How to Set up a First Grade Classroom
First grade is a pivotal time. It is the first time kids are really going to school for a learning process. However, it does need to be oriented to a young age so that they can take in the information in a fun and enjoyable way. The first way to do this is to set up an environment that is welcoming to these children. That is why the classroom appearance and orientation are so important.
Instructions
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1
Make sure the room has carpeting. Small children need soft but durable flooring. Next, bring in short desks. It is better to push four to six together to form a table. This way, they still have the interactive unit feeling of kindergarten, but the individuality of having a place that is all their own where they can put their pencils and papers.
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Set up cubbies along one wall near the door. Label each cubbie with the student's name. This gives them a place of their own to put their backpacks and lunch boxes.
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3
Select a theme for the first month or so. Decorate the walls with paper cutouts, pictures and words that pertain to the theme. Make sure the room is filled with color and is lively. Also put up posters of common knowledge things like numbers and letters in sequence, time, colors and shapes, and days of the week. Make sure there is a calendar somewhere that the kids can look at.
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4
Leave one large space open in the middle of the room where your desk as the teacher will be. Give yourself plenty of room on either side for students to come up and ask questions or go over things with you. It's important for first graders to have lots of personal time and interaction with you.
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Post class rules in short, simple sentences in a place where everyone can see. Also consider getting a class pet of some sort that the students can interact with, even if this is a stuffed animal. Create a special space for this creature to live.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure every child will be able to easily see you in the front of the room.
Don't leave any sharp objects or corners exposed, as these can be dangerous to small children.