The physical layout of the classroom reflects the personal style of the teacher. A classroom should include an instructional area, a library and a resources area. Thinking through the organization of each area of the classroom will enable a new teacher to curb behavior problems at the same time as improve instructional time.
Organizing the Classroom Instructional Area
The instructional area of the classroom includes the students’ desks and chalkboard or white board. This is the area that the teacher will spend time providing direct instruction to the students. The desks should be arranged in such a manner as to promote the type of learning reflected in the teacher’s style. Options include:
- Clusters of desks for group work
- Circles and U shapes for group discussion
- Rows for direct instruction and lecture
Organizing the instructional area properly will prevent unnecessary behavior problems by allowing the students to already be in position for the type of instruction the teacher utilizes on a regular basis. For example, a teacher who commonly uses group discussion but has the desks arranged in groups will tend to have students in each other's way, dropping materials on the floor and distracted during class, while a teacher who uses group instruction but organizes the desks in rows will lose a lot of instructional time as the students arrange themselves in groups.
Organizing the Classroom Library
Every classroom should have a library area set up for students to enjoy. Creating a comfortable area that invites students to settle in and enjoy a book may have the benefit of increasing reading test scores as well as improve students’ attitude towards learning. Having a designated area for books will help to decrease the traffic in the resource area and prevent students from bumping into each other as they maneuver about the classroom.
Some classrooms may be too small for a seating area with books. If this is the case, it is important to design the classroom library in such a way that allows movement of several students in and out of the library as the choose books and return to their seats.
Organizing the Resource Area in the Classroom
The resource area of the classroom is often found along the perimeter of the room. This is where dictionaries, pencils, pencil sharpener, trash can and other resources that the students use will be found. Additionally, this is where the teacher's desk should abide, along with places for students to turn in classwork and homework.
Creating a carefully planned resource area is essential towards maintaining proper classroom management as it will help keep the movement in the classroom orderly and prevent students from bumping into each other as they retrieve supplies.
Teachers need to put thought into the organization of each space in the classroom in order to help prevent and minimize classroom management issues among the students. The instructional area, classroom library and resource area are three of the main spaces within the classroom that need to be organized and thought through.
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Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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