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)

Eight elementary school teachers describe how they organized their classrooms to make unique, effective learning environments. There are ideas for creating a reading garden, shared spaces, more work space, more storage space, desktop folders, confined block areas, magnetic display holders, and effective room layouts. (SM)

Nine elementary teachers explain how they design their classrooms to match and support their instructional styles. The teachers focus on whole language programs, student portfolios, science activity set-ups, technology transformation, learning center strategies, and space utilization. (SM)

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…

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…

Presents suggestions for setting up a classroom that is organized, efficient, and welcoming, focusing on the following elements: the conference table, individual work trays, flower arrangements, a small rug area, paper files, folder storage, book bags, reading baskets, the teacher's chair and easel, a meeting area, and low-level tables. (SM)

Ever wish you could give your classroom a face-lifting? You can, inexpensively and effectively. To show you how, the Instructor staff invaded two rooms at Dansville Elementary School to help solve some problems. You'll be intrigued by their suggestions and encouraged to try your own ideas. (Editor/RK)

Flexible classroom arrangements can help teachers teach to every child's learning style. Research findings have shown that many traditional notions about how students learn are incorrect. Suggestions for improving classroom practices and resources to help teachers in this process are offered. (DF)

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

Ways in which elementary school teachers turned spaces into environments conducive to learning are described. Included are: (1) student offices; (2) seldom-used stairwells; (3) reading lofts; (4) a "fort" learning center; and (5) a garden spot for quiet study. Ideas for classroom storage are also presented. (CJ)

A project to redesign an elementary school classroom was undertaken by 14 architecture students at the University of Buffalo (New York). Six basic steps are listed which any class can take to make its living space better meet its needs. (KC)

Presents ideas for creating high-impact, low-cost, stimulating classroom displays. The article suggests arranging the environment to allow comfortable movement along with a pleasant, organized backdrop to teacher and student displays. Individual displays should not only share student work but extend and develop learning. Eight creative ideas are…