5 Ways to Use Furniture to Transform Your Classroom
The classroom is the place where children spend most of their time during the school day, learning, interacting, and building relationships with others. It is vital that they feel comfortable and able to thrive in their environment. This is where furniture and other resources play a big part – how you set up a classroom determines how successful it will be, for you and the children in it.
Here are 5 different tips for setting up a classroom using furniture, storage and other resources to transform the environment into a space where learning can take place without any restrictions.
All of the furniture and storage mentioned in this article can be found in the Paper Plus Educational Furniture Catalogue.
Transform Your Tables
► PP Furniture Catalogue – TABLES
The layout of your classroom tables is essential to create a good, calm, learning environment. Firstly, tables should be set out so children can see the teacher clearly, but also the resources in the room, for example a whiteboard and interactive Smartboard. Children should not have to twist or turn around in order to access their learning- ideally, they should be able to see the information, whilst also being able to write notes and access resources on their table. There are different schools of thought regarding table layouts, but if you want collaboration and group work, a table with 4-6 seats around it will work well.
Turn Around Your Desk
► PP Furniture Catalogue – DESKS
A teacher’s desk is usually a sanctuary – a place where all manner of stationery lives, as well as snacks, admin paperwork and a big pile of stickers! All teachers have a different teaching style – some like to teach standing up, whilst others prefer to sit at their desk, especially when completing admin tasks. Therefore, the placement of a desk is important – it should be facing the children and in a prominent position in the classroom, as well as somewhere that can be accessed by students if they need help. The desk should also be near a plug socket, so laptops or desktop computers can be plugged in safely, and away from children. You will be spending a lot of time at your desk, so it needs to be comfortable and work for your needs.
Storage, Storage and More Storage!
► PP Furniture Catalogue – CLASSROOM STORAGE
All classrooms need a lot of storage- from paint and art projects, to lost property and second hand uniform, there needs to be a place to keep everything. However, there should be a difference in the type of storage units that you have in your classroom. Some storage should be accessible to children, built at a low height and contain resources that children need for their learning, as well as a place that they can look after their possessions. This could be a tray storage unit, for example. Other storage needs to be at a height that children can’t reach and be secure, perhaps with a lock. This may contain cleaning materials or glue- things that you don’t want children to be able to access.
Create a Buzz Around Reading
► PP Furniture Catalogue – LIBRARIES & LEARNING ZONES
Reading needs to be accessible for all children, which means books should be available and within easy reach. The best way to do this is to create a library in your own classroom, that is interactive and interesting for children. This can be done with a good bookcase, some bean bags or comfy seating, and details such as a canopy or a display recommending good books. A class library is usually situated in the corner of a classroom, keeping it away from everyday learning and making it something special for children to use. One point to consider is how to display your books- they should be easily accessible for all children, meaning a tall bookcase may not work. A selection of books should be front facing, so the front cover is clear to see, although you should of course never judge a book by its cover…
Bundle of Bean Bags
► PP Furniture Catalogue – BEANBAGS
Finally, a classroom should be warm and welcoming. Children can spend hours on end in one room (especially in the primary sector) and therefore need somewhere that they feel comfortable in. To achieve this, you may want to include soft furnishings in your classroom set-up, for example bean bags and cushions. This gives children a place to relax and reduce their cognitive load, as well as allowing a space for those children with additional needs to take time out from their learning. Bean bags are also a great way to encourage children to read. Who doesn’t want to sit with a book in a large, squashy seat?!
Setting up a classroom is an exciting time, allowing for innovation and new ideas. Paper Plus offers a wide selection of furniture, storage, and resources for all classroom environments, meaning the child is always at the centre of what you do.
Contact Us
If you’d like to know more about how Paper Plus can provide your school with the supplies and stationery it requires, please get in touch. Call us on 01444 238 050 or pop us an email at sales@paperplusuk.com
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