I love designing classroom environments. If I could get a degree in it, I would. There is something about the way I feel when a classroom flows. I spend hours drawing it all out and then reworking it both before and after the kids arrive.
Here are 5 tips to setting up your classroom environment.
- Write down all the areas you need to have, want to have, or dream about squeezing in. Decide if you want loud centers together or apart. I prefer mine separate. When blocks and dramatic play are too close, I find the noise escalates more quickly. When then are separated then I feel the volume is easier to control, but I know other teachers prefer quiet centers closer.
- Decide what furniture each area will need. Shelves, rug, etc. Is there tile or carpet to consider, doors, sinks, bathrooms? Note if any areas can do double duty. I love blocks to be its own area so structures can stay up, but in small classroom spaces the whole group rug and block area could be the same area. .
- Draw it out- for years I just drew it out, but honestly I have no concept of size and my drawings would be so off and I would get so frustrated that the giant rug didn’t fit against a wall. Now I use graph paper. It takes more work measuring most items in the classroom, but worth it. Hint most floor tile is 1 ft. I even cut out the furniture out of graph paper so I can move them all around until I get it right. Now you don’t have to go that far, but you’ll feel better if you have a plan.
My classroom drawn out to scale
- Move the furniture- Now look for runways (long areas where children can run) and sight lines. I have two tall shelves that are not great when they are not against the wall. Is there any areas to tight or too open?
- Lastly don’t feel stuck. If it doesn’t work for you or the children do not be afraid to make changes. My students love coming in and seeing something new… yes we all forget where the colored pencils now are but …hey we will help each other out.
Remember when set up your classroom environment can be the third teacher. It can manage behaviors and make your life easier. Are you a pre planner like me or figure it out when your there?
Check out my Instagram for my classroom Reel!
