Tips on Setting Up a Classroom

The classroom environment should be warm and welcoming.

A classroom should be a welcoming and positive environment for students. When setting up a classroom, the teacher should consider the subjects to be studied, ages of the students and the major functions of each area. Educators should strive to create an organized and effective classroom in which learning is the top priority and students feel free to be creative.

Choose a Theme

When setting up a classroom, one of the first things to consider is a central theme. For younger grades, teachers may want to choose a specific theme such as bumble bees, monkeys or frogs. Visit a teacher supply stores to search for ideas. Educators with older students should consider a motivating theme such as "Go for the Gold!" or "Reading is for Champs!" The theme can also help students understand the teacher's expectations.

Select Colors

The choice of colors in a classroom can help build a positive environment. Color choice can take away from the learning experience or enhance it. Select colors based on the classroom theme. Choose one or two main colors and a complimentary one. Use items that work with that particular color combination for your room. Don't rule out a color just because you have heard a rumor about it. For example, even though some believe the color red can stimulate aggression, this is not necessarily true. Every color can work in some manner with learners of various ages.

Create Workspaces

As you look at the room, think about where to place the teacher's workspace. Teachers often forget to think about themselves when planning the layout of a room. Create a corner with bookcases, filing cabinets and your computer. Think about the children's work spaces. Will your age group work well with the use of large tables and chairs? Would individual desks work better? Create functional work spaces in which you and your students feel comfortable.

Organize

Organize every part of the room by grouping each section according to the purpose it serves. Use large letters to designate what should happen in that section of the room. Create a reading corner, technology center, resource area, science center and writing space. Add comfortable seating and pillows to the reading corner. Place such reference materials as dictionaries, encyclopedias and textbooks in the resource area. Organize the books in the classroom library according to reading difficulty. The more organized the room, the easier it will be to utilize the space effectively.

References

• Sherwin-Williams: Graduate to Color
• Eric Digests: Learning, Lighting and Color; Randall Fielding; 2006
• Scholastic; Class Organizaing Tips; Roe Wrubel