The lower left video is a tour of the classroom. The lower right video is the 1st graders seeing their ceiling for the first time, “10 out of 10″ and 100 out of 100”.
Year-End Reflection: Nature in the Classroom- First Grade- Kentucky
This year, one of the most meaningful additions to our first-grade classroom has been our nature ceiling from Nature in the Classroom—a simple yet powerful support woven into our daily routine. With soft tones, natural imagery, and a sky-like canopy above, the ceiling has become more than just decor; it’s a trusted part of our learning space and emotional support system for my first-grade students.
Students have learned that when they feel overwhelmed, distracted, or in need of a quiet moment, they don’t have to leave their seats—they can simply look up. The calming canopy can be seen from every inch of our classroom and has been particularly helpful for both students and me. This small act of taking a moment for ourselves has helped many people become more self-aware and grounded. Paired with our social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, the ceiling offers a gentle pause for reflection, helping students identify, understand, and regulate their emotions independently.
The nature ceiling has brought a sense of calm, comfort, and safety to our classroom. It sets a peaceful tone for learning and gives our space a homey, inviting atmosphere that nurtures both hearts and minds. So many kids, even in first grade, deal with things way beyond their years. Some carry emotional things and experience things that kids should not have to carry or experience. Our classroom is already filled with love, care, and trusting relationships; this ceiling has brought an additional layer of comfort to our classroom. Honestly, we don’t know what we’d do without it—it’s become an essential part of our classroom community and culture. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez for helping to make this possible for us!
Kaylee Dickens
Concord Elementary School — Paducah, KY.
First Grade
