Jacqueline Vasquez

Jacqueline Vasquez
The first grade classroom I designed contains five centers, a small group instruction table,
a whole group instruction area, cubbies, plenty of storage, and enough seats for 22 students. Jo
Ann Brewer, author of the Intro to Early Childhood Education text book, has an entire chapter
on how to arrange your classroom. As I designed my classroom, I took the physical
characteristics mentioned in the text and applied it to the 700 sq. ft. room (Brewer, 2007). My
students played an important part in the overall arrangement of the furniture, centers, and
environmental print in the classroom. The social, cognitive, and physical development of my first
grade students influenced the arrangement of the furniture in the classroom. The classroom
design I created takes into account factors mentioned in Brewers fourth chapter. The main goal
is for the layout to be welcoming and enhance the learning environment.
As the students walk into the classroom, they will see a kidney table that serves a double
purpose. It will serve as the teacher work area and as a table for small group instruction. I chose
to place my table near the door for safety purposes. I will be able to monitor who enters and
leaves the classroom during small group instruction. The table placement will also help me
control the noise level of the two louder learning areas (Brewer, 2007). The natural layout of the
room then directs the students attention to the cubbies. This area is where students will be able
to place their personal belongings and line up without any distractions.
The location of the learning area was determined by the expected noise level of the
station (Brewer, 2007). The three learning areas that require students to work quietly are the
reading, writing, and computer area. These centers are located around the smart board and the
whole group instruction area. On the opposite side of the room, students have the opportunity to
visit my table for small group instruction, the home living center, and the art area. In these
learning areas the noise level may get higher compared to the other work stations. According to

Jacqueline Vasquez
Brewer, my art learning center requires a good light source. Students will then receive natural
light from the window next to the art station.
Brewer refers to the quality of lighting, electrical outlets, and size of the room as its physical
characteristics. The amount of natural light coming in through the two windows will work well
with the learning stations and student seating area. The technology in the classroom had to be
placed near the outlets and everything else was then worked into the layout. The larger shelves
and storage areas had to be placed near a wall for safety reasons. The smaller shelves are used as
dividers for the area. I made sure to place the shelves where I have a clear view of all students.
From my table, I am able to see all areas that are separated by the smaller shelves. According to
Brewer, one of the main things teachers forget to include is vertical alignment. The shelves I
used to separate the learning areas will be used to display directions, activities, work examples,
and other information.
In my classroom layout, I included some of the environmental print I would have on
display for students. Above the cubbies, I will have a display of student work. By the teacher
work table, I will have the classroom procedures, rules, and attendance for students to see as they
enter the class. At the front of the room, above the smart board, I have will have the alphabet in
both Spanish and English. Another idea is to include a word wall in this same area below the
letters of the alphabet. Near the computer and writing area, I have placed a bulletin board. On the
opposite side of the learning rug, I have also placed a calendar that will display the language of
the day and the schedule.