Managing the Physical Environment
A Place for Enriched Learning
Why is the Classroom Physical Environment Important?
Arranging Space
The physical layout will reflect a teacher's style. If you want students to collaborate in small groups, for example, organize them around tables or clusters of desks. For whole-group discussions, try a circle or U-shaped desk configuration. If there is room, try to find space for whole group lessons and space for student collaboration. If you plan on an individualized, self-paced curriculum, you might set up learning stations or centers. Give the room your personal touch with plants, art, rugs, posters, painted walls, alternate lighting sources, class pets, and maybe some cozy pillows or chairs for the reading corner. If you want students to value reading, you must take time to set up an easy to use and appealing classroom library.
Three Physical Environment Tips for all Classrooms
Clear the Clutter
Establish Informal Furniture Arrangements
Make it Theirs
Give students more ownership of the physical classroom, especially if they spend their entire day in one room. Dedicate at least one wall for their passions. Classrooms decorated with only the teacher input can sometimes make students feel like outsiders. After all, the classroom should't represent you, it should represent them.
"The physical structure of a classroom is a critical variable in affecting student morale and learning" - Mark Phillips
Color in the Classroom
Sources
Byrd, Ian. "First Levels: Classroom Layout." Byrdseed. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.byrdseed.com/preparing-the-first-level-classroom-layout/>.
"Colors in the Classroom Learning." Smith System. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.
<https://smithsystem.com/resource-library/article-library/color-world/nvironment>.
"A Place for Learning: The Physical Environment of Classrooms." Edutopia. N.p., 5 Aug.
Jan. 2016. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/
the-physical-environment-of-classrooms-mark-phillips>.
Shalaway, Linda. "Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment." Scholastic. N.p., n.d.
Jan. 2016. <http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/
classroom-organization-physical-environment>.
Email: Joelle.hansen@ocps.net
Website: www.smore.com
Location: Orange County Public Schools, West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL, United States
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