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By The Cart Guru • May 31, 2022

5 Tips to Maximize Space in the Classroom

An often overlooked aspect of effective instruction is the layout of the physical space within a classroom. Teachers who are tasked with instructional obligations and student achievement may not have a lot of time to consider the most efficient utilization of classroom space. Whether your classroom is large or small, maximizing the space that is available is vital for productivity, organization, collaboration, and overall success during the school year!

Make the most out of your space with these 5 simple ways to efficiently maximize space in the classroom while increasing productivity and instructional time!

Classroom-Layout

1. Analyze Classroom Set-Up and Make Adjustments

The first way to efficiently maximize classroom space is to analyze how the class is set up in terms of furniture. This may include where the teachers' desk and students' desks are located, whether a rowed approach, a quad approach, or a circular arrangement is most optimal. Many factors may play into this decision such as grade level, academic subject, and developmental nature of the classroom. Depending on the classroom makeup of students and the physical layout/dimensions of the classroom teachers may have to employ several trials to determine which approach is optimal. Another consideration may be classroom organization based on specific lessons and academic objectives. In a student collaboration or peer teaching model a quad approach- 4 desks grouped together- may be most effective in lesson implementation. 

Classroom Floor PlansThe most effective classroom setups should be mapped by the teacher, lesson specific if required, which will facilitate lesson preparation and planning. It is also critical to be mindful of the floorplan and room space to design a more functional and maneuverable space in the classroom. Lastly, teachers should plan room layouts with consideration to students and staff with mobility concerns in order to enable easy entry and exit from the classroom. It is important to outline your floorplan and room space to design a more functional and maneuverable space in the classroom. 

 

2. Store Away Items That You Don't Need Daily

Teacher-Storage-ClosetThe second tip for maximizing space in the classroom is to store away items that you will not need for direct access. Classroom items that should be stored due to limited use would include seasonal items, unused textbooks and paper supplies, and any other materials that are not used on a daily basis. Other items that may be stored away include holiday materials that are only needed once per year. It is recommended that these items get stored in containers with lids in order to keep them organized and free of dust. Since holiday items tend to vary in size and shape, teachers should utilize plastic containers or bins to store them. Holiday items can be stored in the back of a deep storage closet or at home if there is no space available in the school. Another helpful tip is to store items that are similar or related together so that they will be easily accessible once they are needed again. Organize closets and materials with this helpful classroom organization article! This will allow teachers to have more space in their classrooms for multipurpose items or materials that are needed daily for student success. 

 

3. Maximize Vertical Space in the Classroom

Over-the-door Organizer

Maximizing and utilizing vertical space in the classroom is an efficient way to organize storage and materials while maximizing space in the classroom. Any time that you are able to store materials upwards, instead of outwards, you will be saving precious space that you will be able to use for other items or activities! It is important to consider an over-the-door organizer that creates more vertical storage space and is easily accessible. Be sure to check out this useful video on creating an over-the-door organizer for your classroom!

 

4. Reduce Visual Clutter

5147adce43e2f78bb43ecbc6e55667a7One way to reduce visual clutter is to utilize tablets and/or Chromebooks for the students to complete work instead of using paper. This allows teachers to free up space on desks that would have been previously cluttered with papers, in turn maximizing classroom space. Another way to reduce visual clutter and maximize classroom space is to utilize the space under tables for storage. This allows for more storage space that can be easily hidden with a tablecloth for a clean and organized appearance. 

                                                                                                                                                                     

5. Utilize Compact and Versatile Charging Solutions

Volusia-CS-1610The final tip for maximizing space in the classroom is to utilize compact and versatile charging solutions for student devices. Bulky and large charging solutions create a cluttered classroom and decrease the amount of area available for other activities or items. The Essential Charging Stations are compact, versatile, and adjustable to fit the specific needs of classrooms. These lightweight and modular solutions conveniently mount to walls or desks while efficiently maximizing classroom space. The Essential Charging Stations efficiently charge up to 12 or 16 devices of any type, all without breaking the bank.


In conclusion, classroom space should be organized in accordance with many factors such as grade level, academic subject area, lesson type, and learning objectives. Teachers may associate lesson plans with a classroom layout or map to facilitate preparation and to gain optimal effects. Consideration should be given to mobility and classroom navigation concerns to enable easy transitions. Classroom use of technology, such as Google Classroom, helps to eliminate excessive use of paper and helps to streamline assignments and grading. Google Classroom in addition to compact and versatile charging solutions, such as the Essential Charging Stations, will increase productivity while maximizing classroom space. Lastly, any items not used on a daily basis should be stored in closets or storage cabinets to reduce clutter and increase the overall appeal of the classroom. 

 

Learn more about solutions that help maximize space in the classroom! 

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