Organizing your classroom

Room arrangements should be functional and reflect your teaching style.

1. Personal touches create a sense of community and individualism in the classroom.

• Lamps can give a room a less institutional and more inviting appearance.
• Green plants soften a room and also improve the air quality.
• Floors and ceilings as well as walls can be used to display learning aids and student work.
• A class pet can spark student interest and invite engagement. Fish are certainly not disruptive.
• If your room is large enough, a comfortable area where students can work alone or in small groups is inviting.
• Soft music between classes or during group work or independent learning time can create a pleasant atmosphere.
• Consider providing a bulletin board or other space for students to contribute to.
• Post a large sign with your name, room number and class outside the door.
  

2. Organizational decisions can facilitate smooth operations.

• Create a filing system and use it.
• Keep high traffic areas (doorways, bookshelves, computers, pencil sharpeners) free of congestion.
• Use in/out baskets to help you and your students manage assignments and materials effectively.
• If possible, create "mailboxes" or storage areas for each student and use them regularly.
• Consider a central storage area for paper, pencils, felt markers, tape, staplers, rulers and other tools. Make sure they are returned to the proper place at the end of the activity.
• Display class rules procedures, calendar, assignments, seating charts and other informational items in a visible and convenient location. Make sure this area is kept neat and attractive.
• Arrange furniture to allow space to walk around the room and among students. Sit at student desks to check their view of the board and other teaching stations.
• Set up a table near the door where students can pick up and deposit assignments and materials as they enter and leave.
• Devise a system for absent students to check what they missed when they return.