Design Challenges in Laying out your Classroom
The school classroom is probably the space we all remember. For some there will be all fond memories and others there will be a mixture of feelings.
These places none the less are likely to be the environments which proved to be formative in most of our lives.
Clarity of our memories however is unlikely to deliver the detail of the space layout and design. It is probable that, unless our schooling experience was recent, the memory of this environment may be quite vague.
Because we don’t recollect the design of that particular space is most likely an indication of its efficiency. Had the classroom been very untidy because of a lack of suitably allocated space or particularly disorganised because there was no space for coat and bag storage then undoubtedly we would remember that.
Designs which create the working environment longed for by teachers and enjoyed by children require the clever use of storage shelves, cupboards, coat and bag hanging arrangements, drawers for teaching materials, seating, chairs, desks, displays and notice boards, resource materials, tables, bookshelves and so much more.
Providing an excellent design requires careful analysis of the working practice of the room, the amount of storage required and of what type. Then comes the interesting part of making it look attractive and workable.
Bringing someone who understands the critical requirements of a busy classroom is essential to enable the space to be designed well. Taking account of all of the needs of an environment which demands so much is no mean task.
Teaching in a well planned environment takes much stress out of a demanding task, this makes the whole daily experience more pleasurable for teacher and pupils alike. Providing an excellent environment for our children’s education may be just the value needed to make it from good to great
