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How do the choices I make about the classroom set-up and décor
impact my students' success?
Ask yourself...
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3 Decorating for Learning Success
3 Steps for Success
2 Organization That Works
1 Map Out and Organize Zones
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Map Out and Organize Zones
1
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Create a Template l Pre-made kits
l Graph paper
l Online
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l Small Group
l Large Group
l Classroom Library
l Computers
l Stations/Centers
l Tables
l Desks
l Pencil Sharpening Station
l Homework Turn-In Box
l Cubbies
l Mailboxes
l Storage
Determine Essentials
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Arrange & Rearrange Move the areas around to figure out what's going
to work best in the space.
Photos from Spaces & Places by Debbie Diller (Stenhouse Publishers, 2008).
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Set-up Time l Start with key learning areas first.
l Test out the space.
l You may need to adjust your original plans.
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Organization That Works 2
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A Place for Everything & Everything In Its Place. 1
l Containers that fit.
l How do students access the supplies?
l Consistent spot for each supply.
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Books: l Consider the size and shape of the books.
l Think about how your students will use the bins.
l Measure the height and width of the shelves or bookcases.
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Manipulatives: l Determine which works better for easy access -
clear or opaque containers.
l Is stacking important for your classroom space?
l Don’t overfill your containers.
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Student Supplies: l Will they stay in one place or will they be portable?
l How much will go in each container? Is there enough room?
l Is personalization important?
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2 Label, Label, Label. And then label some more.
l Makes things easy to find.
l Expedites clean-up.
l Use pictures and words if necessary.
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Stick to It. Consistency is Key.
3
l Helps establish routine.
l Classroom is easier to maintain.
l Class pride.
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Classroom Decorating for Student Success 3
Photo from Spaces & Places by Debbie Diller (Stenhouse Publishers, 2008)
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1. What is the color scheme?
2. How many patterns are there?
3. Is this creating visual clutter?
Ask yourself...
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When there's too much, I can't think. ~Eric, Age 8
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Bulletin Boards: l Borders can be colorful.
l Plain backgrounds are best.
l More focus = Greater success
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Seasonal or
l Place out of students’ immediate line of sight.
l Use seasonal items as part of the lessons.
l It should still coordinate with your basic color scheme.
Special Decorations:
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Before and After
Photo from Spaces & Places by Debbie Diller (Stenhouse Publishers, 2008)
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Before and After
Photo from Spaces & Places by Debbie Diller (Stenhouse Publishers, 2008)
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Remember...
students' success.
The classroom set-up can impact
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Let's Review...
3 Clear Out Clutter for Improved Focus & Student Success
2 Choose Organization That Works for You and Your Students
1 Map Out and Organize Your Classroom
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