Classroom Arrangement Checklist

Door

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