Creative Spaces

In Wednesday's class we talked about ways to change a classroom space.  Some of the things we talked about seemed fun and amazing but a little out of reach: lofts and forts in the classroom?  I can't imagine presenting that concept to a principal.  But some things seemed entirely feasible.

Bringing in chairs that kids can move around and teeter in, creating quiet spaces, and providing different height desks and pillows seems very do-able.  I also really like the idea of allowing movement in the classroom by giving children the choice to sit wherever they want.  Although I've heard of classrooms that incorporate these things, I've never actually seen any of these ideas applied in a classroom, and when I talk about this to the teachers that I know, they shake their heads.  They can only envision a classroom out of control.

When you google "creative work spaces," you get images like these--fun and creative, and inspiring creativity in the people who use them. Shouldn't we make this same connection in schools?