Physical boundaries are an effective way to visually divide up the classroom space to reduce visual distractions, decrease wandering behavior, and clearly define learning spaces. When we are out in our district buildings we get to see tons of great ideas for using physical boundaries to structure the classroom layout. Today's Organization Station provides ideas for using existing classroom furniture, seating, and/or dividers in your classroom layout.
Furniture
The easiest and most cost-effective way to create physical boundaries is to use existing classroom furniture to separate the space into designated learning areas. Shelving, file cabinets, and even tables can provide great boundaries.
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| Structured Work Areas separated with shelves Jessica Stewart Trotwood ELC, Trotwood |
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| Structured Work Areas separated with shelves Pandy Pugh Indian Riffle Elementary, Kettering |
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| Shelves and tables used to separate table work spaces Debi Gnau Mad River Preschool, Mad River |
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| Shelves and toy tables to separate free play areas Debi Gnau Mad River Preschool, Mad River |
Seating
Using adapted or assigned seating during group times can be a great way to clearly define where students are supposed to be during that time. Seating with sides or arm rests provide an added boundary.
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| Rifton chairs at group table Jessica Stewart Trotwood ELC, Trotwood |
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| Various adapted seating options with boundaries at carpet area Keelin DiMuccio Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek |
Dividers
One of the most effective physical boundaries are room divders which are specially designed to break up the learning space. Not only do they provide a physical boundary but they are often very effective at limiting visual distractions as well.
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| Portable divider Jennifer Lause Mississinawa Valley Middle School, Mississinawa |
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| Structured Work Areas separated with PVC pipe dividers |
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| Pool noodle wheelchair boundary Heidi Grumpp Miami County CLC |
For more ideas check out our previous posts:
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