Walmart Schools and How to Fix Them

Over the past several months I have been able to visit a lot of schools. There are so many things that begin to look the same- so many things that become identifiers... kind of like Walmart.

No matter what city you travel to- you know where to find the candy and the car batteries in that store. The milk will always be in the back.

When schools start to look like that- feel like that- even sound like that- there is a problem.

Our students deserve intelligent and adaptive design.

So- what are some things that show that kind of design thinking are taking place? Perhaps playgrounds that are vocabulary rich? When was the last time you saw "INCLINED PLANE" on the side of a slide? What if we enhance the place with a small stage/amphitheater so kids can pretend performances?

What about halls that are buzzing with Shakespeare and student-run stores? What about lobbies with interactive maps and a learning target arrival board?

Student produced books in the library?
A recess design team where student leaders invent new games and experiences.

No more students in time out at recess.

Maybe no principal's office... she is too busy being in classrooms to get stuck in the office.

What would schools look like if a group of counselors designed everything? I would love to get a room full of compassionate and smart counselors just to see what they come up with...

Maybe the morning announcements are more like a morning show- DJs and sound effects.

Maybe the lunch room has a performance stage- so students can sign up and perform.

What if there was a student bank- where they learn financial literacy and learn online ways of saving and spending?

What if there was a service Wall of Fame- where students are making an international impact?
What if there were more maps (Big Wall Maps) and geography was a huge part of the learning?

What about building Maker Spaces and nurturing the Entrepreneurship spirit?

Enough of the copier rooms and worksheets lining the halls. Enough with adult centric designs and environments.

We can do better- we can think about ergonomics theory and develop customized schools. We can make environments that inspire and develop leadership in our students.

I want more than the same old, boring, industrial/factory model.

Think like a kid- get on their level- build something they like. Every day we have the opportunity to take one more step in that direction.

Just wanted to share that little thought today.