Physical Layout

A place to reregulate: (Calm Spot, Peace Place, Chill Zone,  Calm Corner, etc.) 

• Teach student how to use space 

• Have a posted routine 

• Have a variety of age appropriate activities that promote regulation

• Avoid using space punitively. (It is ok to need to space to relax, escape, take a break!) 

Student Belongings and Classroom Materials Spaces. 

• Materials should be orderly and clearly labeled

• Teach students how to organize materials 

• Teach students where things go and how to use materials in each space 

• Establish organized locations and routines that will eliminate disruption (where to find needed materials for assignment, a place to turn in work, a place to access activities when work is complete, etc.) 

• Elementary: Consider use of cubbies, three drawer bins, etc. 

• Secondary: Notebooks, shelves, etc. 

• Build in time daily for organization 

Whole Group Instruction Space

• Space students apart to minimize distraction (3 + inches)

• Space should include all student (i.e. all students on the rug, all students in a circle, all students facing speaker) 

• Elementary: consider having markers to signal where students should sit

• Ensure that you have posted and practiced rules/ procedures for whole group instruction 

Small Group Instruction Space

• Ensure that you can still monitor the entire room while running your small group. 

• Consider the use of a larger table, kidney table, group of desks, small rug, etc. 

• Establish routines for small groups or rotations. Post rules and practice. 

• Ensure that you and your students have all of the materials necessary for particular activity in group space. 

• Students not in your small group should know what they are doing and have a procedure for getting help, asking questions to minimize disruption.