Arrange the seating in your classroom in ways that facilitate student discussion and participation. Tables with chairs instead of attached desks encourage students to work together in pairs and small groups by moving the chairs together around the tables. This enables active and cooperative learning. It also provides you with the flexibility to include different kinds of learning experiences such as role-play and dramatization, active movement, class presentations and class displays. Place enough space between the occupied seats so students can easily get by without disturbing those who are working. Make sure you can scan the room and make eye contact with every student.
Keep temperatures on the cool side of moderate to encourage attentiveness and prevent students from becoming too warm to stay awake. Cooler temperatures reduce the humidity and make the atmosphere more comfortable when temperatures outside are warm and muggy. Utilize a fan to stir the air, making the air feel cooler without lowering the temperature too far. Good lighting encourages students to remain alert and to see the study materials. Use external and internal lights whenever possible to cut your utility cost and benefit from sunlight. Cover windows with blinds or shades when you need low lights and use reflective film on the windows to keep the sunlight from overheating the classroom. Windows allow use of green plants in the classroom, which improve air quality and create a friendly environment.
Incorporate music in the classroom to increase its effectiveness. Keep the volume low, but use different tempos to signal changes in activities and to spark enthusiasm with upbeat music when introducing new materials. Use complex instrumentals during tests and energetic music during times when energy seems to lag. Use of an mp3 player with a remote allows you to change the music quickly and provide variety.
Place class resources where students can access them without disrupting class. These resources include everything from the wastebasket and pencil sharpener to dictionaries, supplemental texts and supplies. Make effective use of your classroom storage by keeping frequently used supplies at eye level and neatly arranged. If you use learning stations in the classroom, group supplies near the learning station where they are mostly often used.
Display student work on the walls to encourage quality assignments. Utilize bulletin boards, blackboards and whiteboards and Smart boards effectively. Place reference materials where students can see them during the learning and review period and cover or remove it during tests.