The teacher's desk should be the focal point of the room. Kindergarten pupils need to learn from the onset that the teacher leads the classroom and that all instructions come from her. Student tables and chairs can be set up in a variety of ways, though clusters may work better than rows. This allows students to easily work on group activities, sharing supplies and learning from one another. It is important that the teacher can see every student from her vantage point.
Organization in a kindergarten classroom is key to a successful learning environment. Supplies should be kept in a central location so that children get a sense of place about their storage and rules for use. Each student should be assigned a cubbie or other personal storage area for stowing their personal items and paperwork. Creating a reading corner in the classroom organizes books and sets the stage for reading activities. It is helpful to label desks or tables, chairs, cubbies, and all storage containers so that students can easily find their place, develop a sense of ownership, and learn the words associated with each article.
Kindergarten children are young, impressionable and very active. They need to move from one activity to the next quickly as their attention span is not lengthy. Many kindergarten classrooms are set up in learning centers. These may include a reading nook, math center, and activity center for tasks such as working with blocks, coloring, crafts, or other activities that develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Some kindergarten teachers like to re-create rooms in a home, such as kitchens and living rooms. Learning centers should be assembled with the child in mind, so consider that when determining height and size of items in the center.
Pictures in a kindergarten classroom should be colorful, stimulating, soothing, and should foster learning themes. Cut-outs marked with numbers, letters of the alphabet and color names will enhance lesson plans on these subjects. An interactive calendar marked with holidays, special events, daily activities, and other applicable information will teach children a sense of time and schedule. Pictures of children working in the classroom will create a warm and friendly environment for children who may be spending their first days away from home. Remember that a child's eye level is much lower than an adult's, so take that into consideration when displaying pictures.