CREATING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR BIBLE STUDY

1.  Use semi-gloss, oil base enamel paint.  Masking tape will not peel this  off.  

2.  Identify the wall with the fewest doors and windows as the focus wall.  Best if focus wall is opposite door of entrance.  Paint all walls off-white or light neutral color.  

3.  All woodwork should be “painted out” - painted same color as the wall it is on.  A well-designed learning room calls no attention to itself, but becomes background to emphasize the learning experience.  

4.  Floors should also be neutral - no bright print carpet or check-a-board tile.  

5.  Ceiling should be white acoustical tile, perforated.  Perforations can later be used for suspending various learning accessories - mobiles, etc.  If ceilings are very high (over nine feet) use a light blue color to visually lower ceiling.

6.  If room has structural supports, "paint them out" by using the same neutral or off-white paint from ceiling to floor, and never put anything on the supports. This would call attention to them.

7.  Use neutral color furnishings all the same color.  Use oil base enamel paint.  If metal furnishings are used, be sure all are of the same color if possible.  

8.  Avoid using “living room/den” style furnishings.  Remember, the Sunday School room is an educational space and should have educational furniture, not lounge furniture.  Permanent furnishings limit the teaching methods that can be used in a session.  

9.  Use minimal furnishings.  Use only enough chairs for the average Sunday School attendance of youth or adults and leaders.  Store other chairs near by out of the room.  Place piano against side wall rather than focus wall.  A portable stereo for early arrival music is nice.  Two small tables: 1 for Outreach Leader/Secretary for records, preferably outside the room, plus 1 near focus wall to be used for focus display or teaching supplies.  Use no lecterns or pulpit stands.  Tables are also barriers.

10. Arrange chairs in semi-circle facing focus wall or in other arrangements so learners can see the eyes and faces of other learners.  Avoid using rows.  Teacher should sit in chair on same level as learners; nothing between leader and learner.  

11.  Use shades rolled up on windows rather than draperies.  Room Darkening shades are nice for times when videos are shown.  If draperies are used, keep them neutral - same off-white as the walls.  

12.    Avoid all permanent pictures, artificial flower arrangements.  Only unit/session related material should be on walls to focus attention on the central Bible truth.

13. Provide four (4) centers or one supply table for the youth or adult learning environment.  Locate in back or side of room for easy access.  

         A.  Bible Learning Resource Center including several Bible study aids, i.e. 

          B.  Art Resource Center including art paper in several colors, glue, scissors,  newsprint, masking tape, markers, magazines, etc.  A storage cabinet is   good for this center, but keep it organized, labeled and neat.  

          C.  Music Resource Center including portable stereo, recordings, hymnals,     etc.  

  D.     Communications Center - A corkboard may be used to put up          announcements, photo-displays, and church activity posters.  This could be used to eliminate announcements making during Sunday School allowing for total period teaching.  Place bulletin board away from focal wall.

 Commandments of a Learning Environment

 1.    Thou shalt remember that people can learn in any environment when the teacher is committed and enthusiastic about Bible study.  

2.  Thou shalt encourage an environment where learners can express themselves and test new ideas and accept others.  

3.  Thou shalt not be afraid to risk the new and untried.  

4.  Thou shalt not be discouraged by inadequate facilities.  

5.  Thou shalt vary the room regularly.  

6.  Thou shalt remove all unrelated material from the walls.  

7.  Thou shalt remove all clutter.  

8.  Thou shalt use minimal furnishings and store unused equipment.  

9.  Thou shalt constantly evaluate the environment.  

10.  Thou shalt use the focus of the Bible study to determine the environment.

Creating  A Unit Focal Wall For Bible Study in Sunday School