Unleash Your Inner Organizer: Master the Art of Classroom Organization

Let's peel back the curtain on the start of a school year. One of the first things a teacher does is much like what a squirrel does for winter - they collect, organize, and store items for later use. The physical ambiance of a classroom isn't just about aesthetics, it taps into the sense of ownership students feel about their school and more specifically, their class. The physical design of a classroom can have a significant impact on the quality of education that students receive, so it is important to arrange the classroom with the following in mind:

When I first embark on the exciting task of planning my classroom, I kick off by mapping out the different 'zones' I envision within the room.

Command Center

The first zone - my personal territory, my desk, is decided based on a critical factor: where are the outlets? Trust me, when you're in an older school with just 2-3 outlets, it becomes a necessity and not a choice.

You see, it's these outlets that give life to my teacher 'essentials' - my beloved coffee maker, my go-to printer, and so forth.

Classroom Library 

Once I've strategically determined where my desk will be (usually tucked away in a corner), I proceed to the next significant zone - my classroom library. Make sure to read our post about How to Organize Your Classroom Library for this section!

Materials

On to Zone 3 - the hub of student resources. Picture clear, beautiful storage bins filled with pencils, erasers, and all the daily necessary supplies. Neat and accessible - that's my motto. Every material available should serve a purpose, without transforming the learning space into a mere storage room for resources that are redundant or in excess. Materials deemed less essential should be discretely stored in closed containers to minimize visual clutter, creating a serene, distraction-free environment. Thoughtful, observant eyes might catch the sight of beautiful baskets — a touch of aesthetic functionality I greatly appreciate. These baskets, innocuous as they may seem, serve as excellent storage for headphones, fidget toys, and more.

Seating

Seating arrangements - a battlefield of controversy amidst educators. Small groups of 4-6, or the larger ones of 6-8? Rows or individual islands? Tables, perhaps? Quite the labyrinth, isn't it?

But amidst the chaos, there is unity. There is one thing we all agree upon - every student should have a clear line of sight to the board without having to twist, turn, or perform some choreographed dance in their seats.

After that? It's all down to your preference, and your students' needs. For now, I've declared rows as my battlefield's victor. Why? Simple. It's my secret weapon against my lovable, yet ever-chatty students.

But wait a minute! Does this mean my classroom is a no-chat zone? Absolutely not! I let my students roam around and explore different work settings within the classroom during daily small group work. Much like a forest, teeming with diverse flora, the classroom should have spots that allow for solitude and areas that encourage collaboration. This may take the form of a back counter or a small group table. Different areas for different tasks.

But remember, there's no judgement here. You are the captain of your ship, so find what works for you and your students and embrace it with confidence. 

Flex Space

Finally, if space allows, comes my favorite - the 'chill zone'. Some of you lovely primary teachers may prefer to call this the 'calm down corner'. This is the zone my students always come to adore the most. Picture a little sanctuary, brimming with pillows, stuffies, and the promise of a much-needed break. A retreat within the classroom.

And voila! There you have it – my classroom, a carefully crafted haven for learning. And remember, it all begins with the outlets!