Classroom design has evolved significantly, emphasizing flexible and adaptable furniture to support active learning and diverse student needs. Research indicates that well-designed classrooms with adaptable furniture enhance student participation, retention, and engagement. Companies like KI are at the forefront, offering innovative solutions like the Ruckus chair, which supports various postures and learning styles. Sustainability and durability are also key considerations in modern classroom furniture design, ensuring long-term use and minimal environmental impact.

Classroom design has evolved significantly, emphasizing flexible and adaptable furniture to support active learning and diverse student needs. Research indicates that well-designed classrooms with adaptable furniture enhance student participation, retention, and engagement. Companies like KI are at the forefront, offering innovative solutions like the Ruckus chair, which supports various postures and learning styles. Sustainability and durability are also key considerations in modern classroom furniture design, ensuring long-term use and minimal environmental impact.

The article discusses a book titled 'New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence' which captures the essence of New Orleans through the interiors, furnishings, art collections, and gardens of various creative individuals in the 1990s. These individuals are characterized as dreamers and urban pioneers, encompassing a diverse group such as bohemian artists, artisans, architects, preservationists, activists, antiquarians, restaurateurs, and teachers. They are united by their choice to live outside mainstream society and are celebrated for their contributions to the unique cultural tapestry of New Orleans.

The article discusses a package of six bipartisan bills in Congress aimed at regulating big tech companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple to promote fair competition in the digital marketplace. The bills seek to prevent predatory practices that harm small businesses and consumers by prohibiting tech giants from engaging in behaviors like forcing purchases for platform access, data scraping for competing products, and charging exorbitant fees. The legislation includes the American Choice and Innovation Online Act, the Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, the Ending Platform Monopolies Act, and the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. Small Business Rising, a coalition representing small businesses, supports the bills. The article encourages readers to get involved and stay informed about the impact of these potential changes.

The article emphasizes the importance of shopping ethically and supporting local businesses, highlighting the role of Chicago Fair Trade in promoting fair trade products. It discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected small businesses and fair trade organizations, with insights from Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade, and Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder of ILAVA. The piece also mentions Jennie Misner, owner of Venture Imports, and her work with artisans in Kenya. A new consumer trend towards purpose-driven purchasing is identified by Euromonitor International, and the article suggests that consumers are becoming more intentional with their purchases. Chicago Fair Trade is hosting a holiday pop-up shop to support fair trade organizations, and the article encourages readers to shop early and support small, local businesses. The author, Megy Karydes, expresses a personal preference for fair trade coffee and chocolate.

The article discusses the importance of taking time out from routine work to think strategically about one's business. It highlights an upcoming virtual education program by ASJA, scheduled for December 13, where members Megy Karydes, Melanie Padgett Powers, and Madalena Sánchez Zampaulo will speak about conducting a solo business retreat. The purpose of the retreat is to help individuals evaluate their current business performance and plan for future goals. The article serves as an invitation to join the event and provides the necessary passcode to attend.

The article discusses the rising trend of indoor gardening, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increased interest in growing food at home. Kasey Bersett Eaves of Vivant Gardening Services and Polly McGann of Happy Leaf, LLC, highlight the benefits of indoor gardening, such as the ease of growing herbs and vegetables without the need for outdoor space. Hank Adams, CEO of Rise Gardens, reports a significant increase in sales for their indoor hydroponic gardens, emphasizing the freshness and nutritional value of home-grown produce. The article also touches on the mental health benefits of gardening and provides resources for those interested in starting their own indoor gardens. It features insights from Chicagoan Julie Fehler-Render, who shares her experience with growing microgreens and herbs indoors.

The article discusses the concept of community food forests, with a focus on the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, the Festival Beach Food Forest in Austin, and the Mindful Living Garden in Chicago. These spaces are designed to mimic forest ecosystems and provide free, accessible food to the community. Unlike traditional community gardens, food forests are open to the public and do not require individual plot management. The article highlights the importance of community involvement, accessibility, and the benefits of nature exposure. It also touches on the need for proper planning, funding, and city support to establish and maintain these food forests. The article emphasizes the role of food forests in addressing food insecurity, especially as food prices rise, and the importance of having a sustainable and long-term approach to urban agriculture.

The article discusses the uplifting and cheerful music produced by guitarist Todd Mosby in 2020, a year that was particularly challenging for many people around the world. Mosby, with the help of the regular collaborators at Imaginary Road Studio, created tunes that were designed to lift spirits and induce smiles. The music is described as the equivalent of a 'pick me up' in a time when it was much needed due to the global circumstances.

Traveling with children can significantly broaden their perspectives and foster curiosity, as highlighted by Desiree Miller and Nasreen Stump. The article emphasizes the educational and developmental benefits of travel, such as cultural awareness and adaptability. It also provides practical tips for managing travel expenses, including shorter trips, staycations, and taking advantage of free or discounted deals. Additionally, it suggests ways to prepare for travel, like researching destinations, sampling local cuisine, and learning new languages. The narrative underscores the lasting memories and empowerment that travel can offer children, encouraging families to explore beyond their immediate surroundings.