How can I eliminate the harsh lighting in my classoom?
K_M asked:
The lighting in my classroom drives me crazy! I have thought about getting a sheer fabric to cover them, but not sure if it would help. Any advice ?
The lighting in my classroom drives me crazy! I have thought about getting a sheer fabric to cover them, but not sure if it would help. Any advice ?
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Install a dimmer switch…if you are allowed. [who] Eric V
A sheer fabric is a great idea, but you might want to check and make sure it’s OK. I know that our fire marshal won’t let us hang things from the ceiling in case there’s a fire. Can you turn the lights off and use natural lighting? I know those florescent lights are hideous! [who] alfruchey
use a colored tissue paper, light blue or some other comfortable shade and line the fluorescent light cover on the inside. it is easy to remove, just pull on one side and the other side acts as a hinge. lay the tissue paper inside and close it back up again. You may want to try it with just a few lights or every other light to begin with. [who] dkrgrand
Not totally sure what you are dealing with.
But some teachers remove a couple bulbs or just don’t replace them when they burn out.
You likely have the economy energy saving cool white tubes.
There are other types as well.
e.g. full spectrum daylight-like,
not sure if the district will buy/pay for them.
Perhaps just in a couple locations in your room.
Ya, paper and fabric cover might have a potential fire risk.
There are other types of diffusers.
I wonder if special colored paints or plastic films can be used?
Some classroom have three switches.
2 for a set bank of lights.
1 for outside light.
If you have two banks, might be able to shut off one bank.
Most Flor. bulbs can not be put on a dimmer switch.
You should not be as concerned with room lighting,
just as long as the light in the kids heads go on. LOL
Wear sunglasses in the room,
the kids will think you are like Jack Nicholson.
Or a welder’s goggles or mask. [who] chickdoc101
Having designed lighting for many schools over the last ten years, I have addressed this problem. Unfortunately, once the lights are installed, there is little you can do. There are a few options. Holophane makes a replacement lens (8224 model) for fluorescent fixtures which eliminates glare. I had this lens in my office and it provided very comfortable lighting.
If you have any fixtures within 18″ of the main teaching wall, have them moved one grid back. Otherwise, you will get a harsh glare strip along the wall right over the markerboard/chalkboard.
Indirect lighting fixtures can be installed to replace the existing 2×4 fixtures, but good luck getting approval on that because that would require an electricican and a purchase order. Here is an excellent example of an indirect fixture:
Finally, if you have any windows, open your shades and don’t hang anything on the window in order to maximize the sunlight. The more you can use natural lighting, the less harsh the lighting will appear.
As far as the above answers, you most likely won’t be able to install a dimmer because dimmers require special fixtures. Tissue screens will make your room look like a cave. I am only telling you from experience. [who] prime8