Playing, Studying, and Resting in One Classroom... Ulsan Office of Education Innovates 'Safe Grade Space' for 1st Grade Elementary Classrooms

Goal to Create a Complex Space for Learning, Care, Play, and Rest

'Parent-Approved Grade System,' Classroom Improvements in 58 Schools This Year

Ulsan Goheon Elementary School, which improved its first-grade classrooms last year.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hong Jeonghwan] The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education is promoting a classroom improvement project to innovate first-grade elementary school classrooms into multifunctional spaces for learning and care.

The first-grade elementary classroom improvement project is part of the ‘Parent Reassurance Grade System’ initiative.

It is conducted to help first-grade students adapt to school life and to activate play- and activity-centered classes suitable for students’ developmental stages.

Last year, the Office of Education improved first-grade classrooms in 38 schools.

This year, about 8.7 billion KRW has been allocated in the second supplementary budget. Classrooms in 76 schools, totaling 291 first-grade classrooms, will be improved.

The project is carried out by reflecting the opinions of members at the school level to ensure that the spaces are not uniform and can meet actual needs.

Floor heating and sinks inside classrooms will be installed, and indoor decorations will be uniquely improved and arranged.

Goheon Elementary School, which improved its first-grade classrooms last year, created a comfortable space at the back of the classroom where students can sit and read books.

The walls were made with eco-friendly wood to create a cozy atmosphere, and bookshelves were installed by the windows facing the playground. A multipurpose blackboard was also installed at the front of the classroom.

The Office of Education plans to hold a project briefing session for the first-grade elementary classroom improvement project and briefing sessions for administrative staff and first-grade teachers within this month. In December, customized consultations for each school will be provided to support smooth project implementation.

An official from the Office of Education said, “We are innovating classrooms into multifunctional spaces where students can learn, play, and rest, helping first-grade students adapt to school life in a safe learning environment,” adding, “We plan to proceed with the project annually to improve all first-grade elementary classrooms.”