How to Set Up a Classroom for Elementary Children

How you set up the classroom affects the children's behavior.

The physical appearance and arrangement of the elementary classroom can have direct and indirect effects on the behavior of the students. A teacher must be aware of the needs of her students when setting up the classroom to create the best possible learning environment. It is up to the teacher to ensure that each student benefits from the setup of the classroom.

Instructions

1. Set up the students' desks, grouping them together in fours. This allows students to learn how to work with others in a group setting. Once a month mix up the seating so that the students have to learn how to work with different children. Another way to set up desks is in a U shape. In this setting the teacher and students can always make eye contact. The children will always be able to follow the teacher without having to turn in their seats.

2. Create a computer learning center. If your school provides computers, set them up in a corner or along a wall. Use an area where there is no window to distract the students.

3. Set up a listening station where the students can listen to educational stories or music on headphones. The listening station should face the wall away from the desks so that the students can focus on listening.

4. Create a reading station. Make this area comfortable by putting it next to a window and using a couple of beanbag chairs and a rug. Isolate the area by using bookshelves as side walls. Put the reading station in a part of the room that is quiet and away from the computers and listening stations.

5. Set up an area for arts and crafts supplies that is easily accessible to the students. Have a supply box for each student, and make each student responsible for the contents. If you have a special table for arts and crafts, set it up in this area.

6. Use colorful posters on the walls that have short motivation sayings on them. Put a poster in the bathroom and above common-area sinks reminding the students about how to wash their hands. For younger elementary students, put up alphabet and simple math posters.

7. Create an area for the teacher that is off limits to the students. Put your desk in a place that allows each student to approach from the front. Keep filing cabinets and other things that you need in the no-zone area.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the center or one side of the classroom for students' desks and the area along the surrounding walls for stations.

References

• Eduplace: Setting Up Your Classroom
• Teaching Heart: The Best Advice for Classroom Behavior Management
• Scholastic: Classroom Organization, The Physical Environment

Resources

• Pro Teacher: Organization
• Scholastic: 10 Ways to Decorate Your Classroom