Greenery in the Classroom

“The human mind and body have an automatic relaxation response to the colour green. Green is linked to relaxation. Relaxation is related to creativity.” Kelly S. Stone, Thinking Write

Is this true? Could green really be an answer to the stress (and even boredom) that seeps into the closed doors of our homes, classrooms, and office spaces?

A few years ago I did a walk about in my own home and noticed that all of my houseplants looked as if they had been tortured. I had a mass funeral service for the whole collection and vowed to introduce plants back into my house only when my own children didn’t need 24 hour service. After reading about the relaxing and creative power of green this Mother’s Day, I realized that removing all greenery from my home may have been a mistake. After all, the word “green” comes from the Old English word “growen”: to grow. Instead of giving up on our plants and blaming their brown leaves on my busy life, perhaps I should have slowed down enough to give the plants the time and interest they deserved.

This week, I’ll be putting Kelly Stone’s suggestion to the test by reintroducing greenery into my home. As well as placing some plants beside my writing desk, I’ll invite my children to pick out plants for their play areas. We’ll all be in charge of looking after our own plants. Will you join me in this experiment by bringing some greenery into your classroom? Your students can be any age to enjoy this experiment. Adapt these ideas to the level of your learners.

Join the Green Experiment

1. Talk about Green
Write the quote above on your board. Do your students think green holds the secret to relaxation and creativity? Why or why not?

2. Discuss Indoor Plants
What kinds of plants do your students know in English. Have students draw the types of plants they like. Discuss the temperature, humidity, and light in your classroom. Is anyone in the classroom allergic to certain types of plants?

3. Do some Research
Challenge your students to research indoor plants using the library or Internet. This can be done individually for homework or during class time in pairs. Which plants might survive in your classroom? Have students present their suggestions and make a list of possibilities for a plant for your classroom.

4. Choose a Plant
If possible, take your students with you to a local nursery to choose a classroom plant. Remind students to read the labels as you search for the perfect plant. Include a max. price if you need to or invite students to donate to the project. Have a vote to choose the best plant. If money or regulations prevent your class from step #4, ask students or teachers to bring clippings from their own houseplants.

5. Assign Caretakers
Make a schedule. Students can take turns looking after the plant. Make sure all of the students know exactly what type of care your plant needs. Choose a name for your plant. A plant with a name is more likely to receive the TLC it needs.

6. Observe
After a week or two of having the plant in the classroom, discuss these questions or create a student survey:

• Do you focus on the plant often?
• Do you feel more relaxed with the plant in the classroom?
• Do you feel more creative with the plant in the classroom?
• Is the plant healthy? Why or why not?
• Have you tried this green experiment at home?

*If an allergy or rule prevents you from bringing a live plant into the classroom, think of other ways to introduce the colour of green. Share your ideas in the comments.

Related
An Introduction to Plants in the Classroom