As you prepare for the beginning of a new school year, you may be thinking about your classroom layout and how you’d like to set up your furniture for the year.
Many students benefit from structure, especially students with autism or related exceptionalities, so considering a classroom layout that supports structured learning could help your students throughout the school year.
So what is Structured Learning?
Structured Learning provides consistent routines for students utilizing tools such as daily classroom schedules, checklists, and by setting up classroom spaces that are designed for students to maneuver through them with greater independence.
Setting up your classroom to support structured learning will look different depending on the needs of your students. If your students are older and preparing to transition into employment opportunities after graduation, you may choose to incorporate spaces that support developing life skills and pre-vocational activities.
Perhaps your students would benefit from a sensory area in your classroom where they can go when they need sensory input. You could also set up various spaces in your room for group work, one-on-one teacher time, and independent work stations where students can complete tasks independently or with minimal prompting and support.
As you prepare for your students to return, think about what areas may be most beneficial and create a map, plotting where in your classroom the various centers and areas may be best suited before you begin setting it up.
Now is a great time to plan and prepare your classroom layout, setting your room and your students up for success in the new school year!
The special education resources on this page were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant: Kara Parsons, M.Ed.
Drawing the layout can assist in set-up design.
Check out these additional classroom layouts.
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.