30 Genius Ideas We Wish Every School Would Adopt (31 photos)

When it comes to helping kids learn, engagement works far better than enforcement. This is a lesson that loving parents—and forward-thinking educators—have long understood. In fact, research by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board shows that student comfort and a compassionate approach boost academic performance far more effectively than strict discipline and punishment.





This philosophy has sparked some truly brilliant innovations that are completely transforming traditional learning environments. Here are a few clever and creative features social media users spotted in the world's most progressive schools and universities—and we could definitely use them everywhere.



The door to a high school math classroom.





“The periodic table at my school has actual samples of each element!”



A preschool in Japan built its playground around a living tree.



“Found this setup in my school’s computer lab.”



“My son’s school has vending machines stocked with school supplies.”



A new kindergarten in Japan collects rainwater so kids can splash and play in puddles.



“My university set up a bubble wrap station to help students de-stress.”



“My cooking class has an angled mirror on the ceiling so everyone can see what the instructor is doing.”



School lockers painted to look like a bookshelf full of classic literature.



“Our local school has solar-powered picnic tables with USB ports so students can charge their devices.”



“Tired of getting stuck behind slow walkers on the stairs? My school solved that: the left lane is for walking, the middle is for running, and the right lane is for slowpokes.”



This school has a special tunnel leading straight from the classroom to the playground. Every kid's dream!



“My daughter’s classroom has desks with bike pedals so kids can stay active while learning.”



“The lab tables at my university are arranged like the periodic table.”



“My school has a designated skateboard rack.”



“The chairs in my university's math department have binary code printed on them.”



A vending machine that dispenses school supplies.



“My campus installed a bike repair station complete with tools and a QR code for quick repair guides.”



A creative clock in a classroom.



The Technical University of Munich features giant indoor slides.



“Our gym has a sunscreen dispenser.”



“Here's how my university prevents laptop theft.”



“My university installed a wall-mounted stapler outside a classroom. Simple, but brilliant!”



Stairs that help students practice counting in English, Spanish, and Braille.



“My school has a dedicated relaxation room.”



This device monitors noise levels in the university library.



“My kid’s new school has a spiral slide that leads straight down to the cafeteria.”



A classroom designed for teens with ADHD at a school in Israel.



The ceiling in this math classroom is decorated with a Fibonacci spiral.



“Our campus library has desk treadmills so you can study and walk at the same time.”