Let’s meet the children of Through Their Eyes—Artcobell's movement to design learning environments from the perspective of students who use them every day.
Their personas will give you a first-hand perspective on how different learners perceive their surroundings. From the child who thrives when she can move to the one who needs a quiet corner to recharge, to the student who feels empowered when everything is within reach, we uncover opportunities to make environments more inclusive, more adaptable, and more inspiring when we see a classroom "through their eyes."
With this series, we invite you to imagine what education can become....
I’m Maleko. I’m 16, Pacific Islander, an artist, and—depending on who you ask—“a lot.”
I know people notice my energy before anything else. My teachers say I fill the room, and they don’t always mean it in a bad way. I show up in shorts, sneakers, a T-shirt, maybe a cap on backwards. I show up as me.
And yeah, sometimes that comes with challenges.
I’m not gonna pretend I always get it right. When I’m frustrated or feel like someone isn’t hearing me, it comes out fast—arguing, walking out, pushing back. Some people see that and think I’m just being difficult. But what they don’t see is the part of me that’s trying. The part that’s creative, proud of where I come from, and actually wants to do well.
School isn’t easy for me. But there are things that make it easier. Spaces that help me think. Routines that keep me steady. Teachers who talk with me, not at me. And furniture that actually works for how I learn.
So, here’s what school feels like through my eyes.
MEET MY FRIENDS
I’m not a sit-still-and-stare kid. My brain moves too fast for that.
When I have a rocker chair or MOV stool, it helps me burn off some of that extra energy without getting in trouble for fidgeting. Sometimes I need to stand. Sometimes I need to bounce a little. Sometimes I need to lean over my desk like I’m working on a giant art piece—even if it’s just a math worksheet.
Having height-adjustable desks and standing options makes a huge difference. It gives me a way to stay in the room instead of needing to get out of the room.
And on the occasions when I do need to leave, having the option to sit in the hallway and collect my thoughts has proven to be super helpful in regulating my emotions.
I don’t like feeling boxed in. And I definitely don’t like someone sitting right in front of me, staring at me, especially if I’m already stressed.
I think better when there’s space between desks.
When they’re set up so I don’t have to stare someone down during group work.
When my area is clearly mine — my zone, my boundaries.
Color cues or furniture arrangements that mark personal spaces actually help me stay focused. They take away the guesswork about where I’m supposed to be.
And when I need to work alone?
A flip-top desk that can move into its own zone gives me room to breathe without feeling like I’m being sent away.
Sometimes things get heated. Fast.
That’s just real life for me.
What helps is having a calm-down space that isn’t a punishment.
A spot with PeacePod or a SnugSack.
A place that’s quiet, not full of bright posters or clutter.
Some acoustic panels, softer lighting — things that make the world less loud.
Being able to step into that space without everyone staring at me helps me get my head back on straight before I say something I don’t mean.
It’s not about hiding.
It’s about coming back to center.
If you want me to work well, give me choices. Not unlimited choices — just real ones:
Do I want to work at the group table or my own desk?
Do I want to sketch first or talk first?
Do I want to stand or sit?
When I feel like I have a say in how I learn, I actually want to show what I can do.
Choice doesn’t make me wild.
Choice makes me responsible.
I’m not trying to destroy anything. But when I’m upset, I don’t always have full control.
So, furniture that’s durable, rounded, weighted, steady — that helps a lot.
Tables that don’t tip if I bump into them.
Chairs that won’t slide out when I lean hard.
Materials that don’t crack or shatter.
These things make the room safer — not just for me, but for everyone.
I know I can be reactive.
I know I can push back hard.
But I also know this:
I’m creative.
I’m expressive.
I’m proud of my culture.
I’m a good teammate when people actually let me be one.
And I’m trying — even when it doesn’t look like it.
When my classroom is set up with movement, space, calm, and choice, it helps me be the best version of myself. It lets me show people the real me: the one who loves designing, sculpting, building things with my hands, and making my family proud.
Every day, school gives me another chance to learn, to reset, to create something I didn’t know I could.
This is what my learning environment looks like through my eyes.