It’s no surprise to anyone that students’ behavior and learning changes based on their environment. How they interact and gain information at home (the first space) is different than how they act and learn in the classroom (the second space). Teaching theory posits that classrooms can bridge this gap with what’s known as a third space.

A third space merges students’ at-home and cultural experiences with their educational understanding, creating an open, flexible environment where the two can merge. Third spaces are not limited to learning, as play can be important in solidifying conceptual understanding.

Multiple studies note that third spaces fuel “funds of knowledge” (Yahya, R & Wood, A., 2016) that reinforce students’ learning. Third spaces give students the opportunity to share and demonstrate their understanding in real-world environments with real-life examples.

No matter how much or how little room you have in your classroom, Fōmcore’s collection of products makes it easy to carve out a third space. And if you’re interested in doing so, let us know what you have in mind. We’re happy to help!

References

Yahya, R. & Wood, A. (2016). Play as third space between home and school: Bridging cultural discourses. Journal of Early Childhood Research, Volume 15, p. 305-322. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1476718X15616833