What does creating a sacred space in the classroom have to do with helping students learn? During a curriculum training that I attended, the facilitator affirmed that the design of the learning space is an important part of the curriculum. At our Adult Learner Program, we realize that we cannot solely focus on the inner space of a person. For example, if our curriculum concentrates on self-esteem classes, but neglects the classroom space, how would this affect our mission to bring the whole person to learning? The Women, Violence, and Adult Education project inspired us to think of ways to “create a safe space” for the learners. If we strive to “bring the whole person to learning” in our curriculum by providing classes like Health, Learning Strategies, and Loves Herself Regardless, then we should also think about ways to create a space that supports the “whole person” – one that feels safe for the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.
In Webster’s Dictionary, one of the definitions of space is “sufficient freedom from external pressure to develop or explore one's needs, interests, and individuality (2004).”
In her paper, “Moving Forward: Approaches and Activities to Support Women's Learning,” Jenny Horsman quotes Si Transken who says, “I take up space because it is my right to take up space (2000).”
Most often women do not feel as if it is their right to take up space. For women, “taking up space” means having power, freedom and opportunity to achieve, succeed, or thrive in this world. Historically, women have been told they do not have the right to own property, pursue the education or career of their choice, or participate in voting or politics. Moreover, they were property of men. Women have been deemed incapable of power, more so(which we define as ability), to manage property or even make decisions concerning their own bodies. Even today, women who have to rely on welfare lack the right to choose their own path. We have observed many women start our program and almost immediately leave because they are required to take a job or do “community service.”