As a teacher, you know that kids need structure. They need things a certain way if they are going to learn. Well, it all starts right in your very own classroom. You need to be sure that your classroom is set up in a very functional manner, so that each and every child learns.
So,what makes a classroom conducive for learning? Read on!
Comfort
The first thing that you can do is to make sure that the kids are comfortable. If they are too hot or too cold, then they are not going to think clearly. They are not going to be focused on learning.
You also need to make sure there are no distractions and that everything is as safe as possible. The thing to remember about children is that they have different needs than you. You can’t base anything, such as the temperature, on what you feel is comfortable.
Atmosphere
The room needs to have some atmosphere. This is why many classrooms have decorations everywhere. When they find the room warm, inviting & fun, kids will relax. They will see school not as a task, but something fun.
TIP: Come down to their level. Sit on the floor, sit on their chairs and see the room from their eyes. It’s often quite different to what you see from your teachers desk.
While students might not do better because of this, it puts them at ease and it helps them to feel less intimidated by the classroom. Not every child will be Einstein, but you can still try to help each one become their own best self!
Tools
Visual aids are nice to have, as they help kids who need to ‘see’ how things are to be done. We all have different learning modalities.
You also want to have as many books as possible, to appeal to every interest and demographic out there. Kids will only be successful if they are excited to read/learn. Next, make sure you have the right computer games and activities. A quick Google search will help you figure out which are best for your kids, budget & subject.
Space
Children need their own space when they are in the classroom. They sometimes think of this as their second home as they spend so much time here. Fortunately, there is a way to make them feel right at home. Offering comfy chairs to sit in, that are colourful and inviting is one way. Put them in the reading corner. Adding pets to the classroom can help others feel right at home too.
Giving kids ‘their own space’, such as the good old cubby hole, can also help them to feel as if they have a private space to really call their own.
So there we have just a few tips to get your creativity flowing. To get you thinking about the learning environment in your classroom. Is it conducive to learning or is it bland, cold or distracting?