Setting up a Classroom

William J. Brown

I know you're probably wondering, "Why should I listen to this guy about setting up a classroom?" That's a great question...

And I've got a great answer...

I've been involved in education for the past eleven years of my life. In that time, I've learned some great (and unfortunately) not so great ways of setting up a classroom. But I've got an even better reason for you to hear me out...

I'm a home school graduate. My parents made that decision for my brother and me. And now you're making it for your child.

So I'm going to give you some great ideas for classroom setup that will transform your home into the best learning environment you can have. After all...that's what you're looking for...the best.

I'm a no-nonsense kind of guy. So I'm not going to give you loads of lofty verbiage and prosy nonsense. I'm just going to list some great ideas that are guaranteed to help you when setting up a classroom for your home school.

So here are some principles of excellence that should make you look like a first-class educator...


1. Have a classroom that's dedicated.

This may sound strange, but it isn't. You want to dedicate one area of your home to teaching your child. When setting up a classroom, find a place free from distractions. If you have a "spare room," that would probably be your best option. It's out of the way of normal everyday traffic optimizing your child's learning abilities.

But not everyone has a spare room. So find an out-of-the-way corner of your living room or family room that isn't prone to too much foot traffic. That way the distractions are minimal. And make sure you only use that area for learning. That way you set a proper educational atmosphere.

The point is...

Have an area totally dedicated to your child's education when setting up a classroom.


2. Have a classroom that's organized.

Live by this mantra...

"A place for everything, and everything in it's place."

I confess, I wasn't the first to say that. But I wish I had been because it's one of the most important rules for learning. Granted, there are different learning styles. Some people work better surrounded by "stuff." But in my educational experience...

...even the messiest of students have a system.

But that's beside the point. Your child may be messy, but that doesn't mean your classroom has to be that way. The fact is, when they get into the "real world" they probably won't have the option of "working in a mess."

So set the standard for them. Don't forget...

You're the teacher. Show them how to be organized by making a place for everything when setting up a classroom.

Set up a "real" desk (I prefer to call it a "work station") for your child to work at. If you home school more than one student, it's important to give each one a separate desk or work area.

Place a bookshelf in a prominent place and keep a tidy library in the classroom.

Have a cup for pencils and pens.

Have out-of-site storage for extra materials.

Remember...

You set the standard.


3. Have a classroom that's functional.

You want to make your child's learning experience as simple as possible. So when setting up a classroom make sure to create a functional environment. You may want to try some of these ideas...

Have adequate lighting. Your child will find it less distracting and easier to learn in a well-lit area.

Keep anthing academic close to the learning area. This may seem strange to suggest, but it's important. For example, keep a separate waste paper basket for school related trash close to your child's work area. It could be a real time waster if your child has to go to the kitchen to throw something away.

Put up a calendar of yearly events to help your child keep the whole year in focus. This will teach them to plan ahead.

Also, set up a bulletin board to post any important announcements or papers for public viewing. A brightly colored message to remind your child to keep things neat would be a good example. You could also post a set of "classroom guidelines" (in the old days we called them "rules") to remind your student what kind of conduct you expect.


4. Have a classroom that's attractive.

Human beings have two sides...a practical side...and an "artsy" side. Your child is a human being...smaller I'll grant you, but still a human being. Keep in mind school is their business. But that doesn't mean beauty and business can't walk hand in hand. Beauty should figure into your plans when setting up a classroom.

As we mentioned before, keep everything neat. Neatness goes a long ways toward beauty.

Also, add color to the your learning area. But use some common sense. Painting your classroom bookshelf hot pink is definitely a no-go. A better idea is posting various bulletin boards with encouraging themes on the walls of your classroom.

Hang pictures that have to do with what your child is learning. For example, place pictures of your country's president or leaders when you teach civics or government.

And most of all...be creative. This part of setting up a classroom allows you to let your "artsy" side run wild!


5. Have a classroom that's academic.

This may seem like a given when setting up a classroom. But it's not as easy as it sounds. Don't let your child play in the learning area. Designate a separate area for fun activities and recess. Remember...

...school is your child's job. Keep it professional. You're teaching them habits that will stick with them when they get into the "real world." So keeping it academic in the learning area teaches good work habits.


Well, I hope these ideas gave you a little something to work with when you consider setting up a classroom. This list isn't comprehensive. It does have some great principles when considering setting up your learning area.

So start putting together your own classroom and let the learning begin!

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