Professional Learning Materials
Orderly Physical Environments
Additional In-Depth Reading
This chapter is from Ten Critical Components for Success in the Special Education Classroom by Marcia Roher and Nannette Samson. It contains more specific guidance on arranging an orderly and purposeful physical environment.
Chapter_1_Rohrer_10_Critical_Components_for_Success_in_the_Special_Education_Classroom_2.pdfBrief Reading on Effective Room Arrangement
The author, Dr. Fred Jones, describes the rationale of purposeful teacher and student desk arrangements and gives some examples of each. Scroll down about half-way on the link below.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Learn more about having an orderly physical environment can reduce student anxiety and support students' social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
*Please note, essential oils are referenced in this video but allowed in CCSD classrooms and not recommended by public health officials.
Reimagining the Modern Classroom, article from The Atlantic
Read about more innovative approaches to creating orderly physical environments from eight different educators.
Decreasing Classroom Clutter to Increase Creativity
Read a few helpful tips for designing your classroom space with students at the center.
My Dull Looking Classroom...Where My Student Still Succeeded
Read about this teacher's approach to creating an orderly physical environment and remember when selecting classroom decor, less is often more.
4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning
Effective classroom design can help students develop working memory, organization skills, task initiation and inhibition. Though this article is from the lens of the elementary classroom, these ideas can be applicable across all ages.
12 Ways to Upgrade Your Classroom Design
Read about several ideas to create an orderly physical environment that simultaneously sets the stage to make personalized learning happen!
Defront the Classroom
This article provides tips for creating greater community in the classroom by designing the classroom in a way that does not make the teacher the default focal point. This creates the conditions for personalized learning by increasing student ownership and voice.
Dos and Don'ts of Classroom Decorations
Read about the best balance for an orderly physical environment.
