Organizing Your Classroomand Supplies

Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers

Evertson and Emmer© Pearson / Merrill, 2009

Chapter 1

Why is room arrangement important?

Room arrangement supports teachingDecisions for room arrangement have important consequences for success of instructional activitiesCommunicates to students how teacher expects them to participate in class

Four Keys to Good Room Arrangement1. High-traffic areas

- Keep high traffic areas free of congestion

2. Students- Be sure students can be seen easily by the teacher

3. Materials and supplies- Keep frequently used teaching materials and student supplies readily accessible

4. Presentations and displays- Be certain students can easily see whole-class presentations and displays

Guidelines for Room Arrangement

VVisibility

AAccessibility

DDistractibility

VVisibility

Lack of equal visual access decreases student motivation and accountability

Teachers must be able to see all students at all times.

Students must be equally able to see all displays and instructional

presentations.

AAccessibility

Congestions increases the potential for problems

Teachers must be able to Easily reach all studentsEasily reach needed instructional equipment, materials and supplies

AAccessibility

Congestions increases the potentialfor problems

Students need easy access to fixtures, materials, and supplies.

DDistractibility

Objects, animals, and other students compete with teachers and academic materials for student attention

Seat students away from obvious distractors doors, windows, computer screens

Separate and seat away from one another students who constantly interact inappropriately

Suggestions for ArrangingYour Classroom

Wall and Ceiling Space Suggested displays

Class rules Daily schedule and/or daily

assignments A “welcoming” display w/ student

names A calendar Safety and emergency information

Suggestions for ArrangingYour Classroom

Floor Space Arrangement of student desks Small-group instruction Computer workstations The teacher’s desk, filing cabinet,

overhead projector, and other equipment Bookcases Centers Pets, plants, aquariums and special items

Suggestions for ArrangingYour Classroom

Storage Space and Supplies Textbooks and other instructional

materials Student work Portfolio Files Frequently used classroom materials Teacher’s supplies Other materials Student belongings Equipment Seasonal and infrequently used items

Checklist 1 (p. 18)