Early Elementary Classroom with Bow Tie Tables

The Need for Early Elementary Classrooms

A great first and second grade classroom should be arranged in a way that keeps students focused and engaged with their subject material. Desks should be appropriately sized for young students and positioned to allow them to make eye contact with each other, facilitating discussions and encouraging active participation. Desks should be lightweight enough that they can be easily turned or moved around to form collaborative groups as needed. Technology tables give students a dedicated space to work with devices, research or collaborate in small groups. A cozy nook with shelving and soft seating gives students a place to read or meet for breakout sessions.

What Makes a Great Early Elementary Classroom?

For Students

The best classroom should offer personalized space for books, devices and other belongings. The desks should be arranged so that all students can easily view the teacher as he or she presents lesson material and workstations should be easy to move into small group formations for projects or brainstorming. Seating should be both durable and comfortable enough to support long periods of sitting.

For Teachers

The first and second grade classroom should make presentations easy, with large mobile writing surfaces and enough space to move around the room with ease. Desks should be arranged in a way that they can be quickly turned around or pushed together for small group work. Dedicated spaces for breakout work should be easily accessible for mentoring.

For Administrators

A great first and second grade classroom should be arranged and furnished in a way that aligns with the vision for that space. They need to know that all products are available at the time they are needed and that their order will arrive correctly and on time. Installations must be quick and efficient.

Early Elementary Layout Zones That Work

Teacher-Led Discussion Area

Helps teachers and students get the most out of class-wide presentations and demonstrations.

• Student desks: Spacious work surfaces with thick tabletops and easy-clean laminate surfaces
• School chairs: Durable reinforced plastic with anti-static seats and lightweight design
• Teacher desk: Personal work surface with storage pedestals beneath the tabletop
• Teacher chair: Comfortable seating for mentoring students and grading assignments
• Mobile markerboard: Rolling casters for easy movement anywhere in the room
• Mobile corkboard: Large surface for tacking papers with rolling casters

Breakout Area

Provides functional learning spaces that accommodate computer use, group work, and independent reading.

Tech Area

• Computer tables: Spacious surfaces with grommet holes for wire management
• Soft seating: Comfortable, padded seating for computer and device work

Group Work Area

• Collaborative tables: Spacious work surfaces designed for equal student participation
• Soft seating: Lightweight, compact design that's easy for students to move

Reading Area

• Rug: Finished look with soft seating space for floor preference
• Book stand: Easy access to story books with organized storage
• Soft seating: Comfortable reading with lightweight, movable design

Storage Area

Keeps the classroom organized so students and teachers can quickly access supplies and materials.

• Lockers: Personal storage for belongings like jackets and bookbags during class
• Cubby storage with bins: Organizes classroom supplies, project components, and toys
• Open shelving: Ready access to story books, project supplies, and temporary project displays
• Mobile bin storage: Wheels directly to work areas with removable bins for learning stations

Choosing Your Early Elementary Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a great first and second grade classroom. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs, and with just one click, you get an itemized quote for this classroom, including all of our specially designed stations. Our helpful representatives are happy to answer any questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your first and second grade classroom.

Need help? Call us at 1-800-260-2776 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with creating your early elementary learning environment.