The well-known Serenity Prayer speaks of changing the things you can, having serenity in dealing with what can’t be changed, and having wisdom to know the difference. This concept can be applied to teachers and classroom set-up.
Things they usually can’t change:
size of room, location of room, color of walls & flooring
Things they usually can change:
decor, keeping it clutter-free & clean, furniture arrangement
Even in less than ideal settings, there are usually things teachers can do to make their rooms more conducive environment to learning. It makes a difference when teachers do what they can. Keep in mind that the physical environment can even affect behavior as well as the ability to learn.
Why It’s Important for Teachers to Pay Attention to Classroom Set-Up
Effectively using the classroom is important for at least the following reasons:
- Little things in classroom set-up add into the overall impression. Check out the worksheet: Keys to Unlocking the Door for Good First Impressions
- To maximize learning, we need to minimize distractions and frustrations.
Teacher Training Resources: Making a Classroom Environment Conducive to Learning & Good First Impressions
What about things like lighting and temperature?
Usually a teacher cannot control the type of lights or heating/cooling system in the church. However, even in that, teachers can make changes to make it more conducive. If there is a glare, try rearranging seating to move out from its direct path. If lighting is insufficient, consider bringing in floor lamps. It is is too cold in the room, bring in a space heater or have blankets available for children’s classes. If it is too warm, bring in a fan, open some windows, or hold class outside under a shaded area if possible. Ideally a church would fix the problem or provide the additional resources needed, but that doesn’t always happen. A teacher might have to go the extra mile. Word of Caution: If teaching a children’s class, particularly younger children, think about safety with any extra lighting, fans, or heaters you might want to use.