Why is collaboration important for early learning students?

Collaboration helps preschool children develop 21st century teamwork skills, teaching them to be active listeners, communicate effectively, and compromise - important skills they can apply throughout their lifetimes.

What furniture features support early learning collaboration?

Collaborative tables that can be pushed together for larger groups, lightweight seating with grip handles for easy movement, and low-profile furniture that allows teachers to observe all students at all times.

How should learning areas be organized for preschool collaboration?

Areas should include dedicated project spaces with art supplies and sensory tables, gathering areas with rugs and easels, breakout spaces with soft seating, and organized storage that children can easily access.

How do I get a quote for a collaborative early learning classroom setup?

Click the Get a Quote button on this page or call 1-800-260-2776 to speak with a School Outfitters specialist about your collaborative early learning classroom needs.

Preschool Collaborative Classroom with Cog Whiteboard Table

The Need for Collaboration Classrooms

With the 21st century seeing an ever-increasing need for teamwork, collaboration, and technology expertise, children can begin to develop and refine these skills as early as preschool. When young children work in groups to complete an activity or brainstorm new ideas, they are learning how to be active listeners, how to communicate, and how to compromise—important skills they can apply to real-world situations throughout their lifetimes.

What Makes a Great Collaboration Classroom?

For Students

A great collaboration classroom should offer children space for individual work as well as the ability to work in groups for projects and brainstorming. Students should clearly see everyone in their group for easy communication and eye contact. Open walkways allow children to move between groups and access supplies as needed. Lightweight seating makes it simple for early learners to pick up and move their seating without assistance.

For Teachers

The collaboration classroom should maximize ability to move among different groups to offer guidance and assistance or facilitate communication. Teachers should be able to address the whole class for instructions and demonstrations. All furniture should feature low profiles so teachers can observe all students at all times, no matter where they are in the room.

For Administrators

The collaboration classroom should be arranged and furnished to achieve the vision for that space. All products must be available when needed with correct, on-time delivery and quick, efficient installations.

Collaborative Early Learning Layout Zones That Work

Project Area

Makes collaborative projects, games, and activities easy to accomplish with dedicated spaces and supplies.

Easels: Surface for drawing, painting, and arts and crafts with accessory trays to contain messes
Stools: Sturdy seating with backless design that accommodates various postures
Art supply storage: Keeps crayons, markers, paints, and papers organized and accessible
Art table: Dedicated space for spreading out project materials and art supplies
Collaborative table: Used alone or pushed together for larger groups with sight lines for communication
Preschool chair: Lightweight with grip handles for independent movement and flexible plastic construction
Sensory table: Experiment with sand, water, or manipulatives using removable bins

Gathering Area

Functions as a hub for full-class, teacher-led activities and story time.

Rug: Cozy and comfortable seating for games, activities, and story listening
Easel: Display storybooks or student artwork and assignments
Book display: Keeps reading material easily accessible for browsing and story time selection
Floor pillows: Keep children cozy during stories and activities

Breakout Area

Dedicated space for impromptu small group activities and mentoring sessions.

Soft seating: Comfortable informal gathering space that helps children focus on discussions
Rug: Brightens the area and provides additional floor seating space

Storage Area

Keeps classroom supplies organized with low-profile storage that maintains teacher visibility.

Lockers: Personal storage for belongings like jackets and bookbags during class
Cubby storage: Organize classroom supplies, project components, and toys
Open shelving: Ready access items like storybooks and learning station supplies with project display space
Mobile bin storage: Wheel directly to work areas with completely removable bins for collaborative tables

Choosing Your Collaboration Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a classroom tailored specifically for a collaborative preschool environment. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs, and with just one click, get an itemized quote for this classroom, including all of our specially-designed stations. Our research and development professionals designed a collaborative classroom with furnishings that fit collaborative learning pedagogy, with products grouped to spark teamwork and keep interactions going.

Need help? Call us at 1-800-260-2776 and our helpful representatives will answer any questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your collaborative learning classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is collaboration important for early learning students?: Collaboration helps preschool children develop 21st century teamwork skills, teaching them to be active listeners, communicate effectively, and compromise - important skills they can apply throughout their lifetimes.
What furniture features support early learning collaboration?: Collaborative tables that can be pushed together for larger groups, lightweight seating with grip handles for easy movement, and low-profile furniture that allows teachers to observe all students at all times.
How should learning areas be organized for preschool collaboration?: Areas should include dedicated project spaces with art supplies and sensory tables, gathering areas with rugs and easels, breakout spaces with soft seating, and organized storage that children can easily access.
How do I get a quote for a collaborative early learning classroom setup?: Click the "Get a Quote" button on this page or call 1-800-260-2776 to speak with a School Outfitters specialist about your collaborative early learning classroom needs.