Hungry for lively and engaging ways to augment word study? Looking for ways to empower your students and give voice to their ideas? "In Word Study That Sticks," teacher and literacy consultant Pamela Koutrakos provides a step-by-step approach that makes word learning jubilant and fun -- and encourages students to take ownership of word…

Describes classroom design with reference to doors, ceilings, walls, room furnishings, study tables, floor coverings, clocks, training labs, and halls. (JEG)

Suggests a method for organizing the room used by the yearbook staff and provides ideas for organizing tasks and materials. (TJ)

Describes the ways in which college classrooms are changing as a result of technology, furnishings, and educational needs requiring more space and different classroom-design concepts. Explains why the traditional tablet armchair classroom is becoming unpopular. (GR)

Factors of location, use of space, room arrangement, and time-out area are examined for their effects on resource room programing for exceptional students. (CL)

This planning guide focuses on the fundamental requirements for planning and designing school music suites. The guide provides brief explanations of critical factors affecting music suites so that music directors and other stakeholders can more quickly and clearly communicate music area fundamentals to architects and administrators. Topics cover…

Claims that almost none of the preschool design literature bridges the interest and technical concern of architects and education professionals. Offers design suggestions for classrooms, outdoor spaces, shared spaces, offices, teachers' space, and a place for parents. Discusses general design issues such as textures and colors, materials, security…

Presents photographs and the floor plan of a prekindergarten through fifth-grade school building that is designed with teaching and support areas arranged around a large, triangular room that serves as an auditorium, cafeteria, and overflow teaching space. The school also includes a circular media center and rectangular gymnasium. (GR)

This report presents national survey results of public school teachers' opinions on the relationship between interior design and academic performance. The 1,050 teachers surveyed reveal that they recognize the relationship between interior design and academic achievement and that most teachers see the advantages of classroom carpeting relative to…

Presents classroom setup and display ideas that can help elementary teachers create an effective learning environment. Ideas include signposts for instructions; a classroom duties chart; teacher helper hats; and bulletin boards that feature famous authors, graphs, daily news, student work, and creative writing. (SM)

Discusses the importance of block play--including its contributions to perceptual, fine motor, and cognitive development--and components of a good preschool block play area. Recommends unit blocks complemented by stacking blocks, toys, beads, cubes, and Brio wooden toys. Makes recommendations for space, size, locations and connections to other…

Presents tips to help teachers best use their preparation time before school opens. Suggestions include making multiple student lists; designing classroom desk arrangements; reviewing cumulative records; adding desktop names and numbers; checking texts; posting correctable schedules; decorating only one bulletin board; creating box-trays for…

A checklist is presented for evaluating classroom environmental design for students with dual sensory impairments, and for identifying environmental features that promote communication, independent mobility, student anticipation of events, and self-initiation of activities. Checklist items reflect a variety of considerations including ambience,…

Explains how to choose classroom furniture that complements the teaching methodology and fits classroom configurations and needs. Highlights purchasing considerations beyond quality, price, and service. These include standardizing the products being purchased, fabric selection, and aesthetic appearance. (GR)

Presents a list of affordable decorating suggestions for elementary classrooms, including: a reading tepee where students can read quietly; bouquets of construction paper flowers with students' pictures in them; an art center that displays posters of paintings by famous artists; colorful curtains created with bulletin board paper; and a secret…