A good classroom set up is going to feel like each group has enough space to complete their task. Materials are going to have a designated spot. The flow of traffic is not going to be too crowded or too open.

Keep Small Groups in Mind

When designing your classroom, one thing to keep in mind is your math center time.  I found it to be best to give you a bird’s eye view diagram of my classroom so you can see what I mean.  You will notice that my students’ math center baskets match their table color.  You will also notice that the teacher table is in the corner and away from the other students’ centers.  

Organization Reasoning

I do this because it is the least distractible place for them to work and their backs are to the rest of the class.  If students are feeling crowded at their table, they do have the option of choosing a “smarter spot” for their center.  Some of those spots can be the floor, reading area, rug, or standing desk.  They are not allowed to move their center to a different table to work near other students.  We discuss “smart spots” during our launching lessons when we are discussing our rules and expectations.

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