Classroom Design

Kirsten Watts
Dr. Schiering
EDU 504

The classroom design project provided a great resource for future teacher candidates like
myself. The classroom I created, using a three dimensional model layout, was designed for
twenty students in a classroom. I found that using this number of students was an average
number of students as I feel as of this point I am leaning towards teaching a special education
inclusion classroom but I would also consider teaching a general education class. If I taught a
self-contained class, I would make some changes to the classroom layout to fit my students
needs. This would be my ideal classroom to start out the year with a class size of twenty
students.
The twenty students would sit at individual desks in which they would form an L shape
with five students in each grouping. This format would have four clusters of desks in the
classroom leaving space for other areas of instruction. The L shape allows students to easily
form tables by having the two students on the one side to turn their desks facing the other three.
This format also allows for students to break off into partnerships and trios. The groups that are
lateral to each other could also join together if larger groups are needed.
Small group format led by a teacher is also possible with students sitting in the L shape
layout. Teachers, whether the general teacher of the classroom or a specialist who pushes-in
during the day, could position themselves on the inside of an L shape and work with a small
group of five students.

When carrying out guided reading, I thought this would be an

advantageous set up to decrease time wasted to rearrange the desks. This would also allow the
teacher to monitor students performance during the day. The teacher can see all of the students
as well as the students workspace.
Students all have individual needs which must be taken into consideration in the
classroom layout. Students who have difficulties with their vision, they will be placed in one of

the front two groups. A student who has ADHD may need to be reminded to stay on task in
which being closer to the teacher may be best. If a student has an IEP which entitles them to
having an aide in the class, the student might sit on the end of one of the L shapes to allow
room for the aide to assist the student throughout the day. The L shape with students desks
will be a versatile layout for the necessary desks in the classroom.
The one wall in the class will be the front and central wall. The students will have a clear
view of the board during direct instruction periods. The SMART Board, the daily schedule,
calendar, behavior reinforcement chart, and the weekly news will be put in the front of the
classroom. Students thrive on schedules and routines and making them visible to all students
will help students prepare for the day. Any student who has trouble transitioning will be able to
see the schedule for the day so there are no sense of surprises.
There are numerous tables throughout the classroom. These tables range in functions and
usages. The center circular desk will be used to hold materials required for the day. This will
have all of the necessary handouts and packets needed for the days instruction making it easier
for the teacher. The semi-circle table in the back of the classroom will be used for writers
workshop meetings or for guided reading groups. The classroom will have computers or laptops
for student use in which there will be a table off to the side for them. The last table will be used
during centers or small group projects when students need to get out of the desks and work
together.
In elementary classrooms it is very common to find a carpet in the room. The carpet is
located in the back corner by the leveled reading library. I found this would be a great spot for
the carpet being as though it would serve as another stage for instruction. Students can learn in
this non-traditional seating style throughout the day. A poster paper easel can be used on the

carpet to provide for a writing space while the students are on the carpet. The carpet is also a
great area when doing a lesson with different activity centers.
Next to the carpet is a little area of bean bag chairs. Sometimes students need time away
from their desk when working on creative assignments or diving into a new novel. These
alternative seats allow for students to take a break from their desk and feel a bit more relaxed.
Sometimes when working on a creative writing piece, a change in scenery allows students to
bring out ideas. When writing, students will be given a clipboard to lean on.
The classroom will be equipped with different means of storage. The students will put
their backpacks and jackets in the cubbies in the back of the classroom. This will cut down on
extra clutter that occurs when students keep their belongings on the back of their chairs. Book
shelves are a necessity in my opinion in a classroom. I find that with one book case with all
learning manipulatives, one with extra supplies for students, and one for teaching resources, the
classroom will be organized. With an organized classroom, I will be able to focus on my
students achievements and help them succeed their goals and grade level standards.
The desk in which I will sit as it located in the back corner. It is not placed here to be
separated from the students. It is placed there due to the nature and likelihood of me being at my
desk during the day. I do not see myself sitting at my desk during the day while my students are
working. I prefer being available for my students throughout their day even during independent
work. My students needs are my primary concern so making sure I am up and ready to assist
students is one aspect which led me to place my desk in the back of the room.
The classroom is not just my classroom. My students have just as much ownership of the
classroom as I will. I want my classroom to be culturally responsive as well as a diverse learning

community for my students. Making sure every individual feels welcomed and comfortable in
the classroom will allow for students to achieve their goals. The class rule of No put downs,
only lift up, will be the theme of the classroom rules. The students will help create posters to
hang up which will illustrate how to implement this rule in the classroom. This will help the
students feel as though they are important in the class.
In order to manage behavior in the class, a behavior modification system will be used. A
visual system on a bulletin board is a constant reminder for students. I feel that rewarding the
good behaviors are important as well as more efficient in having students behave throughout the
day. Having a behavior chart of some sort in which students are responsible for recording their
behavior will have them take responsibility for their actions. With a reward of picking an extra
book, or being able to have lunch with the teacher, the students will be able to strengthen the
connection in the classroom as well as their educational journey.
All students learn in diverse means. This will be a reason why direct and indirect
instruction will be utilized in the daily classroom instruction. With a classroom that is versatile
and able to be adapted for the activities desired to be done in a lesson to fit the students needs,
both forms of instruction can be implemented. During the lessons both convergent and divergent
questioning will be used. Students have different strengths in which they will get more out of
different types of questions than maybe their other classmates. Classroom instruction variations
are important and able to be done with a classroom design that supports them.
The classroom design is one that I feel will work efficiently for a class of twenty students
with diverse needs. Even though this is how I would ideally set up the classroom, I am not
against adapting and changing it after trying it out and seeing the said design does not meet the
needs of my students. As a teacher you must be willing to adapt your preferences to make sure

your students preferred styles of learning are met. If my students needs are met through my
classroom design then I see it very successful. Each class of students will be different which will
mean that from year to year a classroom design may need to be changed based on the class of
students.