​Classroom Layout and Rationale

Fred Jones once stated “Anything that you do not arrange to your advantage, somebody else will

arrange to their advantage, and it won't be to your advantage” (Jones,2000). While plotting and

drawing out my classroom layout, I took this quote into consideration. I chose to hand draw it

just so I can remember this layout better and I always like to hand sketch out items better. I feel

as if there are many ways we as teachers can manipulate a classroom setting as we set our

students up for success. The following list contains my layout and why I arranged it in this way.

Classroom Materials and Homework tray- My classroom materials for the day will always be on

the podium at the front of the classroom. There will also be homework trays laid out and labeled

with each hour, so the students can turn in their homework as soon as they walk in. I have placed

these materials near the front of my classroom because students will see this as they walk in and

grab the materials they need for the day’s lesson.

Teacher’s Desk- I have chosen to place my personal desk on the left hand side behind student

desks in my classroom set up. I would have a good view of all of the students as they are taking

quizzes and tests. This will in turn increase proximity to my student due to the fact that I sit right

behind them.
Bookshelves- I have placed two bookshelves in my classroom. One bookshelf is the textbook

shelf where all of the textbooks will reside. I strategically placed that shelf by my desk just

incase if a students has a question from the textbook I can catch them right by my desk. The

other bookshelf will be filled with useful historical texts for the students to refer to when

working on other assignments.

Whiteboards- I chose to have two whiteboards in the front of my classroom flanking my

SmartBoard which will also be placed in the front of the room. I put these in the front

because The proximity to my students is more sensible as their desks and chairs are

facing the front. I also have more room for mobility in the front of the room, allowing me

to move and demonstrate during my lessons.

Student desks- I have placed the students desks in rows of three with a larger space between both

sides of the room for me to walk around in easily. Students will be sitting in duo’s, therefore

allowing them to quickly partner up when given group work. It will also give me proximity to

them when they are working together.

Mounted Projector- I chose the middle of the room to place my mounted projector. It will

be fastened to the ceiling so it will not be in the way of my students. This piece of

equipment is very important to me because I want to be able to share my powerpoints,

notes, and images with my students to better involve them in the lessons.
Trash Can/ Recycle Bin- I chose to place these objects close to my main entrance, as I

know how messy kids are and having these by my door as I stand and greet them will

allow them the proximity to toss their trash or gum in the trash can before entering my

classroom.

Bulletin Board- My bulletin board will be on the left-hand side on the back wall. I

chose to place it here and not in the front of my room because I want to have an exciting

and colorful bulletin board, which may be distracting for some students, so placing this

object in the back minimizes this possibility. I will also put no name assignments on this board to

ensure that the students aren’t missing anything as well as class announcements and due dates.

Computer Station- In my dream classroom, my laptop cart will be located in the

Front right corner of my room. There would also be a desktop computer and printer on a desk

there for a student to print out resources and assignments. These computers will be available to

my students for research, reports, and assignments.

 ​References

Jones, F. H., Jones, P., & Jones, J. L. T. (2000). Tools for teaching: Discipline, instruction,

motivation. Santa Cruz, Calif: F.H. Jones & Associates.