For successful teachers, the new school year begins long before their students arrive on the first day of school. These teachers have already spent hours of their summer vacation preparing their classrooms for their students' return, and this setup time can have a positive and dramatic impact on student learning.
“Students need an environment that is well-organized and functional, and that encourages independence,” says veteran teacher Sharon Taylor. “How you choose to set up your room says a lot to students, parents, and visitors about what you want to accomplish, and even what you believe about student interaction and learning.”
Below, Taylor shares her best tips for effectively setting up your new classroom.
Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More!
Analyze and reflect before you start to move any furniture.
If you have a well-thought-out plan before you begin setting up your classroom, you will save tons of time (and backaches).
To start, sit in a comfortable spot in your classroom and get the feel of the space. Take a few moments to decide what you want to include in your classroom this year. Reflect on things that have worked or that didn't work so well in the past.
For extra inspiration, tour your colleagues’ classrooms to see ideas. Finally, sketch a map of where you want to establish specific classroom areas.
Start With the Big Stuff
Arrange your tables or desks first, and then everything else.
After you’ve planned your layout, start by arranging your largest furniture first. How you position your seating areas will largely depend on the goals you have for your class. If you have a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, you can arrange your tables and desks so that small groups of students sit facing each other.
Regardless of whether you optimize for group or independent learning, make sure there is adequate space for students (and you!) to easily maneuver around the desks and tables.
Define Specific Areas
All areas of your room should serve some functional purpose.
Maximize your classroom for function and focus by using rugs and bookshelves to separate and define different areas, such as your classroom library. When setting up learning centers, be sure to separate areas with high activity from those where students need to quietly focus.
You will also need an area where you can meet with small groups and a larger space for whole group activities. Take care to avoid creating areas where students cannot be monitored.
Personalize With Classroom Decor
Make your classroom feel more like home with personal touches.
If you add personal touches such as lamps, plants, and pillows, your classroom will feel more warm and inviting. Post your students' drawings, written works, and other projects on bulletin boards and available wall space.
Add photos of students around the room to provide them with a sense of belonging and ownership. You can even include some personal photos from home in your work space to give students and their families insight into your interests and personality.
Now You’re Ready to Organize!
Setting up a new classroom can be daunting for any teacher, but if you carefully plan and prepare your classroom in advance, you will save time, energy, and stress. Once your classroom setup is done, you’re ready to tackle the challenge of classroom organization. Let the transformation begin!
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