Classroom Climate

Grouping Students for Instruction

Technical Support

Support Personnel

Physical Setting

 

 

The set up of the classroom depends upon the teaching style of the teacher, learning styles of the student, and the type of teaching system used.

Organizational Suggestions:

1. If you anticipate large amounts of supportive or supplemental teaching to take place, establish a teaching area in the classroom.

• Small group instructional area
• Large group instructional area
• Learning centres
• Independent work stations
• Computer work station
• Time -out area
• Storage area

2. Consider the learner's toleration of movement or frequent desire to move; organizational abilities/preferences; need for sensory stimulation; as well as the preference to work independently or in a group.

• Check to see if lighting and temperature conditions in the classroom are suitable for the learner.
• A study carrel is useful. This will benefit the student who is easily distracted.
• Depending on the level of distraction, determine whether the student might be better seated at the front or back of room, near the teacher, away from noise or traffic flow areas.
• Find additional storage space away from the student's desk.
• Place work space in middle of classroom activity.
• Attach learning materials to desk.
• Laminate a schedule and attach it to the desk. With younger students you could also include pictures of materials needed for each time or activity period.
• Use different colored chalk when recording information on board.
• A table placed outside the classroom may also be useful. Some students may prefer to work alone or in a small group outside the classroom because it may be less distracting.
• A backpack could be attached to the back of the desk to hold learning materials.
• Place necessary but distracting items such as pencils sharpeners, lunchbags, garbage containers etc. away from centers of learning.

3. When preparing seating plans or work areas, consider students' vision, hearing, touch and smell.

• Eg. Seat student close to the board, away from the glare of the window,
• Provide a slant board for placement of books or papers,
• Differentiate parts of the working area using textured materials,
• Use scented stickers to designate important activities on the classroom schedule.
• Seat students requiring adaptations in an area that will allow easy access to the students without disturbing the rest of the class.

4. Designate a specific spot n the classroom to leave notes, post schedules or changes in schedules, morning announcements and other pertinent information.

5. Establish systems for recording and checking assignments and grades (eg. Assignment sheets, homework books, student calendars/planners.

6. Keep a basket of necessary supplies in each area.

7. Have a cart with wheels. It's a great way to keep supplemental materials you need close at hand.

8. A filing cabinet will help to keep materials and student files close at hand. Keep a central file of modified materials and ideas.

9. Designate one location to hand in daily assignments.

10. Color code folders for each subject. If possible coordinate folders with the colors of the textbooks used.

11. When using the computer, place a document holder near the computer to prevent pages from falling on the floor.