How to Use this Tool

There are several approaches that can be helpful to make your exploration of the panoramic virtual tour meaningful and productive as an individual or together as a staff. Take a look at the HQELE Suggestions for Exploration (101k PDF) document. In this document you will find a few suggestions for use, which include discussion/thought provoking questions. These ideas are designed to assist individuals/staff in reflection of the content on the related web pages, solidify key learning and make additions or enhancements to their classroom environment.

We want you to gain ideas, not make an exact copy. The idea is to think about what makes a classroom an inviting, engaging, and accessible learning environment for all learners. No classroom site is perfect, including this one! There are some basic principles to consider about the environment highlighted within this tool; this program’s philosophical inspiration comes from the Reggio-Emilia approach. However, it is important to recognize that the environmental principles apply whether you have a Montessori or Waldorf philosophy, whether you implement High Scope, Creative Curriculum, alternative educational curriculum, or use a school-based, project-based, or cooperative approach.

A thoughtful, intentional teacher will know what ideas to introduce into their classroom and what will benefit his/her students.

“You know, we're proud of what we do, certainly… and I don't know that it's so much as I'd want people to emulate what we do, but I would want to give people permission to think differently about the decisions they make and the ways in which they might craft an environment for children. I think at the core of that I would really compel them to start thinking about their own values and their own beliefs first, and how those may be connected to their teaching and their own learning…and then see how they draw the lines between that and what goes into their environment."
- Mark Whitney, Director