Classroom environments are extremely important for students and for teachers. Everything from the color of the walls to the arrangement of the desks sends impressions to students and can affect the way a student learns. The emotional environment also will affect the learning environment and how well a student receives instruction.
Emotional Environment
Creating a positive learning environment is essential for success in the classroom. Teachers should create a welcoming atmosphere where student feel safe and willing to share. Classrooms should represent the students equally and everyone should know each other’s name. Teachers who use humor in the classroom also create more positive environments.
Physical Environments
Structuring the physical environment of a classroom means strategically placing desks, students, decorations, and playing music. Desks arranged in a circle give the impression of sharing, while coupled desks work well as workstations. The color of the walls and the decorations on the walls also send impressions. Light colors open up spaces and warm colors are welcoming.
Respectful Environments
Classrooms should be a place where students feel respected and feel their contributions matters. No student should be singled out or secluded in the classroom. Every student should feel accepted, wanted and respected.