Arrange students’ desks so that you can make eye contact with all students. You don’t want any students sitting with their backs or sides facing you. This will help you keep your eye on everyone. It will also help to ensure that students have a clear view of you and any displays you use when teaching. Put students who tend to be disruptive or who often need extra help in seats near the front of the room. You will be better able to keep an eye on them, and they will be more accessible to you.
Furniture should be arranged so that you can move around the room quickly. You should be able to get to each student in the same amount of time, without having to walk around obstacles. Put bookcases or other large pieces of furniture against the walls or on the perimeter of the main area where the student desks are located.
Keep stored materials easily accessible. You don’t want to have to leave your classroom to get necessary supplies if you suddenly need them for a lesson. Arranging everything in an easy-to-get-to manner will allow you to find materials quickly, instead of wasting valuable learning time. This will also allow you to keep track of supplies so you know when you’re running low on something you might need.
Avoid creating traffic congestion in your classroom. Follow rules such as not putting wastebaskets in walkways. Pencil sharpeners should be in the corner of the room, and trays to turn in homework assignments on the side of the room. Students tend to use pencil sharpeners often or will line up to turn in their homework. If you place these objects in walkways, your classroom will be difficult to navigate.