It’s that time of year again! Stores are filled with school supplies, eager children and even more eager parents. As teachers, we are shopping for bargains, and are fastidiously decorating our classrooms. The new school is about to begin, and although your desks may be in neat rows and posters of cute kitties may abound, are you really ready?
Here are a few things you should do at the start of the new school year.
1. Create A Comfortable Environment
Whether you are a kindergarten teacher with a teddy bear theme or a middle school teacher who just slaps a couple posters on the walls, classroom environment plays a key role in our students’ learning.
For the best results, place furniture and materials in places that contribute to the classroom’s flow and minimize distractions or interruptions. Consider flexible seating options like stools, floor mats or pillows; for many students, these seating options will increase production.
Lighting is another factor. If natural lighting isn’t a possibility, inexpensive lamps can help decrease glare. These may seem like small considerations to make, but since you will be spending long hours in this classroom, you and your students will reap the benefits.
