Setting Your Classroom Lyn Steed University Of West Georgia

How you set up your classroom can dramatically affect students’ attitudes toward the learning environment. The environment needs to be organized, stimulating, and comfortable in order to learn effectively. Arranging a practical physical layout, supplying diverse materials and supplies, and encouraging the students to take ownership of their class.

Tips for Getting Started Enough desks/chairs and cubicles for each student. Location of maps, chalkboard or white board, and overhead screen should be within sight of all students. Fixed location to post menus, assignments, calendar, and announcements. Passes for restroom, hall, office, media center placed near the door. Storage bins and shelves to store materials. Place for classroom pets if you choose to have them. Place to post classroom jobs, birthdays, student work, and teaching materials. Post procedures to be followed in class and centers, class rules, and emergency plans.

Arranging Learning Centers Keep computers facing away from windows. Use bookshelves to isolate different areas. Provide comfortable seating Separate centers of high activity from centers where students need to be quiet. Set aside areas to meet with small groups

Arranging Whole Group Area Make sure students have an unrestricted view of main teaching area. Consider using a rug to mark off the area. Teacher desk should be out the way, but where you can view the whole class. Set aside an off-limits zone for your records and supplies.

Types of Learning Areas Whole group Small group Reading area Writing Center Cross-Curricular Center Computer stations Communication Area Listening Station

Classroom Tools /tools/class_setup/