A positive and caring classroom environment is important for student learning at any age. For our Kindergarten students, many of whom are experiencing school for the first time, classroom environment plays an especially important role in their academic and social development.Planning your classroom environment is one of the most exciting parts of being a teacher. It can be daunting to fit everything you want into your space while making it feel warm and inviting. What you have in your classroom is important, but it ishowyou use the space and the furniture that will set the kindergarten classroom apart. It is crucial that we teachers establish the environment to allow for multiple, flexible groupings, to provide opportunities for students to play and explore, and to work within the parameters of our students' developmental needs. Thiswill maximize your effectiveness as a kindergarten teacher.
“You walk through the door and are transported to a place where children and literacy can blossom. The space isn’t big, but every inch is being utilized thoughtfully.is a classroom library in the corner with labeled baskets of books and some cool chairs that make you want to curl up and read. On the walls are charts made by the students and teacher that show what they’ve been learning. There’s an area for whole-group teaching and a separate space with a table for small-group teaching. This room is a place where the teacher works to meet the needs of all students in a variety of instructional settings, including whole group, small group, one-on-one, partner work at stations, and cooperative groups. It’s a place where children are valued.”
(Debbie Diller, Spaces and Places 2008)
The Sunnyvale School District has provided the following as best practices to help guide your decisions as you set up your classroom:
1. Teacher builds supportive and caring relationships with students
2. Learning content and strategies are culturally responsive
3. Teacher moves around to support learning and the physical space is neat, orderly, and organized for flexible grouping
4. Routines and procedures are communicated clearly and consistently
