As the temperature rises during the final weeks before summer break, it becomes increasingly hard to stay cool in the classroom and in turn hard to stay focused. Research shows keeping kids focused before summer break has big implications for what they remember when they return, so uses these tips to stay cool.
Minimize Using Lights
Lights are heat-inducing, so keep the lights off whenever possible. In addition, you and your classroom will be helping the environment as well.
Cooling Breaks
Studies show that small breaks in-between instruction helps students retain information better, so take advantage of this by using small breaks to cool down. Let students cool down with a misting fan, electric fans, or even ice packs if possible.
Avoid Movement
During the warmest parts of the day, such as noon, avoid doing projects and playing games until later in the afternoon when the sun is less aggressive.
Utilize the Computer Lab
The temperature-controlled environment of the computer lab, if your school has one, means it's the coolest place in school. You might have to fight other teachers for the time, but winning the battle is definitely worth it in the upcoming hot weeks. If you don't have a computer lab, but host a variety of technology in your classroom, the next tip is important for you.
Switch Unused Electronics Off
Make sure all unused electronics that live in the classroom are turned off so that extra heat is not created, since electronics will generate heat while on or in stand-by mode.
Invest In Fans
Since you're reading these tips, chances are your classroom isn't equipped with air conditioning, or it is and it just doesn't cut it. Invest in fans, and do so early before prices spike as demand increases. According to eHow.com, four electronic fans usually do the trick for the average classroom size.
Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor
05/08/2015
As students and educators head back to school, an uninvited visitor is joining them: summer heat. Much of the country is experiencing a late summer heatwave, sending temperatures to possible record highs. Teaching students in hot, uncomfortable classrooms is difficult, and many schools don’t have adequate air conditioning. Here are some ways to help keep everyone
cool in the classroom: It’s also important for you and your students to stay hydrated. The Centers for Disease Control and Environment advises avoiding sugary and calorie-laden sports and soft drinks when the temperature rises. Water is the best way to hydrate the body, and it helps with cooling. Make sure your students always have easy access to water. The American Academy of Pediatrics also warns against students engaging in physical exercise in extreme heat because they can overheat quicker than adults. However, if your students engage in physical activity, it is crucial to know the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Heatstroke
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
It’s important to note the key differences in treating each illness. Heat exhaustion can be treated by moving the victim to a cool location. Apply cool wet cloths and having them sip water. Heatstroke can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
Educators can beat the heat with these cool lesson plans for hot days:
- Study the buoyancy of various objects in the water
- Learn about water displacement of various objects
- Create various devices that will float in water
- Determine the best methods of keeping an ice cube frozen
- Study cold weather areas like Iceland or Antarctica
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