The arrangement of the gym plays into the safety of the gym classes. The layout should provide room around any equipment the students use to allow for safe movement. If a climbing structure is placed too close to the wall, a child could fall off and hit the wall. Activities set up near the perimeter restrict traffic flow, which can force kids into the middle of game play, putting them at risk for injury. Limiting play to an area away from obstructions or potential dangers increases the safety of the students. For example, if a door opens up onto the gym floor, set up the equipment for physical education activities so the kids are kept away from the door.
The way you set up the gym for PE class determines how well you can use the space. Storing all of the equipment in the main gym area cuts down on usable space. A large open space in the gym allows you to do a variety of different activities without obstructions. When you want the kids to work in small groups, you can set up the equipment in separate areas around the gym.
Strategic setup of the classroom allows you to better manage students to improve classroom behavior. Setting up equipment and game play toward the middle of the gym means you can circulate around the perimeter. You won't need to turn your back on any part of the gym, so you can maintain constant supervision of the students. An arrangement that minimizes instruction time and gets the kids engaged quickly also improves classroom management. The kids are less likely to misbehave when they begin the PE activity right away. Having the equipment set up and ready to go means the students spend less idle time in gym class.
The setup of the PE classroom affects how well you can accommodate learners with disabilities. A child in a wheelchair needs a gym layout that allows him to maneuver the chair around equipment and permanent fixtures in the gym. An environment free of tripping hazards is important for students with visual impairments. Marking perimeters with brightly colored tape is another adaptation of the environment for visual impairments. A child with a hearing impairment needs a clear line of sight to understand what is happening. This is achieved by keeping large, bulky items out of the main teaching area so the child can see the teacher and fellow students. Readily available seating for a child who cannot stand for long periods of time is another layout consideration to promote inclusion.