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CLASSROOM INSPIRATION, TOP TIPS AND MORE!
1. Love Your Layout
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT LAYOUT?
A clunky classroom layout restricts flow, safety and learning. Resources are strewn everywhere, tools are impossible to find and set-it-up (tidy up) time takes forever. Energy is zapped and stress levels zoom.
So, what are the top tips and hacks?
Firstly, stand back in your classroom and take a few still photos or even a media clip. Reflect afterwards asking a few pertinent questions:
• Are children self-accessing resources? If so, which and from where? A more powerful question is, what aren't they accessing and why?
• From the point of play, what can children see from their viewpoint? The best way to see this is to go to their level!
FEED AND FLOW!
Optimum classroom layout does two things safely: feed and flow.
Feed being a term used to describe feeding learning through strategically planned, effectively stored and easily accessible resources. Easy to say - harder to do!
Flow being the movement of children between specifically defined areas such as coves, exits and the much-needed sinks and toilets.
Get feed and flow right for the time of year, specific cohort and learning needs, and you'll see the depth of engagement.
TOP TIPS
✔ Sketch out a template plan of your classroom exit and entry points, together with all the practical aspects such as doors, sinks and the storage of essential items such as bookbags.
✔ Consider the height of your storage units. You will want visibility of all areas to be able to see and seize learning moments, respond to children's interests and keep children safe. Taller units can often be secured to the side of the classroom with lower-level units and shelving creating coves, nooks and crannies.
✔ Question space variation. Do you have space for 1 child to explore on their own, a pair of children to engage deeply together, spaces for small group work and large collaboration?
✔ Strategise seating. Do all table activities have chairs? Consider stools, floor activities, standing height tables, kneeling activities …vary seating and standing to strengthen the core.
EXPLORE MORE IN THIS SERIES
Love Your Layout is Part 1 of HEYD’s 'Classroom Inspiration: Top Tips and More' series, designed to inspire teachers with practical strategies and creative insights. To access the complete series, which includes invaluable tips on establishing routines, understanding brains and behaviour, and the importance of reflection, simply register for a FREE account on EuHu and explore the full series here:
HEYD Classroom Inspiration: Top Tips and More | EuHu
