Creating a functional, comfortable classroom takes thought and consideration. Depending on the age you teach, you will need to think through different needs and situations. Refer to the lesson How To Develop an Effective Classroom Design for helpful suggestions. Additionally, use the checklist below for your appropriate age group to evaluate the needs of your classroom.
Teaching young children requires extra emphasis on classroom design. Because students are learning self-reliance and responsibility, they may not immediately tell you their needs. Putting extra thought into how your classroom will function and how it is laid out will help ease anxieties and fears for your students. Here are some key questions to consider:
| Check If Addressed | Question |
|---|---|
| Is there a space for collaboration? | |
| Where will the students work independently? | |
| What space will be established for whole group work? | |
| How will technology be integrated into the classroom space? | |
| Is a space allotted for center work? | |
| What furniture and storage space is needed? | |
| How will the students maneuver through the classroom? Are there ample open spaces? | |
| Where will students put their belongings, i.e. coats, backpacks, supplies, etc? | |
| How will desks be arranged to provide for student needs and best learning arrangements? | |
| How will you make your classroom warm and comfortable for the students? |
For example, making a warm and comfortable classroom could involve brightening some parts of the space with fresh paint, live plants, using soft light in some areas, or adding carpet or rugs.
To prepare for your middle school students, there are several factors that you can consider in designing your classroom:
| Check If Addressed | Question |
|---|---|
| Will students need space for group work or collaboration? Where will this space be? | |
| How can you create adequate space for each student without feeling cramped or confined? | |
| How will technology be integrated into the classroom space? | |
| Is a space allotted for supplies, projects, and equipment? | |
| How will desks be arranged to provide for student needs and allow students to focus on their work? | |
| What furniture and storage space is needed? | |
| How will the students maneuver through the classroom? Are there ample open spaces? | |
| Where will students put their belongings, i.e. coats, backpacks, supplies, etc? | |
| How can you keep your classroom quiet and organized to keep students on task? |
For example, a collaborative space probably does NOT include lines of desks. Perhaps small U-shapes, arrangements of four desks facing each other. Prepare to rearrange them based on need or appropriateness. Remember also to consider any children with special needs - will a wheelchair bound child be able to navigate the room with ease?
High school students need less hand-holding and are more capable of self-management. However, you still have a responsibility to create a constructive learning environment that allows them to focus on the topic you are teaching. Use the checklist below to help guide your classroom design.
| Check If Addressed | Question |
|---|---|
| Will students need space for group work or collaboration? Where will this space be? | |
| How can you create adequate space for each student without feeling cramped or confined? | |
| How will technology be integrated into the classroom space? | |
| Is a space allotted for supplies, projects, and equipment? | |
| How will desks be arranged to provide for student needs and to allow students to focus on their work? | |
| What furniture and storage space is needed? | |
| How will the students maneuver through the classroom? Are there ample open spaces? | |
| Where will students put their belongings, i.e. coats, backpacks, supplies, etc? | |
| How can you keep your classroom quiet and organized to keep students on task? | |
| Will you allow students to give input to the design? If so, how will you manage their feedback and expectations? | |
| Is the layout of your classroom suitable for class work, individual work, and test taking? | |
| Can all students see your lecture area and white board, or other teaching tools? |
Students will spend a sizeable amount of time in your classroom over the course of a school year. Having a comfortable, functional environment will help them feel more at ease and prepared to learn. You will feel more confident and in control when your classroom is designed with the students' needs in mind.
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