Creating Museum-Like Learning Spaces for Young Learners
At Sheldon ISD’s Cravens Early Childhood Academy, fostering curiosity and a love for learning is at the heart of every initiative. This year, the district partnered with us to create an innovative and inspiring environment for their youngest learners—transforming traditional classrooms into spaces reminiscent of a children’s museum.
These new learning environments go beyond typical educational settings. They spark wonder, creativity, and discovery, offering students the opportunity to explore their world in ways that feel both exciting and accessible.
A New Space, A New Era
This transformation took place in a new wing of the building made possible by a bond passed in 2022. Officially opening in 2024, this addition stands as a testament to the district’s commitment to creating equitable and engaging environments for its youngest learners. The grand opening marked the beginning of a new chapter for early childhood education in Sheldon ISD, showcasing the district’s dedication to providing the very best for its students.
Permanent Meets Convertible
What sets this project apart is the intentional balance of permanence and adaptability. Instead of static classroom designs, Sheldon ISD opted for convertible thematic spaces.
Each classroom is part of a thematic pair—one designed to engage left-brain thinking and the other to encourage right-brain creativity. To maximize flexibility, the spaces rotate themes halfway through the school year. This approach not only keeps the learning experience fresh but also ensures that students are exposed to a broader range of ideas and concepts over time.
The themes were carefully paired to allow for seamless transitions while maintaining unique experiences for each room:
- Our Community | Build Zone
- Polar | On the Road
- Here We Grow | Farm to Market
- Pet Vet | Amazing Animals
- Future World | Space City
- Marvelous Me | World Cultures
- Gulf Coast | Wetlands
For example, the Future World and Space City themes share overlapping design elements that allow for an effortless shift between futuristic and space-inspired explorations.
Addressing Equity and Accessibility
For Sheldon ISD, this project was about more than just aesthetics—it was a statement of equity and inclusion. Assistant Superintendent J.R. Webster emphasized the importance of ensuring every student has equal access to exceptional learning environments, regardless of their background.
“Sheldon ISD has a significant population of low-income families and students with limited English proficiency,” Mr. Webster explained. “These spaces level the playing field, giving every child the chance to engage in hands-on, experiential learning and take pride in their classroom.”
By incorporating museum-quality environments into public education, the district is providing opportunities often reserved for more affluent communities. These spaces encourage discovery, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning—all while meeting the unique needs of the district’s diverse population.
A Space to Dream, Explore, and Grow
This transformation is more than just a design project—it’s an investment in the future of Sheldon ISD’s youngest learners. By combining visually stunning environments with adaptable functionality, the district has created classrooms that not only look incredible but also serve as tools for impactful learning.
With a grand opening in 2024, these classrooms are already inspiring young minds and setting a new standard for early childhood education in Sheldon ISD.
For information on obtaining a tour or project information from Sheldon, you may contact Dr. Denise Mustin, Director of Early Childhood for Sheldon ISD, at denisemustin@sheldonisd.com.
Explore more about how Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts can transform educational spaces and provide immersive learning experiences. Are you interested in bringing experiential education to your district? Let’s chat!
