To achieve this I have covered some of the harsh fluorescent lights with a calming blue material.
Years ago when I taught an ocean unit I wanted to give the room an aquatic feel so I turned to Reynold's Saran Wrap in blue and green. I alternated colors on the recessed lights and wow did it made the room feel cool and calm!!
In the new school I am using blue classroom light filters similar to these. They attach to the metal with round magnets that are sewn into the material.
I was fortunate enough to find them at 80% off when one of our school supply stores was closing so I got them for a song. Below is what they look like in my room. I chose to cover every other light.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money you can make them on a budget. Go to a fabric store and look in the sheer fabric section. I like JoAnn's because they give teachers 15% off of your purchase.
You can get solid blue or you can get blue with nifty little clouds. These are the sheers that our RM lab teacher put up.
She used plastic covered binder clips to hang them but you can use just about anything. Hers let in a bit more light than mine but they worked just fine.
I also have two floor lamps in my room. One is silver and has white lights in it. The other is multicolored like the one below.
The kids LOVE when I put on soft music and turn out the lights and just leave on the lamps and the one safety light in the ceiling. It is amazing how quietly and efficiently they work when the room is serene.
Good music for the kids are things like Yanni, Enya, James Taylor and almost anything that is elevator type music. They also like some classical. You will find what your kids like just keep trying!
The calm classroom works wonders for them and for me. I find myself fussing less and stressing less. It is a win-win for everyone!
