Improving the acoustics in kindergartens (10 cost-effective ways)

Reducing noise in your preschool rooms

Whether you’re looking to reduce noise in your preschool, diffuse the noise or get a good sound level in a space with noisy kids, we’ve got 10 ideas to help.

1. Acoustic Panels

These are perhaps the most common solution to improve room acoustics. Acoustic panels made from affordable materials, such as thick foam, can be hung on walls or ceilings. Besides their functional purpose of reducing noise reflections, they can be designed in attractive shapes and colors, which can also serve as decorative pieces for children. For kindergartens, panels can be tailored into playful designs or educational motifs, turning them into engaging learning tools while serving their primary acoustic function.

2. Carpeting and Rugs

Carpeting helps absorb sound and reduce echo, making spaces sound softer and more controlled. For kindergartens, playful or thematic rugs can be introduced. They not only contribute to noise reduction but also designate specific areas for activities. Moreover, they provide a cushioned and safe surface for kids to play on, which is an added advantage in settings with young children.

3. Soft Furnishings

Soft furniture items, such as bean bags, plush chairs, and cushions, can significantly contribute to reducing noise levels. Their soft and porous nature makes them effective in absorbing sound waves. Furthermore, they can be strategically placed around the room, doubling as comfortable resting or reading nooks for children, fostering both relaxation and learning.

4. Bookshelves and Storage Units

Bookshelves lined with books or storage units filled with toys act as diffusers, breaking up sound waves and reducing echoes. When arranged properly, they can also compartmentalize space, further helping to manage noise by creating quieter pockets within the room. It also has the added benefit of organizing resources and toys, making them easily accessible.

5. Ceiling Hangings

Hanging soft materials or objects, like fabric banners or foam shapes, from the ceiling can disrupt the path of sound waves, preventing them from bouncing back directly. These hangings can be themed around educational topics or simply be decorative, creating a visually appealing and acoustically effective solution.

6. Plants

Introducing indoor plants can slightly improve acoustics. While they don’t absorb sound as effectively as some of the other solutions, they can help scatter sound waves. Moreover, plants have added benefits of improving air quality and introducing a calming, natural element into the room.

7. Curtains and Drapes

Heavy curtains or drapes can be installed on windows or even as room dividers. They help in dampening the sound that comes from outside and also reduce internal echoes. Choose fabrics with vibrant and child-friendly patterns to keep the atmosphere lively and conducive to learning.

8. Soundproofing Paint

While it might not be as effective as more robust solutions, there are special paints available that can somewhat help dampen sound. For kindergarten spaces that need a fresh coat of paint, opting for soundproofing variants can be a cost-effective way to slightly enhance acoustics while refreshing the aesthetics.

9. Door Sweeps and Seals

Noise often enters a room through gaps under doors or around window frames. Simple door sweeps or seals can help reduce this infiltration. For kindergarten spaces, ensuring doors are properly sealed not only improves acoustics but can also aid in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.

10. Acoustic Partitions

For larger kindergarten spaces, portable acoustic partitions can be employed to create smaller sections when needed. These movable walls are designed to absorb sound, and when positioned strategically, they can significantly mitigate noise transfer between different activity zones. They allow educators the flexibility to adapt the room based on various activities, ensuring quieter spaces for focused activities while accommodating noisier play elsewhere.