Classroom Design

Welcome!

Definition of Classroom Management:

How a teacher organizes the classroom so that behavior problems are eliminated or minimized (Harry Wong).

The importance of designing a classroom for optimal

management… lies in teacher

mobility and physical proximity to students.

Proximity = accountability.

The classroom should reflect the….

subject and the interests, learning styles, and ages of the children.

The physical characteristics that may affect learning

include

lighting, crowding, whiteboard space, furniture, availability of equipment, windows, wall space, heating, adequate materials, or the area being too cluttered or too bare.

Aesthetics in the classroom include

colors, decoration, condition of furniture and/or room, etc

Objectives of Room Arrangement:

To get from any student to any other student with the fewest steps (6-10).

To create walkways between the students so that you can easily walk among them and supervise their work (2 feet for walkways).

To provide opportunity for group work and interaction or individual work.

To minimize distractions.

Furniture: Decide on your preference for

individual desks, small tables, or large tables.

Arrangement and type of furniture communicates to children what activities occur there.

Can be used to subdivide large spaces into activity areas; flexibility (easy to move).

Adaptability for handicapped students.

Traffic Patterns: Visualize how the

students will move around the room.

Make sure pathways clear and unobstructed. Allow for placement of book bags, coats, etc.

Remember - proximity to all students within a few steps.

Avoid large open spaces that would encourage running or rough housing.

Noise Levels: Carpeted areas

for noise control.

Arrange quiet areas as far away from noisy areas as possible.

Aesthetics: Bright colors;

warm natural lighting.

Balance of hard and soft textures.

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