How to Set Up a Classroom

Getting ready for the first day of school is fun, and it's even more fun if you're the teacher. Preparing bulletin boards and decorating is important, but it is even more important to set up your classroom correctly for optimal learning and teaching. This article will help elementary school teachers come up with some ways to set up your classroom environment that will benefit both you and the students in your classroom.

Things You'll Need

• Classroom furniture
• Decorative accessories

Instructions

1. Assess the classroom. Where will the backpacks go? Where is the door? You will need to leave a clear path from the door to the backpack or coat area. If you have windows in your classroom, will the sun reach into your room through them? You do not want desks to face windows if the sun will be in the students' eyes. Where are your electrical outlets located, and your bulletin boards? You will need to place your desk near electrical outlets, if you have a computer on your desk. It is also nice to have one bulletin board by your desk, so you can post specialty and recess schedules on it.

2. Consider your class size. If you have a large number of students, you will probably have to put your student desks close together in rows. A smaller number of students, or larger classroom, will allow you to put space between each desk, which is an optimal arrangement. Although grouping desks together into groups leaves more room in a classroom, it also encourages social behavior and should be avoided at the start of the year, at least until the teacher has established control of the classroom. Putting desks into rows facing the front of the room is the best way to start the school year.

3. Make sure you can see your students. Place the teacher's desk in such an area that allows you to sit there occasionally, but still see all of your students. Consider placing a stool at the front of the room as a place to rest, and perhaps a podium to rest your planbook on while you are lecturing.

4. Create room for parents. Most primary school teachers love parental help, and many parents are willing to sit in the classroom and correct work for the teacher. Create a space with a comfortable table and chairs for your parent helpers. Add scissors, student files, a stapler, an easy grader, pens and other materials for your parent helpers to use.

5. 

   Make it cozy. If you have the space, add a reading corner with a colorful rug, low bookshelves, and even a lamp or two. This will encourage reading. You may also want to add a calendar and weather center in this area, and use it as a gathering place for your students.

Tips & Warnings

• Each teacher is different, and each grade level has different needs. For example, older students may be able to work in groups right away, so the teacher could probably arrange desks into groups rather than rows. Older students also do not necessarily need a calendar area, or a reading corner. Each classroom set up should be adjusted for grade level. If you have the room, consider adding a science table and a computer corner.

• Be sure to check with your principal for your school's particular classroom rules. Many schools do not allow area rugs or other such decorative items in the classroom.

Resources

• First day of school ideas for teachers