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Your classroom environment is the first impression you will make on your students. The design sets the tone for your expectations.
Is your room inviting or cold? Conducive to learning or distracting? Check your room for the following four environmental concerns. Placement of EquipmentWhenever possible, decide where the overhead projector, television, computer(s), and/or classroom phone should go. Think about how they function for you and for students. All equipment should be placed for easy access, but out of the way when not in use. Be sure the pencil sharpener, garbage can, and recycling bin are near each other. Extension cords and extra tables can be lifesavers. Often teachers work under stressful conditions, not realizing that the small things, such as traveling across the room every time the phone rings, can be easily rectified with a longer cord. Decide if the teacher computer, especially if shared with students, should really be on your desk. Desk arrangements affect learning and teaching in such a various ways. Be sure to carefully consider your desk arrangement. For more specific arrangement ideas and rationale, see article on desk arrangement. Displays and DecorationsDo you display inspirational, educational, and pop culture connections to students’ lives? Decorations, including posters, borders, and backgrounds show your personality, expectations, and respect for students. However, be careful not to go overboard! Crowded bulletins and walls are actually more distracting to students. Remember that you are providing focal points in the room through visual aids and empty breathing space. Plus, you want to keep some walls empty to display student work. Plants, rugs, and aquariums can also add a homely charm to a classroom, but they can also be a source of allergens for students. Plus, you have to find a way to feed animals and water plants during vacations. Task Areas and Materials For Student UseDesign clear task areas for student use. Reading areas, book borrowing areas, computer areas, and art areas should all be clearly labeled with specific rules posted. Students should have an accessible file of their best work. Designate one filing cabinet or bin for student work and label appropriately. Be sure students can find and return their work to the proper area. All materials for student use should be clearly marked and displayed. Place like items together, like art supplies, on open shelving in bins, and label both the bin and the shelf. Be sure to teach students how and when to use and replace items. If students need to borrow a pencil, encourage a swap system (see article on management systems). Color-coding and LabelingColor-coding supplies, drawers, and other supply areas is important, especially in middle and high school where different classes need to be sorted. In elementary education, labeling items with pictures and text is essential for organization and to teach children how to read. In a foreign language class, labeling is necessary for obvious reasons. However, be warned that the most common color blindness is red/green. Many colorblind students have trouble distinguishing red shades from greens/blues. If you are color-coding in two shades, choose a contrasting light and dark shade, such as yellow and blue. Now that you’ve tackled the environment, it’s time for planning your classroom management systems.
The copyright of the article Classroom Environment Ideas in Classroom Organization is owned by Kristy Acevedo. Permission to republish Classroom Environment Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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