How to Design a First Grade Classroom

First graders are curious, inquisitive and learn a lot by exploring their environment. Because of these reasons, the ideal first grade classroom should be colorful, engaging and provide opportunities for the children to interact with one another while absorbing new information. Elementary classrooms have to serve so many functions and subjects that it can be difficult to figure out how to make everything work together. While experienced teachers likely have design preferences for their classrooms, new teachers can follow these tips to create a fun space for learning that will appeal to all types of learners.

Things You'll Need

• Desks
• Large table
• Posters
• Hot glue gun
• Bulletin board decorations
• Butcher paper
• Stapler
• Rugs
• Bean bag chairs
• Bookshelves

Instructions

1. Figure out the best configuration for the desks. Since young children have poor impulse control, it can be difficult for them to focus on their work while facing their classmates. However, some classrooms focus on group work the majority of the time, so you need to consider your teaching style when placing the desks.

2. Place a large table in the room to serve as a spot for kids to gather materials for projects, turn in assignments or meet in subject groups.

3. Hang large, colorful posters on the walls using a glue gun. Most schools have cinder block walls, and the glue holds up objects well, but peels away easily when you want to change the decor. Include posters from every subject, as well as displays that promote good character traits or detail classroom rules.

4. Decorate bulletin boards to share information, as well as feature student information or work. Staple bright butcher paper, and trim the boards with fun borders. Students enjoy showing off, so a display that they help contribute to is sure to be a big hit.

5. Designate a reading or quiet area for students who complete their work early. Place a large rug, as well as a few bean bag chairs near a bookshelf. This area can also serve as a gathering place for circle time, class demonstrations, show-and-tell or story time.

6. Add learning centers throughout the room that will appeal to kids who prefer to learn by doing. A math center might include manipulative blocks to count or add, while a science center might feature a sturdy microscope for viewing slides or found objects. Kids who are auditory learners will appreciate a center where they can listen to books on tape or songs about the subjects they are studying.

7. Create a method for classroom management that offers visual reminders for students. Dedicate an area of the room or a bulletin board for this, and come up with a way for students to see when they are breaking rules. Popular methods include writing names on the board or having students change a color card next to their name.

Tips & Warnings

• You should plan to change some of your displays and posters often to match the seasons or to pique the students' interest with new material. However, you should leave the basic design of the room the same until the students become comfortable with their surroundings and schedule.