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)