How to Design Today's Classroom

Design your classroom to include space for children to work cooperatively.

When it comes to designing today's classroom, the sky's the limit. Creating an environment to enhance learning, reduce behavior problems and motivate children takes thought and planning. The design of your classroom should reflect your personal teaching style and the educational needs of your students.

Instructions

1. Design the layout of your room to reflect your teaching style. If you use a collaborative approach, organize students in clusters using tables or groups of desks. If you prefer whole-group discussions, place desks in a U-shape or circle around the room. Creating learning centers around the room can foster more individualized, self-paced instruction.

2. Enhance the environment with personal touches. Add fabric curtains, rugs, plants, divider screens, bookshelves, posters, art, lamps or a CD player. These items will make the room feel warm and inviting.

3. Make unique spaces that serve special purposes. Feature a quiet reading area with soft pillows or cushy chairs. Design a listening station with quiet music or headsets for audio books. Make a discussion/conversation center with a circle of chairs. Provide a large table for working on cooperative projects. Offer multimedia spaces with computers, and include individual work areas for students to work independently.

4. Provide common materials and supplies (pens, pencils, paper, markers) around the room. Materials should be easily accessible and within reach. This can eliminate delays and disruptions, and can decrease the amount of time a child spends waiting for help.

References

• Scholastic: Classroom Design
• 4teachers.org: Classroom Architect
• "Learning to Teach...Not Just for Beginners"; Linda Shalaway; 2005

Resources

• Scholastic: The New Teacher's Guide to Setting Up Learning Centers