Often the size of your classroom and the number of students determine how you arrange the room. Lack of space can be a factor, but it doesn’t have to dictate how you situate student desks. Rather than default to the standard four or five-row setups, other options can work for you. Encourage engaged learning and student collaboration with one of our creative classroom setup ideas.
Encourage Whole Group Learning
If it’s important to engage the entire class simultaneously and encourage eye contact and communication amongst the whole class, then you need a whole group learning environment. Arrange students’ desks in a squared-off horseshoe shape or half-circle so they can easily see and communicate with everyone in the room.
Small Group Creative Collaboration Setup
Arrange desks in small groups of four to six to encourage discussion and collaboration. This setup is effective if you do a lot of small group work in your class. Be sure to change the groups occasionally to ensure students work with the entire class.
Standard and Group Seating: The Creative Classroom Compromise
If neither standard rows nor group seating will work, a marriage between the two is another creative classroom setup solution. Divide the room in half and leave free space in the middle for a long walkway. Place small groups of desks on either side of the center walkway with both sides facing the center. This allows you to walk up and down the aisles while encouraging small group work and whole-class communication.
Points to Consider for Every Classroom Setup
1. Clear Walkways
Ensure that your chosen setup allows you and your students to walk to different points in the room without tripping on furniture or bumping into another student’s desk.
2. Teacher-Student Proximity
Clear walkways and lines of vision will help you maintain classroom control regardless of the arrangement. Move students to a preferred seating spot, if needed, to encourage focus and positive behavior.
3. Don’t Get Stuck on One Arrangement
No matter the arrangement, you’ll want to move your students and desks at least a few times per school year. Stagnant seating arrangements, especially within small group seating, can encourage cliques and adversely affect whole-class cohesiveness.
4. Consider Whole Class Cohesiveness
Allow time for students to interact as a whole class to encourage a community feel.
A creative classroom setup can address many issues, but other factors, like organization, can also impact your ability to rearrange classroom furniture. We have everything you need to create an organized, spacious classroom atmosphere using various storage products. Regardless of your classroom needs, we’re always here to help you keep students engaged and learning throughout the year.
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