Are you a recently qualified teacher looking to make the best first impression? Or perhaps school is out and you’re interested in refreshing your current classroom ready for when your students return?
Whatever the reason might be, sometimes it can be difficult to decide how you should set your classroom up to ensure both comfort and productivity.
Some teachers like to set up their classrooms in such a way that inspires open discussion and collaborative working, while other teachers prefer to provide their students with the space to be able to enjoy independent working.
With this in mind, we’ve put together our top 15 list of classroom setups that will help inspire creativity and learning.
In this article, we are going to be talking you through 15 different classroom setup ideas that are sure to fill you with plenty of inspiration. Along the way, we’ll also be sharing additional advice to help optimize your student’s learning space.
Read on!
Classroom Setup Ideas
Here are some different ideas and tips for setting up your classroom space.
1. The Traditional Classroom
Kicking this list off, we are starting with the traditional classroom layout. This is probably one of the most classic layouts that you can opt for and works well for a variety of different subjects.
It provides ample room for students to work independently, but still allows them to collaborate if they wish to do so.
If you are interested in setting up your classroom in this way, you will need to simply arrange your student’s teaching desks and chairs in organized rows, facing the front of the class.
You should then place your desk and chair at the front of the class so that you will be the central focus.
2. Dedicated Reading Areas
If you want to encourage your students to read more often, then why not dedicate an area of the classroom specifically for reading?
By doing this, you will be encouraging your students to spend time reading and engaging with literature, which is something that many schools struggle with.
To achieve this, simply create a dedicated reading area by placing a table or bookshelf in the middle of the room. On the side of the table, you could even place a small lamp to add extra light to the reading area.
3. Teacher Station
A teacher station is a very important part of every classroom. Not only does it act as a place where you can keep everything you need close at hand, but it also acts as a central hub for communication between you and your students.
It is also a great way for you to stay organized and on top of your teaching schedule.
We recommend that you consider a desk, although you are free to create your own teaching station as you see fit. Some teachers even have their own offices within their classroom!
4. Flexible Working Layout
The first way that you could set up your classroom is by creating a flexible working space. This is becoming more and more popular and is great for collaborative working.
The idea is to create a relaxed working environment using non-traditional seating, such as sofas and bean bags in order to help increase feelings of comfort in students while also encouraging productivity and collaborative working.
5. A Main Stage!
While this might not work for all, having a stage as the central focus of the room is another way that you could set up your classroom.
Desks and chairs can be organized around the stage, and you will have the freedom of using the stage to teach, while also encouraging students to share their ideas and presentations on it.
For this reason, this layout is a great option for theater or English classes.
6. Collaborative Working Area
Another way that you could set your classroom up would be to create a collaborative working area. This is ideal for those who wish to foster collaboration and teamwork among their students.
It is recommended that you design this area so that it is located away from the main teaching areas. This means that it should be placed near the back of the room, next to a window, or perhaps in the corner.
7. Dedicated Learning Spaces
This is another way that you can set up your classroom. By creating learning spaces, you are encouraging students to spend time focusing on what they enjoy doing most.
In addition, it helps to promote student engagement and motivation.
There are many ways to set up these spaces, including using tables and chairs, as well as providing different types of equipment like computers, whiteboards, and projectors.
8. Writing Areas
If you’d like to encourage your students to express themselves through writing, then you’ll need to provide them with a suitable workspace.
A good way to do this would be to create writing areas. These areas can be created using desks, shelves, and even easels. Make sure that there is enough room for each student to comfortably write without feeling cramped.
9. Reading Area
Reading is a crucial skill that everyone needs to develop throughout life. Therefore, if you want to encourage reading, you must ensure that there is a suitable reading area available.
To achieve this, you can either purchase a desk or shelf unit, or you could build one yourself. Either way, make sure that it has plenty of storage space for books and other items.
10. Group Seating Layout
One of the easiest ways to arrange your classroom is to simply divide the space into sections. You could use desks or seats to separate groups, depending on how large your class is.
However, keep in mind that this method may not be very practical for larger classes. If you plan to use this arrangement, it’s important to consider where you will place your computer.
11. Computer Station
You can create a computer station in any part of your classroom. While some people prefer to have a dedicated computer station, others find that it is easier to just allow students to access computers at individual desks.
Regardless of which approach you choose, make sure that you provide adequate lighting and comfortable seating.
12. Dedicated Quiet Area
While this might not be a viable option for all teachers if you have the space, why don’t you consider creating a dedicated quiet working area for your students?
Quiet working spaces are frequently used in many different schools and workplaces across the globe, and are an effective way to help maintain productivity levels.
If you are interested in trying this layout, make sure that you include features such as comfortable seating, ample natural light, and privacy screens.
13. Creative Art Wall
Art is such an essential element of education, especially when it comes to creativity and imagination. Therefore, if you’d like to help inspire your student’s creativity and self-expression – why don’t you consider dedicating one wall in your classroom to your students?
Many teachers that like to follow this method often find that creating monthly themes for the wall is very effective, and helps to provide students with an outlet to express themselves in a safe and validating way.
14. Interactive Whiteboard
While this isn’t necessarily a layout, an interactive whiteboard has the power to completely change the way that you and your students work – which is why it has made it to our list!
Interactive whiteboards are becoming increasingly popular in classrooms around the world, thanks to their versatility and ease of use.
They’re great for providing visual aids during lessons, but they also work well for interactive learning activities. In addition, they can be used to display information about upcoming events, announcements, and much more.
15. Supplies Station
Last but not least, another way that you can help to elevate your current classroom is by creating a supplies station designed specifically for your students.
This can be done in several ways, including purchasing a supplies cart or even building a custom supply cabinet. Whatever method you decide to go with, make sure that you add plenty of storage space for pens, pencils, markers, rulers, scissors, glue sticks, etc.
Also, make sure that there are enough outlets nearby so that you can charge your devices while you work. This will be especially useful if you allow your students to work from their laptops in your classes.
This is also a great way to ensure that all your students have the supplies that they need to work.
Final Thoughts
There we have it! You’ve made it to the end of our roundup.
Now that you have taken the time to read through this article, we are hoping that our various tips and layout ideas have helped you to better understand how you can improve your classroom environment, while also filling you with plenty of inspiration.
Hi, my name is Helena Waters and I was a teacher for 40 years before retiring last year.
During my time as a teacher I dedicated the majority of it to making classrooms as fun as possible, with educational parties, fun activities, and low cost entertainment that made the children excited about learning.
I taught children of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students. Now, with the pandemic having uprooted everything that children once knew about school and learning, I think that the need for my ideas is bigger than ever.
That is why I created School Sparks, a place in which I can write down and share all of my ideas on how to get students excited about going to school again. I hope that you’ll find some useful within a school setting, even at home too!
