Setting up your classroom for students:

tips for teachers!

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Arranging the classroom environment, student desks, and work areas should be done beforestudents arrive for class.

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Think of how furniture in your home is arranged: it should be functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Classroom environment should matchteaching style!

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Traditional classroom with rows used in environments with teacher-directed instruction. Little collaboration between students in this setting (often more off-task and behavior challenges with this type of arrangement)

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Horizontal rows are useful when there is a mixture of teacher-directed and cooperative learning activities throughout the day.

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Clusters of desks is the best arrangement when classroom activities primarily involve student-directed and cooperative learning projects.

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Make sure pathways in the classroom are designed to avoid congestion and reduce distractions.

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

You should always be able to see each student, and each student should always be able to see you (without straining)

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Classroom & behavior management plan needs to be in place for classrooms with high amounts of active learning & student collaboration (easier in these settings to socialize and stay off-task)

Teachers need plenty of space to move freely throughout the room.

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

When planning, keep in mind the permanent aspects of your room (cabinets, technology, exits, sink area, bathroom). Plan accordingly for these aspects of your classroom design.

Rooms with smaller space (portable/temporary classrooms for example) often amplify sound and create more opportunities for socializing and off task behavior. Have an effective plan ready if this is your classroom setting!

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Excessively large rooms tend to have more student movement in these environments. Be proactive to reduce the number of wandering students throughout the day!

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Be flexible (and willing to change) when assigning student desks. Learn the personality of the class and individual needs of the students (some may require seating adjustments because of 504 or IEP accommodations)

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

Above all – have fun ! Remember our goal as teachers: to improve the social and academic outcomes of all students !!

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.

daigle_ba@mercer.edu

Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.