On average, most teachers spend 8-9 hours a day in their classroom, which is more time than some spend at home with their own families. I always compare the classroom to that of an apartment, where teachers spend most of their time. We want our classrooms to look inviting, organized and functional for our guests, the students, so the management, organization, and looks of the classroom are important. We may not all have Pinterest ready classrooms, but the organization and management of a structured classroom are key components for teaching and learning, especially when the new school year begins.

Strict vs Structured

Some teachers have been known to be either strict or structured. Not that either strict or structured or both, is a bad thing to be. However, the need for comparison of the two terms should be made clear.  By Webster’s definition, strict means stringent in requirement or control under strict orders; severe in discipline.  I often related the term strict to what someone says you can and cannot do. Structured means something is arranged in a definite pattern of organization.  A classroom that is structured is very important in managing and organizing an effective classroom. Rules are in place that limits what kids can and cannot do to keep others safe but structure provides an organization and routine that produces an environment that is conducive for children to learn. A safe environment that is structured is a perfect balance.

A Structured Classroom

• Establish rules and routines from the get-go

• Establish a classroom community of respect (See For The Love of Responsive Classroom.)

• Establish clear routines, expectations and logical consequences (see my Interactive Modeling Scripts for routines at my Shop.

• Establish clear learning goals

• Provide flexibility

• Show interest in your students

• Develop relationships with students and their families

If you do not have a structured classroom, your students will not learn to their highest potential. Once you have a structured classroom management down pat, it’s full steam ahead to teaching and learning.

A great resource for classroom management is the book Classroom Management That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Every Teacher by Robert J. Marzano.

If you feel like self reflecting and need something to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, fill out this classroom management survey (by Sandy Washburn, Center on Education and Lifelong Learning, Classroom Management Self Assessment). Then create goals for improvement and utilize resources that could help you reach them.

The Physical Space

Organizing the physical space is another important piece of the classroom. It should be a place that is organized, inviting and makes the best use of the classroom space. I have a lot of experience working with physical space. Not only am I an HGTV addict that watches endless hours of all the home makeover shows, but I was also moved to 6 different classrooms in 12 years. By the time I got used to a classroom’s physical space and got it the way I wanted it for both myself and my students, I was on my way to a different classroom to figure it all out again.

Classrooms come in all shapes and sizes and I was completely bummed when I had a small, stuffy room that was not conducive for 20-25 bodies to move around in without bumping into each other. Students having their personal space is just as important as the physical space is.  Hopefully, your classroom has closets and cabinets. But if you were like me, mine did not have either so I had to find a way to store resources and materials in the best way possible that was accessible and organized. I mostly used plastic bins and stacked them into spaces which I called “dead” spaces, like behind a classroom door or in a tight space that my students could not utilize. I also used shelves for storage and stacked them with bins. Every bin had a place and every bin had a label. Once the space is clearly organized at the beginning of the school year, students know exactly where to find things, where to put things and will know that classroom like the back of their hand. It’s smooth sailing from there!

An Organized Classroom

• Create a student friendly environment that is inviting and welcoming.

• Carefully define and separate your students’ space from the teacher’s space.

• Identify spaces that will be utilized for teaching and learning, for whole group teaching, small groups, work areas, centers, etc. Check out these EDITABLE center banners…Burlap, Shiplap and Watercolor.

• Identify “dead” spaces to be used for storage areas.

• Teach students about the physical space. Teach students that everything in the classroom has a space, like their personal belongings, classroom materials, and resources.

• Label everything, including bins and shelves, materials and resources. Your students could then “read” the room if they forget where something is or goes.

• Update the classroom display spaces, such as student work on bulletin boards.

One of my favorite resources for classroom organization is Classroom Spaces That Work. Check it out!

 

Here are some of my classroom spaces that work!

As you set up your structured classroom, think about how you’ll organize the physical space and manage your students so it is an environment that is conducive for teaching and learning.

Have any classroom management or organization tips and tricks? Please share!

Related posts at the Blog:

Managing Student Behavior Responsive Classroom Style

Guided Discovery: An Easy Overview

Interactive Modeling: Classroom Management Time Saver

Be sure to visit the Shop for resources to support your classroom, especially ones for modeling and teaching routines for classroom management.

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