"LiteBrite" Wall Breaks New Ground At New Hope-Solebury Elementary

NEW HOPE, PA — New Hope-Solebury’s Lower Elementary School has introduced a custom-built LiteBrite wall designed to engage students in grades K-2 in sensory exploration, creativity, and academic learning.

The groundbreaking project, inspired by district educators and powered by student collaboration, has transformed a traditional elementary school hallway into a dynamic, interactive learning environment.

The inspiration for the LiteBrite wall stemmed from a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Lower Elementary Principal Dr. Jennifer Bloom recognized the limitations of conventional bulletin boards in reflecting and supporting the diverse learning experiences of students.

In partnership with a committee of teachers, Bloom and her team created a vision for a safe space for sensory exploration that could remove the stigma often associated with needing moments of regulation.

Students engaging in engineering design and manufacturing in New Hope-Solebury’s state of the art STEAM wing. (Student Photo Credit: Lisa Schaffer)

As a member of the committee, Lower Elementary special education teacher Michelle Reynolds contributed her knowledge of applied educational neuroscience. Reynolds envisioned a space where students could engage in constructive play and experience the calming effects of rhythmic, repetitive activities to regulate their emotions.

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences with her kindergarten-aged son, she championed the integration of activities like assembling Legos and manipulating LiteBrite pegs to promote self-regulation among students.

The construction of the LiteBrite wall was a collaborative effort involving both educators and students utilizing the resources of New Hope-Solebury High School’s brand-new, state-of-the-art STEAM wing the district renovated last year.

The STEAM Wing houses a CNC router, an industry-grade precision wood-cutting machine used in most modern manufacturing.

Under the guidance of STEAM instructors Richard Curtis and Craig Balmer, New Hope-Solebury high school students designed and fabricated the wall, applying their problem-solving skills and demonstrating the exciting possibilities for hands-on learning made available with their enhanced resources.

The project repurposed discarded electronics and LED panels, enabling them to create an installation valued at $8,000 for only $1,500.

"This project was the exact type of collaboration I had in mind when we were designing the STEAM Lab. I want these students to think big, bold, and push into heights that leave people dumbfounded, knowing we were able to bring someone's dream to life at such a large scale,” said Curtis.

Second grade students creating designs on the new LiteBrite installation. (Photo courtesy of New Hope-Solebury School District)

Since its installation, the LiteBrite wall has become a focal point of engagement and learning. Beyond serving as a sensory tool, it has emerged as a versatile educational resource, facilitating instruction in mathematics, phonics, collaboration, and problem-solving.

"It’s truly exciting to collaborate on creating an intentional space that enhances the learning experience for all of our students throughout the day,” said Reynolds.

As New Hope-Solebury School District continues to explore innovative approaches to education, the LiteBrite wall stands as an important example of successful collaboration and student-led learning.