Classroom Organization Priorities

Jill DeGoede

The air was starting to feel a little crisp, and leaves were beginning to fall. Nightmares about forgetting to wake up on time for the first day of school were surely just around the corner. All of this meant that school would start soon, and I couldn't help but think about preparing for a new school year. 

Over the years my priorities have changed regarding my preparation for the first days, weeks, and months of each year. I have learned that it isn’t so much about the cute, perfectly designed bulletin boards or the color-coordinated folders with beautiful labels and stylish fonts. These things make me feel like I am getting prepared, but students can have a totally engaging year of rigorous learning even if all of the above isn't done.  

What I have learned is that the time and energy before the first day should be more about planning and setting up an environment where students are actively engaged in their learning. Time must be spent creating a gathering space near the board. We need a place where kids can be up close so I can monitor and engage them throughout each lesson. Such an arrangement ensures students can see what I am modeling, are actively engaged in sharing their thinking, and are therefore more likely to have the scaffolding they need to give the work a go when they get a chance. 

Once I have created a group gathering space where the class can sit on the carpet facing the board and me, I start to work on the surrounding area. Our classroom needs spaces for small groups and individuals to spread out and proceed with their work. Desks and tables are arranged to facilitate teaching, monitoring, conferring, and exiting our classroom.    

My next priority is where and how I will organize my classroom library so that all students can independently select and return books with ease. Based on Dr. Richard Allington’s recommendation that students read books of their choosing 80 percent of the time at 97 percent accuracy, books must be easily viewed and organized for successful self-selection. Of course, this means that a wide variety of books that my students can and want to read must be available. For easy selection, I prefer to use baskets or bins with book titles facing forward and sorted by topic, author, and genre. Once our classroom library is organized, I double-check that all books are labeled for easy reshelving.      

As you begin to start the new school year, look around the room. Ask yourself if there is enough room for all students to sit on the floor facing you and the board so you can model for them and they can interact with each other. Next, do you have table or floor space designated for small-group instruction where your materials can be accessed easily?  Last, is your classroom library organized and inviting so that all readers can find what they need and want to read?

Happy reflecting and creating of an engaging environment for all!