Educational Crossroads
Elementary School
Crossroads Elementary School, located in the crossroads district of Kansas City, has a curriculum consisting of a combination of project and team-based learning. Team based learning, consisting of pre-class teaching, and peer instruction, shifts the focus of class from solely lecture, to the students engaging in how these topics apply to the real world, and helping each other along the way.
The two of these approaches to curriculum meet at a crossroads, and will be what shapes these young students’ educational experience.
With an emphasis on group work, hands-on projects and research, the “Swiss Army Knife” classroom design will be best suited for each classroom’s learning centers.
Two classrooms will be on either side of a shared learning center, which is used for more group work and creative time. Glass garage doors will block out sound from connecting centers, while still giving views to other students learning. These garage doors can be raised and lowered for teamwork and individual work time. Because a huge focus in the curriculum is the children’s creativity and exploration, the furniture will be flexible, and allow the students to arrange their seating situations.
For example, individual desks will have rollers, allowing students to form their seating for group work, or turn themselves away for individual research and learning. Some furniture will also be designed specifically for children who struggle to focus, to fidget with while learning, to keep them engaged.
Carpet will create an inviting space for kids to plop on the ground and continue their learning there, as well as provide proper acoustic means. Because the site is in an urban setting, the playground will be a secured courtyard.
