"A Light Touch of Feng Shui: A Teacher's Guide for Creating Balance
and Harmony in the Classroom" (Perfect Harmony Press. $12.95) by Susan
Catalano and Evie Bolante.
Local connection: Both authors are elementary school teachers in
Salinas and have utilized principles of feng shui in their classrooms.
Content: After providing background information about feng shui, the
authors discuss the importance of the use of color, correct furniture
placement and the need to "de-clutter" the classroom environment. They
illustrate the concepts discussed using their own experiences and
"testimonials" from colleagues.
The "Remedies and Cures" section of the book looks at ways to "open
up the energy" in the classroom through the correct placement of
mirrors, adding living things like plants or animals and rethinking
where solid objects, such as filing cabinets and other furniture, are
placed.
Using color: When implementing feng shui in a room, remember that on
the south wall you want to use red (strive for success), on the north
wall blue and black (for meditation and stillness), on the west wall
white ( spark creativity), and on the wall facing east some green color
(harmony).
Authors' words: On the effect using feng shui had in their
classrooms Catalano and Bolante explain that, "The transformation was
remarkable. The room environment was warm and inviting and the students'
energy levels were better focused. It didn't take much application to
see the difference. What surprised us even more were the positive
comments from the students as well as our colleagues ... feng shui was a
great addition to our learning environment."
Audience: Not only may other teachers want to consider what the
authors have to say about creating a more productive learning
environment but parents might also wish to see if these principles can
be used at home. Creating a comfortable and soothing space in the
children's bedrooms or elsewhere in the house doesn't sound like a bad
idea!
SILAS SPAETH is a freelance writer in Monterey. His reviews of
Central Coast Authors appears on Saturday in Living. To contact him,
e-mail care of Silas Spaeth to
newsroom@salinas.gannett.com.
Originally published Saturday, April 10, 2004
