein-Jones
The Learning Scientists Podcast focuses on the science of learning and effective teaching strategies. Hosted by cognitive psychologists, it provides evidence-based techniques to help educators improve their teaching methods.
Host: Dan Kreiness
The Leader Of Learning podcast explores transformational leadership in education. It is where educators can come to find inspiration to grow their impact as instructional leaders. It is a community where educators can realize their leadership potential regardless of their position or title.
Host: Adam Peterson
The On My Way To School Podcast is with an energetic, passionate, and motivating educator Adam Peterson! From teaching kindergarten to writing books, his stories and ideas have motivated thousands of kids and teachers worldwide and he's ready for you to be the next audience member!
Host: Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast focuses on technology in education. Host Kelly Croy interviews educators, authors, and edtech leaders, providing tips and insights on integrating technology effectively into the classroom.
Host: Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson
The Classroom Collaborative Podcast is hosted by two experienced educators who share practical teaching strategies and classroom management tips. It's designed to help teachers create engaging and productive learning environments.
Host: Various
The Teaching Channel Podcast features discussions about best practices in teaching and professional development. It includes insights from educators and experts on a wide range of educational topics.
Host: Frederick D. Hess and Brandon Wright
The Education Gadfly Show, produced by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, offers insightful discussions on education policy, reform, and innovation. It's a valuable resource for educators and policymakers.
Host: Dr. Mike Doughty
The School Leadership Show Podcast focuses on leadership in education. Dr. Mike Doughty shares leadership insights and strategies for school administrators and leaders.
Host: Laura Grundler and Matt Grundler
The K-12 Art Chat Podcast is dedicated to art education. Hosted by Laura and Matt Grundler, it explores creative teaching methods, art curriculum, and the importance of art in education.
These additional podcasts cover a wide range of educational topics and can provide valuable insights and resources for educators and administrators. Adding them to your list will offer a diverse array of perspectives and expertise for your readers in 2023.
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As a school leader, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in education. Fortunately, podcasts have become a popular medium for educators to share their insights and expertise on a variety of topics related to education. Here are the top four podcasts every school leader should listen to:
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted education across the United States and changed our assumptions about what it means to go to school. When kids return to the classroom, things won’t be the same. Class Disruptive, hosted by Michael B. Horn, answers questions from parents and talks with educators and leading thinkers about how we can approach teaching and learning differently to better meet the needs of all students.
Those Who Can't Teach is a 7-part podcast series exploring why teachers are leaving education and what can be done to stop the exodus. Hosted by Charles Fournier, the podcast delves into the reasons behind teacher burnout and how schools can better support their teachers.
The Transformative Principal is hosted by Jethro Jones and focuses on how school principals can transform their schools to create an amazing experience for every student. Jones interviews principals and educational leaders who are making a real difference in the lives of their students. The podcast helps principals find the actions they need to take to transform their schools.
The Better Learning Podcast is focused on ways to improve education for children, as they are the future of our society. The podcast brings on guests who discuss different ways to improve education, and is hosted by Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. The podcast is also associated with organizations such as the Education Leaders’ Organization (ELO) and the Second Class Foundation, which are focused on improving education.
In conclusion, podcasts can be an excellent way for school leaders to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in education. The podcasts listed above are just a few examples of the many great resources available to educators. By regularly listening to these podcasts, school leaders can stay informed and inspired to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Join the live roundtable discussion about why teachers are leaving the profession on March 7th, 2023 at 2:30pm MS. We'll be recording the session to release on several podcast feeds including:
Charles Fournier: Podcast Host, Those Who Can't Teach Anymore
Michael B. Horn: Podcast Host, Class Disrupted
Jethro Jones: Podcast Host, Transformative Principal
Kevin Stoller: Podcast Host, The Better Learning Podcast
Come with your questions, experiences, and suggestions on how we can attract and keep great teachers in education! Register for the event here!
Did you know that Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the US? Not only that, but baseball has consistently remained a top 3 sport in America for the past 150 years.
It's easy to say that baseball has been a success, because it has. But there are plenty of signs that baseball needs a significant boost in popularity. Television viewership and attendance has continued to decline over the years and the average age of baseball fans are getting older year after year (the average age in 2006 was 52, and today it is up to 57 according to Market Watch).
To keep up with its competitors, the MLB has begun to experiment with rule changes in recent years like the new wildcard playoff system, the pitch timer that is going into effect next year, among some others. But in order to stay popular, baseball needs to focus on creating better fan experiences (which may mean making even more aggressive changes in the future).
But did you know that's already happening outside of the MLB world?
Emily and Jesse Cole are the owners of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team that has one goal in mind - to make the fan experience amazing. Nothing is ordinary, but everything is driven by the goal to make baseball fun and ultimately give fans the best possible experience at their ballpark.
That mindset has led to the invention of what they call Banana Ball – the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball. The game is still baseball, but without the rules and standards that fans have disliked over the years (like not allowing walks or bunts, implementing a 2-hour time limit, and even allowing fans to catch a foul ball for an out).
They call this Fans First. Reinventing the game, testing boundaries, and challenging the way things are supposed to be.
“We really have learned to work around this stigma of red tape. There is red tape in our leagues and in Major League Baseball, but we have just learned to view things as opportunities to come up with different ideas that we wouldn’t have come up with in the first place.” — Emily Cole, Savannah Bananas, on the Better Learning Podcast
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Education is facing similar challenges like Major League Baseball, but under a different light. For more than a century, most schools have stayed the same - featuring straight rows and lecture-styled learning. But think about our world today and how things are evolving so rapidly. Isn’t it concerning that the place where we are supposed to build our future generations to be ready to take on the next big challenge, stays the same year after year, decade after decade?
We need to re-imagine education to support our teachers, parents and administrators to prepare our kids to thrive in this rapidly changing world, because though they may be a small fraction of our population today, they are 100% of our future.
The Argument for More Changemakers in School Leadership
As I flashback to my time as a freshman in high school all the way up to the day I graduated, there was always one conversation that never failed to be brought up - where I was headed for college. I wound up attending The Ohio State University and loved every minute of my time there from the education that I received, to the connections that I made, and especially attending those November afternoon football games versus that team up north (hint, hint: we won both of those games I got to go to).
But as I went through college, I quickly realized that it wasn’t meant for everyone and you certainly didn’t need a college education to be successful. Some of the most brilliant people I know are already doing amazing things without stepping foot in a college classroom. And it always made me wonder, why were we all pushed to guess what major we wanted to go into rather than having programs that aligned with our individual goals, interests, or passions that we already knew we had that would help influence our next steps after graduation?
As I began to learn more, I quickly realized what I was thinking was not a new concept. Plenty of others were already working toward speaking the ideas I had into existence. These were the changemakers in education.
Now, if you aren’t familiar with the term “changemaker” yet, think of it this way.
Most people desire change in some capacity - for happiness, self-fulfillment, confidence, or peace. But not everyone takes actionable steps to make that change happen. That's where the changemakers come about - they MAKE the change become reality.
Combining their knowledge and determination, they are able to push through the failures until their dream becomes a reality, and then find ways to continue revolutionizing their dream. Changemakers are the force of social evolution and everyone should want to become one.
I recently had the opportunity to meet Laura Burke, the principal at Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy in Aurora, Colorado and a changemaker at heart. The school recently opened in the fall of 2022 and they have one goal in mind - to help their children learn how to develop and act on their ideas to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and inventors. But that’s not even the coolest part - the district recently restructured so that each magnet school in the district offers a special program that will help support different student interests and passions. So while Clara Brown has an entrepreneurial focus, Charles Burrell for example (another school in the district), focuses on visual & performing art skills for aspiring young creators and creatives who want an arts integrated-education.
“Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy is different because we live in the realm of possibility. Being an entrepreneurial focused school, we don’t focus on just traditional character traits in kids. We’re looking at an entrepreneurial skill set, that is very intentional around taking risks, around staying curious, around recognizing opportunities, critically thinking, collaborating. Those are things that no matter what our kids end up doing with their lives, they can be prepared for whatever that job is that doesn’t exist yet.” — Laura Burke, Principal at Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy |
You may be thinking this might actually deter kids that want a higher education away from it, but it actually does the opposite. It even helps those kids understand exactly what it is they want to pursue with their college education so they are not left feeling unfulfilled with the degree they obtain.
So while each and every one of us may have different ideas for what may be best for our children, we all should know that the answer isn’t “well, we have always done it this way, so that’s how it will continue to be.” As educators, we should be lifelong learners that are focused on doing what’s best for our students. Every decision we make, every effort that we put forth, our kids must be at the forefront.
The Savannah Bananas have a Fans First mentality. They don’t make decisions based on what is going to make them the most money. They make decisions based on what will make the fan experience the best in the world. That is what we should be doing for our students - creating the best possible experience for our kids so that they are left feeling prepared and nurtured for the real world after graduation.
That is the first step toward becoming a changemaker.
Are you ready to get started on your upcoming school furniture project? We want to help you avoid these 3 major issues that affect school administrators today and want to take the first step with you! Schedule a free collaboration session with a local Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist today so that we can help you select the perfect furniture for your environment! After our collaboration session, we will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you don't have to worry about the stresses that come with ordering school furniture!
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]]>“We now know only 15% of students learn best in a lecture setting,” says Kevin Stoller, CEO and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve. “The other 85% of students learn in other, more engaging ways.”
According to Ed Market, the industry association for school furniture, the past 10 years has seen a drastic change in the way schools look. However, if you ask any adult to describe what a classroom looks like, it is the same as what they remember when they were in school or what they see in movies or TV shows about school.
“It’s pretty amazing to see what schools can look like now. Typically there will be several options for students to learn the way they learn best. It can be in soft seating options, wobble stools, standing desks, or even a comfortable space on the floor.” says Stoller, author of Creating Better Learning Environments.
That is why his company took a hard line stance on what they will offer to the schools they serve. Kay-Twelve announced they will no longer sell the dreaded chair & desk combo. “We know those chair/desk combos are bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable for students. Once they are set up in straight rows, they’ll stay that way for years. In an era where we value collaboration and communication skills, they are now obsolete” says Stoller.
The move is likened to a decision CVS Pharmacy made several years back when they decided to stop selling tobacco. They claimed to be a healthcare company, so it just didn’t make sense to sell harmful items like cigarettes. Kay-Twelve views it similarly. “We can’t claim our mission is to improve education and then continue to sell these harmful products that keep kids from becoming engaged in school.”
If you’d like to learn more about the research behind the impact space has on learning outcomes, please visit www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Are you ready to get started on your upcoming school furniture project? We want to help you avoid these 3 major issues that affect school administrators today and want to take the first step with you! Schedule a free collaboration session with a local Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist today so that we can help you select the perfect furniture for your environment! After our collaboration session, we will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you don't have to worry about the stresses that come with ordering school furniture!
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There is 75% retention of what is heard in a 30-40 minute lecture for auditory learners. However, surveys have shown that only 15% of learners identify strongly as auditory learners! That means the historical classroom is not reaching the other 85% of students. That has raised some questions like is there a better way to address various learning styles in one room in order to best reach the most students? Or instead of the individual fitting the system, can the system fit the individual?
The answer to both of these questions is YES! According to Corgan Architects in Dallas, Texas, over half of teachers in America don't feel supported and 25% consider leaving the profession. Keep in mind that's before the challenges they had to go through with COVID for the last couple of years.
Here are some other findings that Corgan was able to find:
68% - if they were to look for a job at another school, the design of the school and the classroom would be a factor in their decision.
25% - having a classroom or learning environments that are limiting is a main source of stress for them - on par with pressure from administration and lack of support from school leadership.
85% - want more flexibility in their learning environment.
98% - having a well-designed classroom makes teaching more enjoyable.
Want to learn more about how you can help end the average? Schedule to have a conversation with your local Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist so that we can help you be part of the change!
]]>24-36 Months Prior To Completion Date
Yes, you may think it is crazy, but in an ideal world you will begin the initial planning phase early to ensure that your project is completed the right way. At this point, you will begin laying the ground work and identifying what members of your staff you would like to bring on to help you complete your project. This team could include a number of different individuals who have different backgrounds including curriculum, operations, technology, administration, teachers, and even students! Creating a diverse team will ensure that everyone in your community is happy with the solutions because this will ultimately be within the school for the next 20-30 years!
12-24 Months Prior To Completion Date
Here is where the project starts to heat up. Once you close in on the 12 month mark before your project will be complete is when you should be taking significant strides on your project.
Within this time frame, you should have completed an internal guided workshop where your team and contributors can submit thoughts and opinions. This workshop can also include external contributors like vendor partners, manufacturer figure-heads, and/or other individuals that you think can provide valuable feedback. This workshop will lay the foundation on ensuring that your new furniture will align with the vision of the final space.
After that, you will want to begin seeking a partner that can provide you with initial plans, drawings, and budgetary pricing options. This will allow you time to evaluate the options by setting up times to visit existing schools or pilot spaces in-person or virtually before committing to any solutions.
9-12 Months Prior To Completion Date
Once you are within a year of completion, you should be reviewing and revising any initial plans that you have on hand. This will allow you to get feedback from your team, the school board, or even outside community members.
6-9 Months Prior To Completion Date
Before getting within 6 months of the project you want to make sure all of the details including quantities, colors, and fabrics are finalized. By doing so at this point, you can be sure that your products will deliver on-time and can be setup well before your school opens back up.
3-6 Months Prior To Completion Date
As you close in on the 3 month mark, your order should be placed and the furniture should be in production. Any project managers that you have hired should be constant contact with you with updates and should have any install dates scheduled if necessary.
60-90 Days Prior To Completion Date
This time should be used for the vendor and/or manufacturer partners to provide your team with updates on your order. Firm shipping dates should be finalized and an install schedule should be sent over to the project leaders on your team. Pre-installation walk-throughs should also be complete at this time with an outside project manager and lead installer.
30 Days Prior To Completion Date
At this point, all products should be delivered and any necessary installations should be complete. This time should also be used for any internal or external inspections of your new/renovated spaces along with any staff training on the furniture that has been setup.
Opening Day!
The time has come! Your students and staff members will be able to reap the benefits of their better learning environment! In some cases, vendor partners or manufacturers will follow up with additional training and provide you with images and videos of your new environments! These could be amazing pieces to share with your community and outside news sources to highlight all of the work that you have done!
Want to learn more about the perfect timeline or ready to take the first step in creating your better learning environment? Schedule a free collaboration session with a Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist today! We would love to talk to you more about this proven timeline and take the first steps with you as you begin your journey!
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Obviously things like comfort, price, and look are important factors to consider - but do you know what the top 3 mistakes are when administrators are tasked with getting new furniture? In this article, we will highlight these three mistakes and provide you with solutions to help you get through your next project!
1. Using Outdated Solutions
The standard lecture style teaching is in the past. 21st century learning, or active learning, provides students and teachers with what they need to meet today’s demands, especially with STEAM subjects.
A 21st century classroom should foster both solitary and communal work. The furniture and tools within the room should be mobile in order to encourage easy transitions between different styles of teaching and learning. With mobile classroom chairs and desks, students can collaborate and form groups and then quickly switch to independent work when needed. Unfortunately, many districts still purchase the same old furniture that is proven to be less effective than the 21st Century solutions.
In order to avoid this mistake, it is important to do the research on what is best to include in your school or partner with a vendor that has done the research for you! When doing so, you can be certain that your environment will be setup for success for the next 20-30 years!
2. Lack of Feedback
Identifying the team involved with your school furniture project is a very important step to making sure that you are meeting the vision of your district and staff members. Your project staff can include anyone from different areas like curriculum, operations, technology, administrators, teachers, or even students! Putting together a diverse team will make sure that you are hitting the needs of everyone that will be using the furniture and equipment on a day-to-day basis.
When you get together a team to tackle the school furniture project, it also helps divide up the responsibilities so that one person doesn't have to feel stressed about handling all of the tasks. This will also give you another set of eyes to review pricing options and initial drawings once you get your project up and off the ground.
3. Waiting Too Long
It's human nature to procrastinate. Whether you are afraid of failing at the task at hand, overwhelmed by other things that fill up your day-to-day life, or just simply think that you have "plenty of time", it is indeed a major habit that many of us take on. However, waiting until the last minute to order your school furniture can be devastating to you and your project.
For starters, it takes time to work through the first two steps. Making sure that your new furniture matches the vision and mission of your school is very important so that your students and staff members feel completely supported. Then defining your staff roles in the process is necessary so that you get adequate feedback before making final decisions. Take a look at our timeline to give you an idea of what the process should look like and when is a good time to start taking the first steps.
Are you ready to get started on your upcoming school furniture project? We want to help you avoid these 3 major issues that affect school administrators today and want to take the first step with you! Schedule a free collaboration session with a local Kay-Twelve Educational Design Specialist today so that we can help you select the perfect furniture for your environment! After our collaboration session, we will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you don't have to worry about the stresses that come with ordering school furniture!
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So now that we are preparing for a new school year with restrictions and guidelines being lifted, what can we expect this upcoming school year to look like? There are a couple of things that we can expect schools to focus on to ensure that our kids are getting back to the proven methods of 21st Century Learning that had been taking the world by storm before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schools are the perfect place to support the social and emotional well-being of the younger generation. Schools can offer resources and opportunities that can help develop many skills to not only help improve academic outcomes but also provide a better and healthier life for kids. There are a variety of different tactics that school leaders can use, but here are a few initiatives that some schools across the country are already implementing:
Perhaps one of the biggest "wins" during the pandemic was technology. We saw software platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom Video Communications, Panopto, Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, and others thrive during the 2020-2021 past school year as administrators and teachers were left scrambling for a solution to conduct at-home learning. While these platforms should still hold some value in the learning experience for children, it is also very important that we get back to what was working - collaborative learning!
A 21st century classroom should foster both solitary and communal work. The furniture and tools within the room should be mobile in order to encourage easy transitions between different styles of teaching and learning. With mobile classroom chairs and desks, students can collaborate and form groups and then quickly switch to independent work when needed. The main objective is to create a learning environment in which each student can actively participate in their own preferred learning style because students are no longer passive recipients of knowledge like traditional lecture-style learning environments promoted.
Now that restrictions and guidelines are being lifted around the country, it is important that we begin to get our classrooms looking like how they did in 2019. Lecture style seating with minimal opportunities for collaboration are detrimental to a students ability to learn. Here are some images of some classroom spaces for 2021 - a baseline for what our schools should look like this fall!
Whether you’re updating your classroom, office, library, STEM space, computer lab or starting a Makerspace, revamp your learning environment with design services from Kay-Twelve. Our design experts will help you find that perfect learning environment. Just book a call with one of our experts to get you started in the right direction!
]]>One of the most overwhelming parts of a major school project is creating the cafeteria space. How do I know what is the right tables for my school? How do I gauge the maximum number of students I will need to support at one time? What else will the cafeteria space be used for (i.e. study hall, work studies, etc.)? The answers to these questions can dramatically affect the type of tables you can choose from when working on your upcoming project. With that said, here are the top 5 factors school leaders consider when deciding which type of cafeteria furniture they will implement into their school.
Cafeteria spaces can sometimes be one of the most spacious environments in the entire school. That is why it is very important to include mobile tables and chairs in the space so that the cafeteria can be dynamic. Do you need your cafeteria to turn into a dance floor for your annual homecoming festivities? Make sure your furniture can be folded up and stored away so that it doesn't take up too much space. Do you need your cafeteria to be turned into an extra learning space at the end of the day? Make sure the products are mobile so that you don't spend half your time trying to move all of the furniture around into a collaborative environment. As you may know, food service spaces are starting to become extensions of the classroom because they present an opportunity for social interaction that promotes collaborative learning while grabbing a bite to eat!
According to the Center for Ecoliteracy, a single student eats over 4,000 school lunches from kindergarten to end of high school! Since this space is used so much for the typical student, many educators are trying to ensure that lunchrooms are comfortable and enjoyable. After all, this space should allow for refueling, socializing, and relaxation.
With that said, many cafeteria solutions are moving away from the classic bench style (that allows for the most seating) to more single style seating options that help avoid issues like space invasion. With making a comfortable environment, many schools are seeing students escape to their lunchroom after school as a place to study or work on assignments. Thinking of ways to make your cafeteria space become an extension of a classroom should be a top priority.
Other than student effectiveness, the first thing that educators think about when buying school furniture is durability. We know that the last thing you will want to do after completing a large project is turning around and doing it again a few years later - even if you have the resources to do so! Having said that, school cafeteria spaces will in most cases receive the most "use and abuse" over their lifetimes, so it is vital that durable solutions are chosen. It is also important to consider choosing easy-to-clean surfaces so that minimal time and effort is spent cleaning after a school day. Laminate, steel, and vinyl materials are typically used in the creation of cafeteria solutions, but doing some extra research on proven products is essential in choosing the right solutions for you and your school.
No matter how you choose what colors you would like to use throughout your school, it is important to let the colors define the space's identity! Colors in the school environment should help maximize information retention, stimulate participation, and boost active learning. But knowing what colors are best to achieve these results can be somewhat difficult to define. That is why we want to share some information from our partner MooreCo on what colors are best to achieve certain results.
Your students deserve school environments that understand them, challenges them, and supports their unique learning styles. Our team at Kay-Twelve has roots in education - we're former teachers, administrators, and parents who understand the challenges you face in making your school the best it can be. With that said, we want to help you come up with the perfect solution for your school - whether that be your entire school or just the cafeteria itself. Schedule a free collaboration session with us today so that you can give your students the tools they need for success.
Wow, shocker there. Even though more than 237 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed in the United States, we are still seeing long-lasting issues that are impacting students social and emotional needs. This negative impact is causing relentless pressure on school leaders, and unfortunately it doesn't seem like the chaos will end soon.
School leaders across the country are put into no-win situations, considering the strict guidelines they are forced to follow from COVID-19 (not to mention these procedures and protocols can and are changing overnight). Incorporating plexi-glass screens has only put more fuel on the fire when talking about the negative social and emotional impact that students are experiencing. Before COVID, collaborative learning was rising drastically because of studies proving the following benefits that students were experiencing:
Now, plexi-glass screens and other personal protective equipment (PPE) featured in part to COVID-19 have created setbacks in 21st Century Learning. Not only does it decrease the benefits that we once saw in collaborative learning, it is also asking more from school leaders personally and professionally. The sooner schools get back to collaborative and engaging learning environments, the sooner some of the weight can be lifted off of school administrators.
Majority of the time, school districts know when their facilities need updated. It is no secret that school construction or renovation projects can have profound affects on student lives and create more engaging learning environments. So why does it seem like some school struggle with creating better learning environments for their students?
Money. School administrators can easily identify their facility needs and work with design experts to create innovative solutions. The problem is, if a school does not have the funds available to transform their visions into reality, their students will be stuck in the old traditional format learning in ways that have been proven inefficient.
In order to help gain momentum on large school renovation or construction projects, it is a good idea to invite all the stakeholders in the community to take part in the discussion. When they are able to see the need for improvement and provide direct input into the conversation, it will be much more likely to win over their vote into creating better learning environments for the students when it comes to seeking approval at the ballot box.
Another way to resolve funding issues when your school needs improvements is by seeking out school grants. By applying for a grant, you are giving your community the opportunity to receive:
There is no reason not to try for a school grant when funding is an issue. Many times these grants will be left untouched - leaving plenty of opportunity for improvement on the table. Kay-Twelve understands that it can take hours to search all of the different grants that are available - and that is why we have done the research for you and listed many different opportunities in our blog article School Grants To Fund Your Learning Environments. If you would like to get our help in finding some grant opportunities just for you, start by booking your free collaboration session today!
School administrators across the country have also been forced to redevelop their operational strategy for safety and security measures in recent years. Creating safe and welcoming learning environments is critical in preparing our youth to achieve their highest potential in and after school. In this section, we have created a framework to help school administrators solve the issue of providing a safe and successful environment for their students and staff.
With the United States youth population growing each and every year, there is no doubt a concern on the teacher to student ratio. Current studies are finding that smaller class sizes are improving students abilities to learn, but school administrators are struggling to find and keep the staff around. Current studies are finding that offering current teachers long-term incentives could reduce the number of replacements needed each and every year (creating less stress on training new staff every summer). Other obvious incentives such as increased salaries and benefits can go a long way in keeping staff around, but all in all fully supporting your staff and hearing their needs out can go a long way in keeping them around!
Not only is it hard to keep teachers around from year to year, it is also estimated that the annual turnover rate for school administrators is between 14 and 16 percent. The mean tenure for most administrators is only six year! In discussions with school leaders, this is a major concern. Similar to the teacher shortage, there is a shortage of qualified principals and administrators. The cost to the districts is enormous. Districts can spend about $75,000 to prepare, hire, and place a new leader into the position.
So why is the turnover so high for school administrators as well? The pressure for these roles is enormous. In many cases, they are struggling and need help. In other industries, peer networks have been utilized for years to provide a confidential outlet to learn from others' experiences. They learn new ideas, get inspired, and have a personal support structure to thrive in the position professionally and personally. One tremendous resource for these school administrators is the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO). If you are a school administrator and are struggling, consider joining ELO - an organization that helps you achieve your full potential in your career and personal life through life-enhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning. Not only does it follow a proven method for peer networks, it is also the ONLY peer-to-peer network exclusively for school leaders!
The final issue that we will cover is the stress that comes with school renovations and constructions. If you ask a panel of school leaders the following questions, it is not hard to tell that all of them would answer yes:
So why are school renovation and construction projects high on the list of current issues constantly impacting school administrators. Well, as we covered earlier, funding is certainly an issue in some cases. But more so than that, the stress that comes along with a large project like this is normally what makes school administrators nervous about taking on something like this. But luckily, the days of stressing and feeling overwhelmed by a large project like this are behind us. By partnering with Kay-Twelve, the industry-leading school furniture guide, you won't have to worry about the complications and headaches that come along with large projects.
Kay-Twelve's mission is to help educational leaders transform their ineffective learning environments into innovative and collaborative spaces by providing furniture that encourages greater partnership among students, more student/teacher engagement, and a fully collaborative setting for learning to happen. The best part is - you will attend you a collaboration session where you can provide your ideas and thoughts on what you would like to see in the project and then Kay-Twelve will do the rest. After your collaboration session, the Kay-Twelve team will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you can focus as much or as little on the project as you would like!
There process is broken down into three simple steps to completion. Don't believe us? Schedule your free collaboration session today where an expert will get a better understanding of the project and create the perfect plan just for you!
]]>What was once considered at home play toys, has now entered the realm of the 21st century classroom. Used within the classroom, toy building bricks have offered both educators and students the ability to experience hands on learning while challenging users in problem solving, innovation and logical/critical thinking skills. Offered in both solid color and Map themes our LEGO® compatible SLABs provide a solid, dependable base for the biggest and best projects you can imagine.
Our educational SLAB baseplates provide the foundation for a different kind of lesson plan. From our large scale map SLABS, interactive STEM lessons, and fully custom graphics, SLABS help teachers and students engage in practical, active learning in classrooms all over the world.
SLABs truly give you a classroom to dream about. They serve as an excellent base for STEM/STEAM based curriculums. Our SLAB walls help students develop creative building skills, enhance problem-solving techniques and encourage teamwork. Use in the Makerspace, Art, Math or Science Rooms. The
possibilities are endless.
The SLAB is precision engineered to be compatible with the entire LEGO® system and DUPLO® bricks. Our SLABs are made thicker than any other baseplates, with molded ridges and tight nodes. Backed with MDF board, our SLABS stay rigid and strong. And all SLABs are manufactured in the USA.
Slab Dream Lab SLABs have been tested and certified to meet strict standards, including Formaldehyde Emissions and Lead Paint Regulations.
The Slab Dream Lab baseplate system begins with a single MDF mounted 24”x48” SLAB. With our proprietary Dream-Tite tongue and groove interconnecting system.
Additional SLABs can be used to create an expanded wall with a flush and seamless fit. With additional SLABs, you can easily create walls of 4’x6’, 4’x8’ or even greater.
No problem. Our 2’x4’ SLABs work just as well at home as in the classroom. On the wall, on the floor, or on a table, versatility is key with a SLAB. So break out that old bin of toy bricks and let the students’ creativity and imagination grow. In conjunction with our available educator created lesson plans, students can enjoy the same classroom instruction all from the comfort of home.
“Learning about the water cycle and labeling a worksheet is one thing, but when a student can physically build a model of what the water cycle looks like, it really sticks with them and makes their learning more impactful”
Daniel Holman
LEGO® Lab Instructor
Beaufort, South Carolina
“All of our students K-5 enjoy spending time in our LEG® room thanks to Slab Dream Lab! It provides both a creative and team building outlet for small groups and whole classes. Whether they are tackling STEM projects or challenging themselves, the interactive wall offers a huge canvas of possibilities.”
Jessie Mougette
Learning Commons Ranch View Elementary
Are you ready to begin creating your own SLAB Dream Lab? Schedule a free collaboration session with us today so we can begin the process together! Before you know it, your students will have another avenue to continue building their own creative building skills and enhanced problem-solving techniques.
]]>Playground budgets can range from $20,000 to more than $1,000,000. It helps to establish at least a range or a goal to work toward. Your budget will help us determine if you should pursue a custom-designed PBD playground or manufactured playground. It’s important to establish this prior to Design Day so your PBD designer can prepare accordingly for the Design Day event.
An action-packed day that begins with our designer visiting the site, interviewing children, drawing a schematic design, and ending with an evening public celebration to unveil the playground design to the whole community and/or school.
Here is what we'll need to know:
The playground planning process is best executed with a playground committee. The process works best when individuals come from a variety of professions and age ranges. Reach out to different members in the school to form the committee. Responsibilities include volunteer recruitment, fundraising, public relations, tools, materials, food, childcare, site coordinator, special needs, and art & special features (if applicable for community-build process, discuss with PBD). You can begin the process without all of these, just having a core group with fundraising, public relations, and possibly special needs is a great place to start.
Call the local newspaper, radio and TV stations. Maybe even start a website or Facebook page. We have examples—give us a call if you would like to see some other successful sites. Let the community know that you are going to build a new playground. Include all community members. You will be surprised at how many people want to help or even donate!
The evening before, PBD’s designer meets with your committee over dinner to get to know each other, discuss the process, and review the design objective. The next morning, the designer will interview the children for their dream playground ideas, then they will create a schematic design of the playground that day. In the evening, there is a public unveiling of the design to the parents, children, and community members.
As with any special event, it is essential to have a plan (and a camera!). The following outline will help ensure your Design Day’s success.
Get the word out! Public relations are key. Publish an announcement in the paper of your plan to build a playground. Include a brief description of the unique community-built process that will achieve it. Include the projected Design Day date, describing the magic that will happen on that special day: a playground design imagined by the children.
Please note that it is critically important to notify the local media—newspapers, TV, radio—and invite them to cover various aspects of the Design Day.
Have children make drawings, collages, or murals of their dream playground. Our designer will review these drawings the night before Design Day. They can line the hallways or go up on the walls of the evening meeting room.
Remember, Design Day is an educational event, showing children how the design process works, as well as getting the community to understand the objective of your project goal. A special effort should be made to ensure that moms and dads and other “important” people show up to the evening meeting! They’ll see the kids’ involvement, learn about the new design and the process, and pick up the spirit of the day and the vision of their future playground. Seize this opportunity to garner volunteer support for the various committees that will make your project a success.
This is an example of a typical action-packed Design Day schedule, review this with your designer, some of the times can change if needed:
Evening Before Design Day:
5:00-6:00 pm. | Site meeting (meet at the site with any committee members / maintenance person, parks person) |
6:00-7:30 p.m. | Committee Meeting (anyone interested in being a part of the steering committee – no kids) |
Design Day:
7:30-8:00 am. | Breakfast at Hotel |
8:15-10:15 a.m. | Children’s interviews (Meetings are 13 minutes each with 2 minutes for transition) generally with 2 classrooms combined in one room (40 to 50 children per interview). |
8:30-8:45 - 3rd grade 8:45-9:00 - 2nd grade 9:00-9:15 - kindergarten 9:15-9:30 - kindergarten 9:30-9:45 - 1st grade 9:45-10:00 - 4th grade 10:00-10:15 - 5th grade |
10:30-6:30 p.m. | Our designer draws in a quiet room and finishes the preliminary schematic design. The public meeting room is decorated at this time in preparation for the kids/parents public evening meeting (the unveiling). |
3:00-6:00 p.m. | Committee members and volunteers put up kids’ drawings, decorate, and set up for the Celebration |
6:30-8:00 p.m. | Community Celebration! 6:30-6:35pm - Introduction by General Coordinator 6:35-6:50pm - Kids performance 6:50-7:30pm - Designer shows power point, describes process, and unveils new design 7:30-8:00pm - Cookies and socializing |
Need To Have:
So, there you have it! Design Day serves as a rocket launch pad for the very exciting journey that will culminate in a one-of-a-kind custom playground, imagined by the kids and built by the community in a barn-raising style event!
Are you ready to experience your very own design day? Schedule a free collaboration session with us so we can begin the process together! Before you know it, you will be unveiling the playground design that your community and/or school choose and designed yourself!
Why is this important?
Well for starters, this is bound to create a shortage of qualified administrators across the country. Not only that, but the cost to rehire new administrators can cost the district right around $75,000 to prepare, hire, and place a new leader into their new position. Any school administrator can tell you that this extra money could and should be put back into the school in other ways such as technology, safety, or furniture upgrades within the district. That is why we are here to share with you the #1 way to prevent school leadership burnout and reduce the pressure for the role of the Superintendent. They are struggling and need help.
In other industries, peer networks have been utilized for years to provide a confidential outlet to learn from others' experiences. They learn new ideas, get inspired, and have a personal support structure to thrive in the position professionally and personally.
For Superintendents, it is difficult to have outlets to talk through the unique challenges that they face everyday. Few people have the experience of the demands from the Board, parents, staff, & the local media - plus have a personal life. At the same time, they thrive on the impact they can make for their community. Having a peer network similar to other industries can allow Superintendents to have a healthy outlet to help them navigate the tough times and celebrate the good times that are key to fulfilling their life.
This is why peer networks have been around for decades in other industries from business, politics, and professional athletes. Utilizing a proven process that facilitates experience sharing versus advice giving is the key tenet to a functioning peer group. When everyone has the same foundation, the peer network helps you rise beyond your current capabilities.
In order to help support your school and their administrators, we encourage you to nominate your local Superintendent to the world's only peer-to-peer network exclusively for School Superintendents called the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO). This organization will help them achieve their full potential in their career and personal life through the life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning that they will have over time.
Imagine if you had a way to hear how others have dealt with similar situations and for you to contribute experiences. The Education Leaders' Organization provides you with an exclusive group of 6-10 peers that become your personal advisory group. With a firm foundation of sharing experiences, not advice, you can have a confidential outlet to help you focus on your true goals in life. The ELO experience also offers a format where the complex intersections between your professional life, personal life and community engagement can all be addressed head-on, so that you can achieve fulfillment in all of your endeavors.
So, if you are you hitting a wall and don't know what to do next, just starting your role as School Superintendent and trying to establish your voice, or even worried what your legacy will be, consider joining Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) by filling out the brief application.
Supporting our mission to impact the lives of 10,000,000 students, Kay-Twelve has partnered with the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) filled with the world’s most influential community of School Superintendents. Kay-Twelve's mission is to help schools create better learning environments and help educational leaders move their schools from ineffective to truly innovative. In order to help reach our goal of impacting 10,000,000 students, we believe that ELO can help provide School Administrators a way to help get the most out of their school by providing an outlet where the complex intersections between their professional life, personal life and community engagement can all be addressed head-on, so that they can focus on doing what they do best - being an instructional leader to their district!
Want to learn more about the Kay-Twelve Experience? Start a conversation with your local Educational Design Specialist where they will walk you through our main mission and goals for learning environments across the country! Our team is always passionate and excited to talk about different ways in which we can create amazing learning environments for you and your students.
]]>While the first semester was no doubt stressful, scary, and tough, many educators have said it has been disorganized. While trying to constantly adapt and reestablish consistency, many educators have found that it is even tougher to stay organized throughout the fall semester. In order to regain that organization throughout your space, browse some of these amazing tools that could easily make a significant difference for the second half of the school year.
Whitney Brothers Fold and Roll Cabinet |
Whitney Brothers Four Section Coat Locker |
Whitney Brothers Nine Tray Storage Cabinet |
Whitney Brothers Storage Cabinet with 25 Trays |
Balt VEX Robotics Storage Cart |
Luxor AV Cart with Electrical Assembly |
Jonti-Craft STEAM Multimedia Cart |
Haskell Tall Storage with 8 Shelves and 24 Tote Trays |
As schools begin to see classrooms fill back up in the near future, it will be important to protect your students and staff. Even if your school was conducting a hybrid learning model, you will soon begin to see more and more students come back and it will be important that your space is ready! One of the best ways you can do so is by including these hand-selected products that can help you have in-person learning safely while you can focus on what matters most - teaching your students!
Jonti-Craft Portable Hand Washing Station |
MooreCo Clear Mobile Whiteboard |
Diversified Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Unit |
Marsh School Safety Shields |
With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. If your school is filled with disengaged students sitting on outdated furniture and kids who are longing for a way to feel involved and engaged, we want to help.
Kay-Twelve provides you with customized planning, support, and implementation so you can focus on impacting your students. Let our team of experts in learning environments build a custom plan based on your unique goals, that takes your school from outdated to innovative.
Schedule a free consultation with a learning environments expert and you will receive a customized game plan that will best serve you and your students! You will also have the opportunity to receive special pricing after attending your 30-minute appointment!
]]>The physical environment of a class or school is extremely important and often overlooked. Batsheva Frankel is the host, writer, and producer of the Overthrowing Education podcast and tackles this issue in her latest episode. The show began with conversations surrounding what works and what needs to be changed in education and is all about creating discussions involving everyone who cares about education. The latest exchange on how to improve involves different ways to enhance student engagement and provide true equity by focusing on the design of the classroom. Kevin Stoller joins the conversation and gives lots of tips for educators even with no budgets, and in an interview update, talks about what to do now, and why there are better options than plexiglass.
How The Physical Environment Can Enhance The Entire Experience
Currently, most classroom spaces have a ton of distraction that can take away from students ability to learn effectively. The idea of "decorating" classrooms is more for the teacher and how they would like their classroom culture to be perceived. But as educators begin putting themselves in the shoes of the student, more and more teachers are finding that it is an added distraction then anything else.
Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of the book Creating Better Learning Environments, explained a terrific starting point on how to enhance the learning environment with absolutely no cost involved. "The best place to start is literally pull everything out of there. One, it's going to immediately change what the students perception is of the space. Students still have this idea that they have to raise there hand, they can't speak unless they are called on, there are only certain places in the classroom that they can go, and if you start with something that just shocks them, that is a really good place to start. Students will then begin to figure out how they learn best whether that is sitting on the floor, standing up, or some other personal techniques."
Listen in to more of the tips that Batsheva and Kevin give throughout the episode! You will find out more ways to create better and sustainable learning environments for your space.
Want To Learn More About Kay-Twelve?
With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. If your school is filled with disengaged students sitting on outdated furniture and kids who are longing for a way to feel involved and engaged, we want to help.
Kay-Twelve provides you with customized planning, support, and implementation so you can focus on impacting your students. Let our team of experts in learning environments build a custom plan based on your unique goals, that takes your school from outdated to innovative.
Schedule a free consultation with a learning environments expert and you will receive a customized game plan that will best serve you and your students! You will also have the opportunity to receive special pricing after attending your 30-minute appointment!
]]>The standard lecture style teaching is in the past. 21st century learning, or active learning, provides students and teachers with what they need to meet today’s demands, especially with STEAM subjects.
A 21st century classroom should foster both solitary and communal work. The furniture and tools within the room should be mobile in order to encourage easy transitions between different styles of teaching and learning. With mobile classroom chairs and desks, students can collaborate and form groups and then quickly switch to independent work when needed.
Across the country, kids and teachers are disconnected and disengaged, especially in the art room! The school spaces that they come to every day just aren't equipped to serve students' individual learning styles. That is why we believe YOU deserve a better learning environment.
Let's stop leaving our teachers and students feeling disconnected from their work and from each other. With a collaborative classroom built by Kay-Twelve, your school can go from being ineffective to innovative in a short period of time! The best part is, our experts in learning environments will build a custom plan based on your unique goals and will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you can focus on impacting your students. To learn more about what a successful learning environment should look like, read our 6 step guide to creating your new learning environment.
With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. If your school is filled with disengaged students sitting on outdated furniture and kids who are longing for a way to feel involved and engaged, we want to help. Start by booking a free consultation today!
A classrooms physical environment sets the foundation to a successful 21st century active school space. That is why every educator strives to have a thoughtfully designed classroom because that is the key to meeting every students individual learning needs. The main question that educators are left wondering is what does this inclusive learning environment look like what are the steps I need to take to get us there? Well, we are here today to provide you with 3 simple steps to help you reach your goals.
It's estimated that 85% of the jobs that kids currently in kindergarten will do as adults don't even exist yet! We don't know what the future holds, but we know they'll need to...
That is why it is important that school leaders and teachers are confident that their school is equipped to equip the students. One of the easiest ways to do this is to rethink your classroom furniture arrangement to ensure that it effectively supports all of the unique learning styles that you may see in a classroom at any given time.
Here, we will provide you with 10 simple steps to make sure that your space is supporting the whole child.
Special Tip #1: Setup your furniture to facilitate quick and easy movement
In recent past, studies have shown that high efficiency in the classroom is highly correlated with increased movement throughout the day. In the past, many would not believe that this standpoint is correct. That is why the traditional classroom had been relevant for far too long. But now with the research that has been conducted, we can honestly say that movement while learning is one of the most important aspects that you can bring to your classroom.
So now you may be asking, what kind of benefits are schools currently reaping from transitioning into a more modern, active classroom environment. The simple answer is A LOT! But to be more transparent, movement can support stress relief, higher self-esteem levels, increased communication and listening skills, as well as improved self-disciplined levels. All you have to do is setup your physical environment to easily facilitate quick movement to all parts of the instructional space. This will not only allow them to collaborate with classmates, but this will also ensure that all of your students are accessible to you throughout the school day.
If you have the ability to upgrade your space with the new and improved All-In-One seating options, we have just the product for you. These seating options will serve as a teaching assistant as they cater to activities such as problem-solving, group discussions and quiet study.
Special Tip #2: Create space for small-group lessons and workshops
As we mentioned earlier, it is very important that schools teach the 3 main skills of collaboration, adaptability, and problem solving. The use of small-group learning sessions helps build these main skills through critical thinking, teamwork, self-directed tactics, communication, and peer-to-peer interaction. While all of these enhancements are done during these workshops, student interest and engagement tends to increase because their involvement is much more than in a traditional classroom where the teacher moderates and regulates the flow of knowledge and information.
Not only that, but small group interaction provides students with an opportunity to practice and master these important skills and key concepts so that they are not just cramming information before an exam. In the long-term, you will see student performance and engagement increase due to the higher level of involvement that they are receiving each and every day.
Again, if you have the ability to upgrade your classroom now or in the future, we recommend adopting a configurable classroom system. This system is specifically designed for supporting a variety of learning modes to promote interaction in the classroom. Numerous group configurations can be created or can even be sued for individual work when necessary as casters can be added to make configurations faster and easier! When creating this configurable system, it is also important to keep ergonomics in mind as colorful and flexible solutions help focus and motivate young minds.
Special Tip #3: Use a STEM/STEAM approach
To meet the needs of a 21st Century Learning Environment, STEM or STEAM was created. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. It is an approach to learning by guiding students to use critical thinking skills, engage in experiments and problem solve with the resources that they have.
The goal of a STEM/STEAM approach is to inspire students to investigate, inquire, and think in teams. No matter what job a young student may have in the future, these skills are very important to our future workforce. In order to successfully adopt a STEM/STEAM approach, the first two tips must be in place because this type of classroom will be adaptable, flexible, mobile and ergonomic. The key addition that must be made is adding technology because connectivity is key in a STEM/STEAM classroom. This is because the basis of this approach surrounds the idea of instantly having he ability to connect with the internet and the resources that come with it.
If you don't know where to start with such an approach, we would be happy to have an initial conversation where will will provide you with FREE 3D renderings of YOUR space so that you can see exactly what your learning space will look like once the approach has been adopted. In order to do so, you can schedule your FREE consultation today and we will give you a call to discuss your learning environment(s), needs and the learning outcomes you want for your students before putting together your customized game plan.
Do you want to create learning environments that...
If you answered "yes" to any of these, then adopting our three tips that we have offered is right for your school! With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. No matter if you are looking to purchase new furniture or use your current furniture, we want to help through our free consultation service. All you have to do is sign up for a time to speak with us and we will do all of the work for you so that you are operating under our three tips successfully. It is important to know that the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn!
So, if your school is filled with disengaged students sitting on outdated furniture and kids who are longing for a way to feel involved and engaged, we want to help. Our team of experts in learning environments will build a custom plan based off of your unique goals, that will take your school from outdated to innovative. Create a place where your students and teachers love to be by adopting our three tips and booking your free consultation today!
If you aren't ready to start creating your amazing learning environment, that's okay! You can still receive updates, educational resources, and special offers directly to your email inbox by signing up to our newsletter. We only send out important information to you so that you can create environments that your students can thrive in. Sign up at the bottom of this page!
]]>Collaborative art projects bring out new perspectives from a child's mind that teachers may not otherwise get. More and more information available today shows just how crucial arts integration is to creating well-prepared and well-rounded leaders and learners. That is why so many educators are asking the question: "Why are art classes being cut from the curriculum?"
Some will insist that the movement is to provide more time for teachers and students to prepare for standardized tests. But many studies are finding that students are missing out on key developments such as creativity, motor skills, confidence, visual learning, decision making, collaboration, and accountability.
Working with students on collaborative art projects can take a ton of planning, effort, and organization from the educator. Not only do you have to plan out projects that will help develop the whole child, but you also have to plan a schedule, keep necessary supplies in stock, and ensure that all equipment being used is safe and efficient. Even though this is all true, we must take a step back and understand that the key developments that students will receive from art classes is far too important to cut out in order to prepare for standardized tests.
We all remember the Magazine Cutout Collage project that we had to complete during the school year. The idea behind the project is to open up creativity and to enhance visual learning techniques by creating a new image or themed collection by piecing together objects that we like from all different kinds of magazines. While this simple project serves many important development skills for K-12 students, educators are finding new ways to incorporate similar projects into their teaching plans.
A new artwork project that can bring to life the same kind of creativity and visual learning tactics but also make the project more relevant is through using personal pictures and images. By doing so, educators have seen student engagement sky rocket during similar projects. One tool that can be used to help aid such activities is called Trace.
Trace is a tool powered by Sticker Mule that instantly removes backgrounds from your photos for free. Not only is the background removed, but it is done with precision to ensure that no traces of any prior background are shown. After that, if you want to add a background color or image, Trace allows you to do just that to further enhance your photo.
After this, you can successfully implement a new Cutout Collage that allows you to use personal and/or relevant pictures to your lesson plan. Not only that, but Trace is a great tool that can support any other projects that may benefit from removing backgrounds from images. The best part about it all, it is completely free!
Another terrific tool for educators and art teachers is called Upscale also powered by Sticker Mule. Upscale allows you to enlarge any image using the power of artificial intelligence. This software allows you to enlarge any photo or artwork 2x its original size without the image becoming pixelated.
Upscale doesn't just make your pixels bigger – it makes your image bigger. The technology behind the tool analyzes your image and then creates brand new pixels to ensure that your picture doesn't lose any quality. If you are an educator looking to decorate your room with images and posters, then you may have just found the tool to help you succeed in all of your efforts! Once again, the best part about it is that Upscale is completely free to use!
The final tool that we want to recommend to teachers and educators is called Redraw and is once again powered by Sticker Mule. This tool allows you to upgrade any image, logo, or design to a high resolution no matter how difficult. Your design will be infinitely scalable and ready to use on stickers, poster boards, or whatever platform that your classroom space needs! Not only this, but you will have the chance to proof see what your redraw will look like before you pay the affordable price of $29.
To start, simply upload any file format to there website and they will convert it to a high resolution vector graphic. This image will be ready to print or use digitally in a short period of time once you upload. Many computer art classes are taking advantage of all three of these tools as they have had to move to at-home learning. That is why Sticker Mule has made it a point to support your learning environment no matter if it is in the classroom or at-home. Students can still takeaway the necessary skills that comes with Collaborative Art Classes.
Across the country, kids and teachers are disconnected and disengaged, especially in the art room! The school spaces that they come to every day just aren't equipped to serve students' individual learning styles. That is why we believe YOU deserve a better learning environment.
Let's stop leaving our teachers and students feeling disconnected from their work and from each other. With a collaborative classroom built by Kay-Twelve, your school can go from being ineffective to innovative in a short period of time! The best part is, our experts in learning environments will build a custom plan based on your unique goals and will provide you with customized planning, support, and implementation so that you can focus on impacting your students. To learn more about what a successful learning environment should look like, read our 6 step guide to creating your new learning environment.
With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. If your school is filled with disengaged students sitting on outdated furniture and kids who are longing for a way to feel involved and engaged, we want to help. Start by booking a free consultation today!
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In order to grasp a firm understanding of how schools are handling the situation, we hosted The Classroom Design Webinar to get perspectives from educators, school leaders, and interior designers from all across the country. Our panel then discussed how learning environments may look like this upcoming school year and the challenges that they may face as a result. In the end, the goal was to help educators and school leaders prepare for the reopening of schools this fall.
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As the end of summer nears, we are seeing an increased probability that online learning will continue to play a significant factor in the upcoming school year. Whether schools are implementing full-time remote learning, a blend between online and in-person, or a temporary online solution, most have a plan in place that includes students learning from home.
While this may be the best solution for the foreseeable future, it is also important to understand that we must keep students engaged and collaborative during the school day. Students deserve learning environments that are built to meet the needs of their individual learning styles. Students should feel engaged and supported whether they are at home or in the classroom. Not only that, but the best learning happens when students and teachers are able to build strong connections. So it is important for educators to keep these connections strong even if virtual learning becomes a stronger part in our society.
One of the best ways to keep students engaged remotely is by making the transition to working from home seamless. To do so, equip your virtual space with some of these terrific options so that your kids are working effectively even when you can't physically be there.
Even though we are beginning to see plans for schools to reopen, students, educators, and parents must still comply with new rules. Some of these new rules include wearing masks, receiving temperature scans, decreased classroom sizes and much more.
In some locations around the United States, schools are requiring students to wear a face covering at all times while on school property. Others are only requiring them to have a mask if they are moving throughout the building. Then, once they become stationary by sitting at the lunch table or desk in the classroom, they are permitted to remove their face coverings.While this is true, many schools have similar procedures when it comes to conducting health and safety checks. These safety precautions are typically done when entering the building and/or school bus at the beginning of the day. If someone has a temperature that exceeds 100.4 degrees or exhibits two or more of the following: chills, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or body aches, then they are required to stay home.
Until widespread testing in the United States becomes more prevalent, many of these 'new rules' will stay intact for the foreseeable future. Check out some of our 2020-2021 School Year Essentials that your school should implement before students are back in the classroom.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by trying to accommodate your students and staff with all of the rapid changes happening - we can help! Kay-Twelve is equipped with learning environment specialists that are available to help take some of these things off your plate.
We will dedicate one of our team members to your project to provide oversight from start to finish and provide any customer support you may need along they way.
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Will that mean that the school day is split up into groups of students coming to school some days, while other students learn from home, and then switch on alternate days? Does that mean that everyone will go back to the Preschool setup where they stay in one classroom for the whole day and eat lunch at their desks? Will desks have to stay 6 feet apart and be divided by clear partitions or dividers, while everyone is wearing face masks? What will this year look like? How will educators be able to accommodate every learner in this type of environment? The answer is still unclear and it seems that changes are still happening on a daily basis.
On May 19, 2020, the CDC shared their recommendations for schools and child care facilities to help protect students, teachers, administrators and staff. Among those recommendations, are to reinforce the use of cloth face coverings, support healthy hygiene with frequent hand-washing, limit or discourage sharing of objects, close shared spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums and playgrounds, space desks 6 feet apart and have them all frontward facing and install barriers such as sneeze guards and partitions, especially where it is difficult to keep 6 feet of distance between individuals - just to name a few.
These recommendations are definitely not something that we're used to and can almost seem impossible to follow all of these, especially with younger students, and at the same time give your students the quality education they deserve. Over the past several years, our schools have worked so hard to create better learning environments for their students and staff while promoting collaboration among peers. Now it seems like we're taking that away from them and taking steps backward instead of forward.
What does all of this mean for our learning environments? What does it mean for collaboration and project-based learning?
As school leaders and educators begin to plan for this upcoming year and try to envision what their learning spaces will look like, Kay-Twelve has come up with some recommendations to help along the way, while keeping spaces safe and functional.
1. Keep Your Space Flexible
Believe it or not, there will be a time when our schools can go back to some kind of normalcy. Individuals won't have to stay 6 feet apart and students will be able to engage with one another again. One way to prepare for this upcoming school year and future school years, is to keep you space flexible. Allow for your furniture to be mobile and configurable. A perfect example of this is the Haskell Ethos chair. It provides an all-in-one solution for students to have as their own individual space preventing the spread of germs throughout the school day. It also offers the option to be configured into groups to help promote collaboration among students, when it is allowed. It even offers storage with it's wired base for backpacks and other personal belongings.
Individual Work:
Group Work:
2. Create a Multi-functional Learning Space
With all of these new guidelines from the CDC, we're seeing a rise of interest in items such as hand-sanitizing stations, portable sinks, room dividers and sneeze guards or safety shields. While all of these are important, it's also important that they serve more than just this temporary purpose.
For example, with the MooreCo Clear Room Dividers, we can put more students back in the classroom by preventing the spread of germs and disease, but also be able to see the whole class through the clear tempered glass. They also are able to be used as a markerboard with their dry-erase surface and they are mobile, which allows for multiple configurations throughout the room, multiple times a day. Spaces could also be divided into individual work on one side and group work on the other.
With the Jonti-Craft Portable Sinks, older schools are able to have access to a hand-washing station without the need for plumbing and these can easily be moved around the school with it's locking casters. Setup your portable sinks outside the door of your classroom to promote hand-washing before entering or keep them in your classroom to promote healthy hygiene throughout the day.
3. Use Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Now more than ever, it's important to have surfaces in our schools that are easy to clean and don't become a trap for germs, bacteria and disease. When purchasing classroom desks or tables, it's important to either choose a solid plastic surface or a high-pressure laminate surface with a sprayed-on edging. Both of these surface types are smooth, easy to clean with the right products and don't have any crevices that will trap dirt and germs. One of our partners, Scholar Craft, has come out with some great cleaning tips for these types of surfaces and more.
Did you know that it is recommended to use one wipe per surface? Otherwise, you could potentially be spreading germs from one surface to another. Children's Factory, another partner of ours, discusses this and other key points with their own great tips on cleaning other types of surfaces found in a early childhood learning environments.
MiEN Company is another passionate partner with Kay-Twelve and they have recently shared some great ideas for what classrooms can look like when we return this Fall. As you can see in their below renderings, when your furniture is flexible, mobile and collaborative, you can easily create a number of different layouts and configurations, all while following the CDC's guidelines. Furniture like this is the perfect solution for this school year and future school years!
Our team of learning environment specialists can help you plan and design your learning space. We have the experience, the tools and the partners to help you create a flexible, functional and safe space for your students and staff. The best learning happens when students and teachers are able to build strong connections, and the furniture in their classrooms should help them make those connections, not hold them back.
We are ready to help! Our process is 3 simple steps and we can help as much or as little as you want. Start by scheduling your free consultation today!
The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Jonti-Craft Portable Sinks!
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The Jonti-Craft Portable Sink is a portable hand washing station without plumbing at just the right height! To help encourage hand washing habits and help keep everyone healthy, these portable sinks offer the perfect solution while meeting licensing requirements.
The water is heated by the tankless, on-demand water heater. The water pump has a flow rate of .35 gallons per minute and the faucet features a water-saving aerator. The tank for the non-potable clean water holds five gallons while the waste water tank holds six gallons. There is also a catch tray under the tanks!
Mistake-proof connectors means the clean and waste water tanks cannot be inadvertently switched. The plastic sink is approximately 5" deep and has a power switch inside the cabinet and openings for cord management. The mobile tank cart option and filler hose with funnel is available separately in the Accessories Kit.
The Jonti-Craft Portable Sinks offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Jonti-Craft Portable Sinks today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Diversified Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispensers!
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Essential for today's schools—a complete hand sanitizer unit that includes the stand and dispenser. The stand is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with a durable powder-coated base and mounting plate to withstand the elements.
It is easy to assemble and move! The dispenser mounts on the stand with an universal mounting plate that fits most dispensers—and can be mounted either with theft resistant screws, or by two-sided tape (not included).
The motion-activated, touchless gel dispenser provides clean, accessible hand sanitization. It comes with a refillable, 1000ml capacity plastic bottle—hand sanitizer is not included.
The Diversified Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispensers offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Diversified Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispensers today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Children's Factory 3-in-1 Chair Cubes!
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Discover the hidden versatility! This bright and versatile Chair has three uses in one! First, use it as a chair with either a 6″ or a 9″ high seat. Then flip it over and use it as a table or a seat for adults. Durable yet lightweight chair features gently rounded corners. Can be used indoors or outdoors!
The Children's Factory 3-in-1 Chair Cubes offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Children's Factory 3-in-1 Chair Cubes today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the ECR4KIDS Surf Portable Work Surface!
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Catch the portable surface wave with the Surf from ECR4Kids. This mobile activity tray table ensures you have a surface for your laptop or notebook wherever you need it. Both a seat and a surface, the Surf lets you work comfortably on the lawn, at the park, in your classroom chair, or on the floor. It’s the perfect addition to both classrooms and homeschool programs—students are no longer constrained to a stationary desk when they need to write or type.
The one-piece polypropylene design is portable and stacks for easy storage when not in use. It’s designed for ages 6 and up. The Surf Portable Work Surface is GREENGUARD [GOLD] Certified because kids deserve the very best. Products that have achieved GREENGUARD certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards. ECR4Kids' flexible seating is safety tested to ensure safe learning and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) compliance.
The ECR4KIDS Surf Portable Work Surface offers many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the ECR4KIDS Surf Portable Work Surface today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Tenjam Session Series Drift Molded Nesting Chairs!
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The design is called “Drift” and it can set the mood of your space. Drift can be calm and quiet or it can be energetic and fun. The fluid design has no sharp corners or edges. The design looks light and airy, with construction that is very stable and robust. This product can take on the toughest indoor and outdoor environments. Manufactured with Recovered Coastal Plastic.
Is Drift’s Forward Seat Angle perfect for your space?:
Eligible for Quick Ship in select colors: Lime Green (LM), Medium Blue (MB), Violet (VI), Red (RD), Medium Gray (MG) - Ships In 10 Days or Less!
Ships for FREE!
The Tenjam Session Series Drift Molded Nesting Chairs offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Tenjam Session Series Drift Molded Nesting Chairs today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Kore Designs Wobble Stools!
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Designed with a gently rounded bottom, Wobble Chairs transforms the boring conventional seat into a playground for your child’s imagination. Regular chairs force children’s bodies to conform to an unnatural posture. The innovative Wobble Chair allows one’s knees, hips, and back to find comfortable and ever-changing positions.
Kore Designs is the leader in ACTIVE SITTING – enables and increases *SECONDARY FOCUS*! Think better which promotes better learning and attention to details. Replace a traditional chair with a Kore—They will feel the difference!
Ideal for children or adults with ADD or ADHD, as well as a strong way to keep focus, the Kids Kore Wobble Chair provides an outlet for restlessness and extra energy. This means a higher level of attention, focus, and retention for each and every student.
Improve your sitting experience and enjoy the long-term effects of happier muscles, healthier body, and hungrier mind.
The Kore Designs Wobble Stools offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
With the uncertainty of how schools plan to adapt with new guidelines and regulations, remote learning may stick around for the foreseeable future. Whether that means school will start a little later this year or days will be split up between learning from home and learning from school, your home was never intended to be a classroom and probably isn't equipped with the necessary tools for learning.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Kore Designs Wobble Stools today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Screenflex Clear Room Dividers!
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There are times when a clear partition provides a distinct advantage over traditional fabric-covered partitions - and in the classroom is one of them! Clear room dividers help control or contain an area but still have an unobstructed view of what’s happening on the other side of the barrier. The see-through walls are great for a number of settings including hallways, cafeterias, schools, and science labs.
The Screenflex Clear Room Dividers offer many different features that the classroom needs! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
Screenflex uses 3/16-inch crystal-clear OPTIX® acrylic to create these versatile clear panels. OPTIX® acrylic is non-yellowing, lightweight and highly impact-resistant. Their plexiglass room dividers are three times as strong as double-strength window glass. For added durability, their translucent wall panels are affixed to the custom anodized extruded aluminum channels with a silicone adhesive.
Choose between a single-panel divider (3' 4"L x 6' 2"H), a three-panel divider (10'L x 6' 2"H) or choose a combination of both to create your own length and securely attach using the chrome connectors.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Screenflex Clear Room Dividers today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. With so many options for the furniture that fills your classrooms, it's not always easy to know where to start. But the environments in our schools make all the difference in how kids learn. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting the Marsh School Safety Shields!
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Marsh’s line of School Shields are perfect for Cafeterias, Attendance Offices, Libraries, Concession Stands and Ticket Offices and other areas with student and public interaction. Elegant metal mounting and laminate base is sturdy and does not require modification or drilling to your school's chosen area.
The Marsh School Safety Shields are ideal for schools and office environments to limit exposure with staff, students and visitors. Custom configuration and sizes available upon request.
The high-quality glass and hardware shields have a pass through and non-pass through option to accomodate any needs you may have. With its superior aesthetic and clarity compared to other plastic shields, you will surely be pleased with the product in your given space.
The Marsh School Safety Shields offer many different features that the classroom hasn't seen before! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
Quality Manufacturing |
Clean & Sanitize |
High-quality glass and hardware with superior aesthetic and clarity compared to plastic shields. | Glass is the ultimate material to clean and sanitize. Non-porous and easily maintainable. |
Exceptional Safety |
Custom Design |
Impact ratings of the highest standard are possible with Marsh tempered glass. | Custom Logo and design options are available to fit your school's logos. Permanent installation options also available. |
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the Marsh School Safety Shields today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
]]>The future of learning environments may look a little different than what we've come to know. But, that doesn't mean they can't be functional, collaborative and thrive as we move into the 2020-2021 school year. In order to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for your staff and students, we are presenting a clear mobile dry-erase board option for your classrooms that keep everyone protected yet still maintain visibility.
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Get clear protection for your office, school, and industrial spaces!
Now available with a clear plastic panel to create spaces that are protected yet still maintain visibility, the Essentials Mobile Whiteboard provides mobile and see-through protection for your guests, employees, students, and more. This product is ideal for use between workers on an assembly line, students in a class, customer facing positions, or anywhere else you need to provide an easy to disinfect clear divider. The wide base design provides stability and heavy duty locking casters that give you easy mobility.
The Clear Mobile Dry-Erase Board also features an anodized aluminum trim in black as well as a clear plastic surface that accepts dry erase markers that measures 38.5″W x 54″H. The Dry-Erase Board also comes with flip chart hooks that can be adjusted from 2-1/4″ to 37-1/2″ apart and a marker cup to keep all of your supplies organized.
Note: When cleaning clear screens always be sure to use a soft, non-abrasive cloth, such as a microfiber or lint free cloth, and apply light pressure only. Never use paper towels as it will scratch.
The Clear Mobile Dry-Erase Board offers many different features that the classroom hasn't seen before! You will learn just how beneficial this product is to maintaining a functional, collaborative and thriving classroom moving forward.
In order to have a clear protection for your office, school, and industrial space, adopt the clear mobile dry-erase boards today so that you ensure the safety of your staff and students before the new school year begins!
Our approach to furniture is different. We focus on student learning outcomes and how to create the optimal spaces to improve results. Because on this, our Kay-Twelve Proven Process focuses on the concepts first and then explores the products available to match that concept.
Our knowledgeable team will listen, care, and follow through. We can create drawings and 3-D renderings and expect your feedback to make any revisions. We work with the leading manufacturers to provide the best solution aligned with your budget. But our job doesn't end there, our team will lead the project through completion, and most importantly, ensure the space is utilized by the staff the way it was intended.
If you are feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, please feel free to schedule a time to talk with us! We are here to help you and want to be a resource as we get through these times together. To schedule a time to talk, click the button below and we will help you with whatever you may need!
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