Clutter-free Classroom

Clean and organised classrooms free from clutter and obstructions enable clear communication and focus as well as the safe and efficient movement of students and teachers around the space.

Organise Wall Hangings 

The teacher hangs posters and charts in places where they are both seen clearly by students and relevant to the space in which they are hung. For example, a visual on self-regulation strategies should be posted in the classroom’s self-regulated time out zone. Classroom rules should be posted at the front of the room so that they can be easily referenced throughout each lesson.

Arrange Furniture 

The teacher organises their classroom in a way that promotes smooth transitions, enhances student engagement in lessons, and provides them with a hawk’s-eye view of all students and spaces. They also remove furniture that is not being used so that it does not create additional obstacles or safety issues for students during transitions. 

Identify Potentially Distracting Areas 

The teacher considers potentially distracting items and areas around their classroom space. Art supplies, math manipulatives, and recess games are organised in containers at a distance from desks and tables. Windows and high-traffic areas can also cause distractions. When arranging desks and assigning students to their seats, the teacher takes into account the direction desks are facing and the proximity of students who are more easily distracted to those distracting items and areas in the room.