Classroom Organization:
The Physical Classroom Environment
Multilevel classrooms have:
Tables that can easily be arranged for a variety of group scenarios
Open floor space if room permits for whole-class learning experiences, class meetings, and workspace for students who prefer to work on the floor (If students sit on the floor, a horseshoe configuration promotes active listening.)
Community supplies (e.g., pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors, highlighters) at each work station
Storage bins for easy access to materials and resources such as art supplies, math manipulatives, science supplies, and physical education equipment
Shelves for storing journals, notebooks, and portfolios
Library carts for text sets used for instructional, practice, and research purposes
A classroom library with a broad range and variety of texts for reading for enjoyment
Reading bags for silent reading, each bag containing at least an "easy read," a "just-right read," and a "challenge read"
Two or three study carrels to provide for individual workspace
A message board for posting information such as agendas, routines, group lists, criteria, continua, and classroom or school news and announcements of celebrations
