This is the first in a series of Teaching Tips. Today's is focused on Classroom Management, more precisely, the arrangement of the classroom. Overall, I really want you to ask yourself, "Do I really need all of that stuff in my classroom?"
In working with teachers who need assistance, I have discovered that sometimes what is happening or at least causing more issues is the stuff in the classroom.
Too many people and too much stuff can create angst and frustration.
Everyone is on top of each other.
To help you address the behaviors in the classroom you should take these three aspects of the physical environment into consideration:
1. Do you have too much stuff?
2. Look at the arrangement of the furniture.
3. Where is the focus of the room?
If you spend time addressing these three aspects of the classroom, you will help yourself eliminate potential issues caused by your stuff.
Here are some links to some other resources on this topic:
Classroom Space
Classroom Organization
Classroom Design
Physical Arrangement of the Classroom
The Physical Environment
Length: 22:00