MARCH

18

TEACHER PRACTICE 3

The Physical
Space in the
Classroom
By: Hamda Khamis Aljabri - H00294528

Door

Classroom Arrangement Checklist

Clearly marked with your name and room number
Message board is posted and writing instrument is available
There is space inside for lining up

Walls
Displays are at students eye level
Displays feature classroom information, instruction, and entertainment
Displays students work and art
Daily schedule (with pictures or icons for younger students) is posted and kept
current in a place where students can read it easily
Broken or malfunctioning outlets have been reported
Some open space is available
Floor Plan
Fits the grade I am teaching
Fits my teaching style
Enables me to make eye contact with each student
There is a quiet or time out area
Art or other messy areas are located near a sink
There is adequate open space for a reading circle
There is adequate space for group work
There are adequate quiet areas where students can read or study independently
Areas that invite group work are not next to quiet areas
Furniture
Each childs desk or table is of appropriate size and provides adequate space
There are enough work areas for each child (and assigned seats, if appropriate)
Each desk or table is organized for easy access to materials
Desks or tables are arranged so that each child can see and participate in seatwork
Desks or tables are arranged so that each student can observe the teacher,
presentations, and the whiteboard
Room dividers are low so that all areas of the classroom are visible to me
Each child has a personal space (e.g., a desk, cubby, or coat hook)
Equipment, Materials, and Storage
Materials and equipment are stored in a logical order and place
Materials and equipment are readily available
Materials and supplies can be stored behind closed doors
Locked storage is available
Materials and supplies are stored close to area of use
General classroom storage is easily available to older students
Storage areas for younger students shared materials (e.g., crayons or
books) are clearly labeled with words and pictures
Student/Group Records
Student and group records are kept in a convenient place
Student and group records are orderly
Comfort
Temperature control is adequate
Lighting is adequate
Floors and work areas are sufficiently clean
Pillows, bean bags, or soft rugs are available for use during independent study

Source: Modified version of checklist from Back Off, Cool Down, Try Again, Sylvia Rockwell, 1995. Reston, VA: The Council for Exceptional Children

Checklist examples
Door

Clearly marked with names and room number

Walls

Floor plan
The floor plan its fits my class
learners and its unable me to
observe all students.

Displays done by students work and art

Checklist examples
Furniture
Each childs desk or table is
of appropriate size and
provides adequate space.

Materials and storage

Materials and equipment are stored
in a logical order and place.

Comfort
Floors and work areas are sufficiently clean

Door

wash area

Store

Materials area
Display board

water area
Tables

Library

Teacher table materials

learning smart board
teaching area

washroom

Function

Area
Water area

Washing art equipment/ organizing art activities

Library

Reading stories / improve reading skills

Materials area

Organize the materials of each area

Teaching Area

play educational games / taking lessons

Display board

showing the monthly lessons subject

Store

Things such as bags

Ask your MST why the desk/tables are arranged as they are
and the function of each area of the classroom.
The tables are arranged in different style by what the subject is. For
example the library area is for reading and improve reading skills,
and there is empty area to play during the 10 minutes break, and
there is a tables for the smart games like puzzle.

How and where are materials stored in the classroom? Do

the children/learners need to be able to get and put
materials away?
They stored the materials between every areas and the locker. and
yes the children need to be able to get and put the materials away.

Where does the teacher have her table/papers/

materials?
The teacher have her table and materials in her office.

Observation
My learning environment in the classroom is very good and
conformable, because they have organized and arranged
everything in the right place, and that make the class so good for
teaching and learning

Reflection
Are there areas in the class that encourage independent learning? Give some
examples. Why are these areas important?
Yes there is an important areas in the like the library, because its improve
learners reading skills.

Think about classrooms you have been in the past. Were there any that were
more comfortable than others? Nowadays, classrooms have been better
than the past, because it start to be more easier and comfortable than
before, and the main reason is technology.

Why is being comfortable in the classroom an important part of learning? To

be comfortable in the classroom is an important part of learning for learners,
because if the students were comfortable in the classroom they will accept
and like what they learn