Room designs are incredibly impactful when done skillfully. They can set the tone for educators and students alike. From science to sensory, classroom furniture and overall design can help direct student focus, create a supportive learning environment, and positively impact K-12 students throughout their education years to maximize their learning potential.
But what if there were a tool available to you that could help you design these essential learning spaces? Think classroom renderings in 3D with easy-to-use features so you could add and move furnishings. Such a tool exists right here at School Outfitters. Our free rendering tool makes school project planning and classroom designs a breeze! Keep reading to learn more, or start exploring now.
The importance of classroom design for K-12 students
As Edutopia points out, tapping into the “science” behind classroom design can support improved and measurable student learning outcomes. Studies also show that classroom designs focused on affordances biased toward active learning techniques and interpersonal engagement led to better retention and more positive educational outcomes.
What to keep in mind for K-12 classroom design
K-12 classroom design is not all-encompassing. The needs of kindergarten-age students vary greatly from those preparing to graduate from high school. However, the same consideration of how to best promote active learning and engagement is consistent no matter what grade level. Some specific considerations to keep in mind from K-12 classroom designs include:
How modular or adaptive are the classroom workspaces?
What levels of modular or adaptive seating are there? Are there options?
How does the environment inhibit or support opportunities for students to interact?
Can the classroom environment be changed or altered easily?
What school furniture or activity pieces help focus engagement versus help students engage in the subject matter?
Traditional K-12 designs shift to modern classrooms
Traditional K-12 designs typically reflect a more industrial or Agrarian influence, with rows of desks and chairs with the teacher or educator seated at their own desk at the front of a classroom. Chalkboards or whiteboards would be at the front of the room near the entrance and exit, while student storage is typically at their desk or in a cubby-style area at the back of the classroom.
Today's modern classrooms are far more flexible in layout, they include technology, and leverage innovative products. Projectors and computer displays take the place of chalkboards and whiteboards. Collaborative tables with wheels that allow for flexible arrangements take the place of those rigid desk and chair combos of yesteryear.
Modern K-12 design ideas
More modern K-12 designs start to explore alternative seating arrangements, usually in the form of tables placed together in groups, round tables, or kidney tables. For younger students, classrooms may incorporate a designated carpet space with seating places for classroom lessons and large activity tables for incorporating active learning strategies to retain lesson material.
The tables are set for small group interaction, with two designated floor spaces and modular seating for student movement and sensory regulation. This design incorporates both student cubbies and storage space for educators and is spacious enough for educators to easily float from student group to student group for assistance or redirection.
This elementary flexible arrangement classroom features trapezoid tables to afford even more extensive student collaboration or room rearrangement throughout the year.
Want to customize and visualize your own classroom? Just choose your space from our list of “Proven room types” to get started. Click on “Build your room” at the top to see the 3D room builder. Then, add furnishings you’d like to include in your space. From there, you can be inspired with your designs and layouts. It couldn’t be easier!
Common products used in K-12 room designs and layouts
As you design your learning spaces, be sure to include the essential furnishings that create the flexibility and engagement you want for your students. Some common products in K-12 room designs and layouts include:
Larger activity tables, like this flower activity table
Where to buy the best products for K-12
The best products for K-12 are best found with companies that put educators and students at the forefront of their business. School Outfitters prioritizes student learning, enhanced educational experiences, and proper education environments for students across age ranges, pedagogies, and ability levels.
School Outfitters has skillful and knowledgeable staff who can help administrators and educators like you find the best custom room designs for free! We’ll help you design your modern classrooms and flexible learning spaces, using our 3D rendering tool. Get all the support you need at every phase of your project.
Why buy K-12 products through School Outfitters
School Outfitters offers the same high-level service attention to schools ordering a few replacement chairs as it does the district planning renovations or remodels of entire campuses. From fast, free quotes to project support, we can help. Start designing your learning spaces with our rendering tool, or get your free quote today!
