Improve Your Classroom Environment


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Hanna Beech

Hanna Beech has been teaching for ten years and has a range of experience across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a large Primary School in Kent. She is a phase leader for Years 3 and 4, and also leads on teaching and learning for...
Read more about Hanna Beech

How could you give your classroom a make over to maximise learning?

Last year, we published findings that classroom environment has a significant impact on learning. Here are some snappy suggestions to help you make your classroom clever!

Clever Classrooms

  • Often, we spend so much time in our classrooms, the environment becomes invisible to us. Walk into your classroom, scanning it as if you were a visitor. Describe it in three words. Is this description close to what you expect your classroom to be like?
  • Let there be light. Although blazing sunshine isn’t always ideal for learning, there should be ample natural light coming into your classroom.
  • Sit down. Take a few second to sit down in one seat from each table in your classroom. This is what your room looks like for the child who sits in this seat. How might this change what you put up?
  • Keep windows open when possible to keep fresh air flowing through the room.
  • Go green. Add plants and natural elements to your classroom to appeal to pupils. Even artificial plants will do!
  • Ownership over a classroom is significant too. Allow pupils to feel that the classroom is personalised to them.

Why is it a good strategy?

Aside from the interesting Clever Classroom findings, pupils spend a significant amount of time in their classroom, so it becomes a home from home! Keeping it clear from clutter, calming yet stimulating, and helping them feel ownership over their space is just a lovely thing to do.

Tip

Why not ask pupils what they think of their classroom?


One thought on “Improve Your Classroom Environment

  1. I love your post. I myself like a clutter free class and have a real plant in the class. I told my students out class is like a home! Any other tips would be greatly taken on board. Thanks x

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