Green is all around us. It is a color that has long been associated with nature, tranquility, and peace and is arguably the most important color students should have access to in their learning environments. Exposure to live plants and the color green have a positive impact upon visual and verbal creative thinking in classroom settings.
“In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir
COLOR PSYCHOLOGY FOR EDUCATION
There are hundreds of studies that support the idea that experiences with nature boost academic learning and improve children's psychological and physical well-being. But what if your students do not have access to an outdoor classroom or the freedom to take a stroll outside? Luckily, even having a view of nature out of the window helps restore kids' attention, providing them the opportunity to reset their concentration.3
A little bit of green has a great effect on happiness. - Bobby Berk
Other beneficial colors that reflect the natural world are yellow, which reminds us of warmth, sunshine, and happiness, and blue, representing sky and water, which can lower blood pressure and relieve stress, allowing for maximum focus and awareness.
The meanings of green can vary by shade. For example, bright green represents rebirth and spring whereas olive green embodies earthliness and tranquility.
In a study of secondary schools, Matsuoka found that the amount of green space visible from cafeteria and classroom windows was positively linked with test scores, graduation rates, and percentage of students planning to attend post-secondary education.6
Consider apple green or clover chairs paired with natural colored worksurfaces for rooms without a view of nature.
I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in tune once more. - John Burroughs
Research has shown that creativity is likely to increase when people are surrounded by green plants and have access to green views of nature.8
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash