Classroom Arrangement and Structure

Classroom arrangement and structure are crucial to think about when creating a productive and welcoming learning environment for students. Classroom structure is the physical layout of the classroom. For elementary students, having a well thought out classroom layout with accessible supplies, subject specific areas and collaborative and independent group work spaces helps students work capabilities. Having an effective classroom arrangement will create proactive social learning experiences and less interruptions.  Routines organize student and teacher behavior and provide children with consistency and a sense of safety in the classroom. Routines help students with anxiety feel a sense of calmness and less confusion when there are daily routines in place.

A first grade classroom with rows of desks.

Through personal experiences observing in a first and fourth grade classroom I have noticed the benefits of a well structured classroom. When students know from the beginning of the day what their day or week looks like it relieves stress and allows them to fully grasp the content being given. The predictability generated by the use of routines reduces anxiety helping regulate behavior. When routines are explicitly taught and rehearsed they become second nature for students and allows teachers with more meaningful instruction time. In my classroom I will have a weekly and morning meeting with my students. At this time we will all have a welcoming conversation to start off the day as well as go over what is going to happen in class time. Of course there can always be curve balls thrown at a perfect schedule like fire drills and so forth. In these moments as a teacher it is my job to come up with a new plan and inform my students of a new routine to help calm anxiety. When students understand what is happening throughout the day it leads to less interruptions and a productive learning environment.