Organize the desks in the center of the room. Position them so that you can easily walk up to each student, and make eye contact with them while teaching from the front of the classroom. Use a U-shaped set-up, or group desks into fours so the students can comfortably perform group exercises.
Make sure areas that the students use are accessible, such as bookshelves or a stationery cupboard. Keep the equipment and materials neat, tidy and hidden away to minimize distraction during teaching time.
Label drawers, shelves and cupboards with the name of the objects contained inside. Direct the students to that area when they need something, instead of rummaging for lost objects.
Create different levels of lighting in the classroom to allow for various student behavior. For example, use dim lights at the back of the class to calm hyperactive students, while placing brighter lights near the front to stimulate sleepy students.
Create a quiet reading corner with comfortable seating to encourage students to study independently. Put a selection of educational magazines and books on a table, and place cushions or stools around it. Keep the area clear of clutter to make it more relaxing.
Make a listening area with headphones and CD player. Place a selection of audio books, language-learning CDs or classical music next to it. Use a variety of teaching tools to maintain the interest of the students.
Use a white board at the front of the classroom. Have a variety of colored pens nearby to add variety to the board work.
Review the classroom set up at the end of each month, and modify the arrangement if certain aspects do not function well. For example, re-arrange the desks into rows if the students are distracted by sitting next to their friends.