October 27, 2022
October 27, 2022
Every teacher is aware of the positive effects a healthy, attractive, pleasant and safe classroom can have on learning. However, many teachers discover that setting up the physical environment of their classrooms to their preference may be extremely challenging, particularly when faced with outdated structures, congested classrooms, and a lack of storage space. You can easily maximize the environment in your classroom by carefully weighing your demands and the needs of your students.
It's reasonable to believe that kids who attend tidy and organized schools have a better chance of succeeding than those who don't. But do the conditions you foster in your orderly classrooms affect your students’ learning capacity?
Of course it does! An excellent physical environment in the classroom makes students feel comfortable, secure, and respected. As a result, students become more motivated to participate in the learning process, and their self-esteem increases.
Some of Nancy Chung's hacks may be helpful if you're a teacher currently looking to set up the appropriate physical environment in your classroom for the new academic year. Nancy presently works as a 5th grade teacher and has been a teacher for more than 25 years. She is experienced in the classroom and has the qualifications to back it up. She is a competent content creator and is also a math and robotics coach.
Below is a summary that contains some of her advice as well as a few of our own on how to strategically transform your classroom into the appropriate physical environment that can bring the best out of your students.
Know Your Purpose
According to Nancy, the first thing to consider before designing your classroom is to answer these questions:
Asking these questions can help clarify what each part of your classroom should be utilized for as well as the layout of how it will be utilized.
Evaluate The Effect of Your Classroom Designs And Decorations
When things are clean, creativity starts to follow and students and teachers can focus properly. Nancy suggests that your designs and decor should make them focus rather than be distracted.
A great classroom design must strike a balance between the many teaching techniques used and the types of learning that take place there. Combining learning and teaching — which, in our opinion, are two completely different activities — helps to build a learning environment that supports both the teacher and the student, leading to a more satisfying learning experience.
Along with striking a balance between teaching and learning, it's crucial to make sure that your classroom is well utilized. Many classrooms can feel small and tight or contain sections of underutilized space. However, you can achieve the ideal balance of space consumption in your classroom by paying close attention to the furniture and layout.
Avoid Distraction
You must also consider the distracting elements present in the actual classroom setting. Both the windows and doorways leading to the hallway can distract students. Those who are easily distracted might not be the best fit for these seats. The same is valid for seats close to the teacher's desk, or even the pencil sharpener in the classroom, as these locations see more traffic than others.
It's also crucial to keep in mind that some children may become distracted by eye-catching classroom décors like posters or other jazzy materials. This is not a criticism of classroom decorations! However, it might be preferable to place these visual aids elsewhere, such as on the classroom's rear wall, away from the teaching area.
Nancy suggests that teachers should avoid using too many colors in their designs. Apply the right color theory and make use of calm and neutral colors. For instance, yellow and red sometimes make people hungry, you shouldn't make use of such colors. Use proper color schemes and combinations when designing the classroom to avoid all sorts of distractions.
Make Age-Appropriate Spaces For Learning Activities
When arranging a physical classroom, safety and functionality are crucial factors. Make sure to keep dangerous items and sharp objects out of reach. It is advisable to make sure that all electrical outlets are equipped with kid safety plug-ins if you teach infants and toddlers.
Keep in mind that you are in charge of their young lives since they are in your custody. As a result, you should always evaluate how safe your classroom is when setting up your classroom environment.
Nancy believes that an ideal classroom setting should have flexible seating options, lots of visuals and legible drawings and images.
Don't Go Overboard
Classrooms with excessive decorations might overload children with visual information, affecting their memory and concentration.
Keep about 30% of the wall space clear and fill the remaining area with student work, motivational images and teaching aids to create a warm, dynamic and attractive atmosphere in the classroom.
Nancy advises that teachers shouldn't spend too much nor should they imitate other classrooms. Less is more! You should rather make your decorations intentional and meaningful, not just pretty pictures.
Have A Budget
You don't need to break the bank to give your students a lovely learning space. Any budget will work for it! It is possible to decorate your classroom nicely without going bankrupt! You don't require any pricey stuff.
According to Nancy, teachers are happily supported by many places and people. You can use this to your advantage as a teacher by asking for teacher discounts in stores or by writing proposals to people, firms and organizations that are likely to fund your classroom decorations.
Don't Overwork Yourself
As the popular saying goes, do your best and leave the rest. You want everything to be perfect before your students resume another school session. But some things shouldn't be done until the second week of resumption.
For instance, labeling the kids' names can wait – never label them until the first week of the session is over. Rosters can change and new kids can come in.
Last Thoughts
Finally, make sure you create a safe, welcoming and positive environment for your students. Create a positive space to make them feel like they are at home. The only way to achieve this as a teacher is to be patient with them and treat them with love and care.
Even professionals like Nancy agree that setting up your classroom takes time. Although having everything finished on day one is preferable, it's not a shame if you don't. As long as you have the basics, the rest will follow with time.
Featured image by Max Fischer on Pexels