Classroom Organization in a Small Space: 4 Great Tips

 Classroom Organization in a Small Space: 4 Great Tips

Being a middle school math teacher is enough of a challenging task without throwing in a constricted learning space into the mix. But what’s an education professional to do? It may be the summer break right now, but it’s the quiet before the storm when “back to school” season arrives in the fall. Time to make classroom organization our top priority!

In today’s blog, we’ll be offering some helpful tips for teachers on how to organize a classroom of limited space and scope. Let’s dive right in!

1. Develop a Filing System

A middle school math teacher, like many of their colleagues, is fighting a constant battle against growing mountains of paper. A filing system is needed to keep these papers contained within a small space on your desk, in your desk drawers (if you have them), or in a separate filing cabinet.

A filing cabinet is a tried-and-tested solution, and though it looks a bit cold and sterile, you can brighten it up with some creative additions stuck to the sides. It could even become part of the classroom décor.

2. Remove Excess

With a more limited classroom space, you have to learn to be “brutal” with your furniture and in-class equipment. What we mean, of course, is learning to remove anything you don’t absolutely need, and finding alternative storage for equipment that will only be used occasionally. Think, Marie Kondo!

If you’re using a particular piece of equipment every day, then you need a place for it in the classroom, but for anything else you need another solution. It could be a nearby storage room or even a neighboring larger classroom if your colleague is willing to help out. In a limited space, difficult choices have to be made. That’s smart organization.

3. Make Use of Vertical Space

In the smaller classroom, vertical space is the ally of the middle school math teacher. Start with taller storage units for classroom supplies. The good thing about middle school is that the kids are generally tall enough to reach more vertically oriented storage.

To save even more room, consider using wall space and hanging storage. This can save some additional floor space and also help to leave essential electrical outlets accessible. Too many drawers and cabinets can leave sockets awkwardly positioned.

I love adding little touches to my wall space, and bonus points for being math contusive! 

(Click the image to receive your free door décor download!)

4. Try Different Desk Arrangements

Another big factor is how you arrange your desks. Placing students’ desks isn’t just about optimizing space, but also creating a productive and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom. Below are a few ideas you could use:

Grouping/Clumps: A decent modern US and European standard, grouping tables in clumps of 4 or 5 desks with walking space in between.

Mini U’s: Place 3 desks in a horizontal line with a 90-degree adjoining desk at either end to make a ‘U’ shape, or a “mini horseshoe.” The added benefit of this one is that you can place some storage in the middle of the U, further optimizing space and placing resources closer to students.

Horseshoe Full of Groups: This “desks within desks” approach places a larger horseshoe around the edge of the classroom with smaller desk groups in the middle.

The “E”: You might call this an E-shape or possibly a 3-shape depending on what angle you look at it from. It places one row along the edge with three jutting rows formed along it. A larger classroom might get a “Double E” but your space is limited so stick with a single.

Classroom Organization: Set the Stage for Great Learning

As a middle school math teacher, you may already be up against it trying to get kids excited about learning the subject. Being in a small classroom can also be uncomfortable for all concerned. Optimize the space and be decisive about what needs to be in the room and what doesn’t, and you won’t go far wrong.

As a final tip to improve the atmosphere of the room if it has windows, keep the windows free of any displays, and keep curtains open to maximize natural light. That also has a great impact on making the room feel open and spacious. Back-to-school time is coming, teachers. Let’s make it a great year!