How you educate and prepare students for the future changes based on developmental best practices and the changing times. However, some educational experts believe that most early elementary classroom arrangements and furnishings seem stuck in the past.
As a leading manufacturer and distributor of early childhood furniture for the past 50 years, Kaplan understands the importance of adapting to educational best practices and how children learn. In today's 21st-century world, we know children learn best when they can move around, collaborate, communicate, and actively engage in classroom lessons.
However, the design and furnishings of most traditional early elementary school classrooms do not accommodate this style of learning. Why do early elementary classroom layouts and furniture matter? Does the arrangement of desks and tables truly impact learning outcomes? How can you create an early elementary classroom that enriches student learning and academic achievement?
In this article, we'll answer these questions, share with you the impact classroom design and furniture choices have on academic achievements and student behavior, and help you create classroom environments that support 21st-century learning and every child's future success.
What is the impact of early elementary classroom design on teaching and learning?
The layout of kindergarten through third grade classrooms and the furnishings in use significantly impact how educators teach and how students learn. According to educator and classroom designer Dr. Sandra Duncan, desks in perfect rows facing the front of the classroom have their limitations. Students at the back of the room may have a more challenging time focusing on lessons, and teachers may struggle to control behaviors when they cannot freely move between desks and groups of children.
Classroom design with furniture made to help children focus on collaboration, exploration, and creativity allows children to maximize their learning potential and develop skills they will need to succeed later in life and the workplace.
What is missing from traditional early elementary classroom design?
The way we view educational instruction has changed tremendously over the past century. However, schools and classroom furniture have mostly stayed the same. Dr. Duncan has observed that, when designing elementary schools, administrators have a tendency to design classrooms based on how many children the space can accommodate. Instead, they should focus on the education of those children and how learning occurs best in the classroom.
Prakash Nair, the Founding President and CEO of Education Design International, recalls his school design findings from the past twenty years in the field: "Traditional school design often mirrors the model of a factory. Classrooms are typically the same size and connect along a single corridor. The tables and chairs face the front of the classroom, where a dry-erase board or smart board can be found."
What is wrong with that?
According to research conducted by Dr. Duncan, students must learn to think critically, collaborate with others, be creative, and communicate effectively if they are to succeed in a 21st-century world and workplace. Classroom design that focuses on singular desks facing the front of the classroom does not provide opportunities for students to gain these crucial skills.
How can you create early elementary classrooms that support 21st-century learning?
When you think about the purpose of a chair in the classroom, your mind might go to the obvious – a place for students and teachers to sit. What would happen if you thought about a chair from a different perspective? For instance, a chair can serve as a vehicle for collaboration and group projects, encourage positive social interactions, and even serve as a place of respite.
As you consider the layout of your classroom and the furnishings that will fill the space, think about the moments of learning that will happen throughout the day. Here are some key components of early elementary classroom design and furniture that will support 21st-century development and education.
Desk and table arrangement:
Curved tables and desks that create natural pathways throughout the classroom promote collaboration and open communication. Bringing desks and tables together provides students with opportunities to collaborate with peers, work on creative projects, and engage in face-to-face conversation.
Flexible and adaptable furniture:
As you know, not all children learn in the same way. The same is also true of educators and the way they teach. Modular and adaptable furniture creates a sense of community in the classroom by empowering children and teachers to customize their learning environment to better suit their needs. Incorporating flexible and adaptable furniture in your classroom is also a great way to create inclusive learning spaces that support children of all abilities in individual and group lessons.
Dedicated space for self-regulation:
While most early elementary classrooms designate areas for learning, play, and group time, very few offer areas of respite. Children need safe, comfortable places to self-regulate while experiencing big emotions. One way to create this space in your classroom is with comfortable seating options or cozy hideaway nooks positioned away from the main hustle and bustle of the classroom.
Technology integration:
Classroom technology such as whiteboards, tablets, and interactive panels is making a big impact in early elementary classrooms these days. While your district may have a technology policy that dictates what you can or cannot incorporate during classroom instruction, it's important to design your space to accommodate tech gadgets and their use. Look for modular furniture that you can position around power outlets and arrange desks and other seating so students can focus and concentrate while using tablets and other personal tech devices.
Neutral and nature-inspired tones:
You may not realize this, but color plays a major role in a child's behavior and how they learn. Loud, vibrant colors and overly decorated walls can cause sensory overload in students and teachers alike. When overstimulated, children may act out, have difficulty controlling their emotions, and lack the focus to comprehend and soak up critical educational lessons. Furniture, organizational baskets, and even classroom decor that is more muted in tone can create a harmonious space that is calm and controlled.
How can you plan and execute a classroom redesign project?
The first step of any classroom redesign project is to assess what is working or not working in your classrooms. This can include evaluating end-of-year academic scores and student behavior throughout the year and asking educators and students what they feel is missing or lacking with their current classroom design and furnishings.
Once you know the improvements or changes you must make, it's time to create a plan and budget for the redesign. With such a wide range of district budgets, it may not be feasible for you to redesign or upgrade furnishings in every classroom in your school at once. Start small by focusing on one grade level or furniture swap at a time. If you do not have the budget to purchase new furnishings now, use what you have on hand and arrange your classroom spaces to better accommodate collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity.
Where can you purchase early elementary furnishings that support 21st-century learning?
Classroom furniture that is modular, adaptable, and features curved edges and neutral tones is the perfect option for early elementary classrooms. While you might recognize Kaplan Early Learning Company as a premier manufacturer and distributor of furnishings for early childhood classrooms, we're now focusing on furniture systems that meet the unique needs of early elementary classrooms and learning.
Our newest furniture collection, Sense of Place for Early Elementary, features desks, tables, chairs, and storage compartments that fully support 21st-century learning and every student's educational needs and abilities. Read this article to discover the inspiration for this collection and what makes it a great furniture option for your school and early elementary classrooms. 
