Appropriate Classroom Colors

Colors can add or detract from an appropriate environment.

The choice of colors in a classroom can affect the emotional and mental environment. Children should feel as if they are entering a welcoming and comfortable place in which they are free to learn. The color scheme helps determine just how at ease the students feel. Various colors can be appropriate for the classroom.

Age Group

Different age groups are drawn to specific color schemes.

Young children tend to be drawn to bright colors, especially yellow and red. They are not attracted to bland choices such as white, gray or black. Bright shades, however, may not be the best choice because they tend to be too energizing or distracting. A bright color on a wall can also conflict with displays of students' artwork. Calming colors such as pale blue or green are often a better choice. Older students often lean toward the latest fashion trend, which makes them favor bolder or darker shades.

Lessons Learned

Primary grade teachers can select different colors for each learning center.

Another consideration is the lessons students will be learning in the classroom. For example, if students study social studies, a blue or green wall color may be appropriate when there are several maps on the wall. Science teachers may want to focus on a specific habitat to imitate and therefore select colors that complement this choice. In younger grades, teachers may want to select colors to go with particular learning stations.

Motivational Theme

Break up the feeling of monotony with theme-based colors.

Every teacher should consider the overall ambiance she wants to create in her classroom. Educators often select a theme for their students to motivate them, such as "Reach for the Stars" or "Reading Is for Champs." Color selection should be based on these themes and add to the overall decor. Classrooms can also be focused on any popular theme such as sports, hobbies, music or movies. Colors should complement these ideas.

Attitude Adjusters

Warm paint colors are cheerful but can also be distracting.

Both children and adults can be influenced by the paint choices in a classroom. For instance, red can be very stimulating. A deep shade of red is thought to be more stimulating than a lighter shade. Yellow is a cheerful shade, perhaps because it reminds people of sunshine. Various shades of blue seem to be calming. Color choice can also affect motor control and memory. You may want to make a color selection based on the state of mind you want to encourage in your students.

References

• Time Education: Color in the Classroom
• Sherwin-Williams: Graduate to Color