After choosing your centers, the next task is to create a configuration that complements these centers. When designing your layout, visually define the spaces, make use of the perimeter, create a clear line of sight, and pay attention to the flow between each center.

Visually Define Centers

How many times have you sat down with your group of students only to have one or two wander off or spend the entire time looking at the play area across the room? I bet pretty frequently! Visually defining our centers helps students understand where they are supposed to be and can minimize distractions. You can define centers physically with dividers and furniture and/or visually using labels, colors, shapes, images, tape, etc.

How you define your centers will depend on the ages and the needs of the students. For example, color tape might work well for a secondary student, but a student in an early childhood classroom may need a divider or furniture to define the space.

Using the Perimeter

Setting up centers against the walls provides a free, immovable divider! The wall is also a great place to post visuals your students will need to participate in the center as independently as possible.

Clear Line of Sight

Safety is a top priority. To ensure security and well-being, you should design your layout so you can see all of your centers. If this isn't possible, make sure you can at least see the independent centers.

Flow of Centers

It's easiest if students rotate through centers clockwise or counterclockwise to minimize any potential traffic jams. If your students need to find and check their schedule between each rotation, make sure there is a clear path to their schedules and then to their next center.

Looking for more ideas on classroom layout? Check out the Classroom Layout Tuesday Tip 'N' Tricks!

Rearranging your entire classroom at this point of the year sounds daunting. Start with one area that you can visually and physically define that will have a big impact. Maybe that's your teacher center or your independent work area. Once you finish that area, try to tackle another.

Nice work! Can you take it a step further? Can you define it more clearly? Does the flow work for your current group? Can you see each center from where you are sitting?

Check out the World of Colors unit in Themes First!, which includes original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

Link to World of Colors Monthly Theme Calendar

The latest Themes First! release, Amazing Construction, is now available for prepping!

⭐⭐ ⭐ Tip: Print all the activities you plan to use for the upcoming month as soon as they become available. Put printed activities in a "prep" area equipped with a laminator, file folders, Velcro, labels, and baggies. If you have a large laminator, laminate all the activities at once! When you and your team have a few minutes to spare, laminate, cut, and Velcro. It helps to organize activities in trays by "Needs to be Prepped" and "Finished." Don't forget to teach your team how to prep the activities and to model this new expectation.

Date/Time: March 5th, 2024 from 3:00-4:30

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join us on March 5th, 2024 for the next EBP webinar! The topic will be on promoting AAC use in the classroom. Make sure you subscribe to the ASD listserv or follow the MN ASD Educators Facebook page to get update information on this training and other upcoming opportunities!

Date/Time: May 7th, 2024 from 3:00-4:30

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join us for our last ASD EBP Webinar (formally known as STAR Webinars) of the 2023-2024 school year! During this webinar, Michele Glynn, ASD Specialist, will discuss using simple video modeling, modeling, and peer modeling to practice and promote positive behaviors that support student engagement and learning.

Feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.

Paraprofessional Training Series

Para Training Series: Step One: Define Roles

Para Training Series: Step Two: Creating a Team Mindset

Para Training Series: Step Three, Part 1: Planning

Para Training Series: Step Three, Part 2: Planning

Para Training Series: Step Four: Training

Para Training Series: Next Steps

Classroom Set Up Series

Classroom Set Up: The Why

Classroom Set Up: Visually and Physically Defining Your Layout

Classroom Set Up: Classroom Schedules

Classroom Set Up: Para Schedules

Classroom Set Up: Individual Schedules

Classroom Set Up: Individual Schedules FAQ

Classroom Set Up: Visual Supports

Classroom Set Up: Teaching Visual Supports

Classroom Set Up: Creating Visual Supports

Classroom Set Up: Teaching Routines and Expectations

Classroom Set Up: Routines and Expectations

Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks is made possible by Minnesota Low Incidence Projects