Preschool Hub & Spoke Classroom with Round Tables

Early Learning Hub & Spoke Classroom Design Solutions

The hub and spoke classroom features a central gathering place that draws students together for circle-time activities. Learning stations radiate out from the central gathering place, so children can engage in activities that spark their enthusiasm. Low shelving units allow teachers and aides to see all children wherever they are in the room. Individual tables give children the space they need to work with manipulatives and materials.

Requirements for a Great Hub and Spoke Classroom

For Students

The hub and spoke classroom should incorporate a large, central hub with a cozy atmosphere where they can gather for full class activities. Learning stations should be easily accessible from the central hub and feature storage areas so toys, manipulatives and other items are easy to locate as needed.

For Teachers

The hub and spoke classroom should maximize the ability to move between the central gathering area and various learning stations to offer guidance to student activity groups. Mobile writing surfaces give teachers a place to write notes or display a storybook to the whole class or to a small group. Furniture should feature a low profile, so teachers can easily observe all students in the room.

For Administrators

The hub and spoke classroom should be furnished with items that help achieve 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.

Hub and Spoke Classroom Layout Areas

Group Gathering Area

Acts as a central meeting place and focal point of the classroom:

• Rug: Gives children a cozy and comfortable place to seat as they participate in games, activities or listen to a story.
• Magnetic easel: Offers teachers a place to prop open storybooks or display student artwork and assignments.

Learning Stations Area

Comprised of a variety of stations where students can participate in activities or games that focus on subjects ranging from reading and science to imaginative play:

Art Station

• Easels: Keep messes contained as children work with paints or markers.
• Stools: Offer sturdy and comfortable seating, and the backless design accommodates a variety of seating postures.
• Art supply storage: Ensures craft supplies are easy to find and access.

Reading Station

• Kid-sized book display: Makes reading material easily accessible for individual or small group reading.
• Soft seating: Offers a comfortable place for children to relax with their books.
• Colorful rug: Brightens up the area and doubles as additional seating space for students who prefer to sit on the floor.

Science Station

• Sand and water table: Introduces children to sensory materials without making a mess for hands-on STEM exploration.
• STEM table: Perfect for early learning science or robotics projects.
• Stools: Keep children comfortable as they work on science activities.

Imaginative Play Station

• Dress-up center: Lets children use costumes to play as imaginary characters, encouraging social interaction.
• Pretend play center: Gives them toys and props to use as they act out their roles and invent scenarios.

Collaboration Station

• Collaborative tables: Can be used alone for small groups and easily pushed together for larger ones. Easily configured to accommodate a variety of group projects, games and activities.
• Preschool chairs: Lightweight and feature a grip handle in the back so children can pick up and move their seating without assistance.

Storage Area

Keeps classroom supplies organized and easy to find. Storage units should feature a low profile, so teachers can observe all areas of the room. They may also be used to create dividers between each learning station:

• Lockers: Give children a place to store personal belongings like a jacket or bookbag, while class is in session.
• Cubby storage: Organizes classroom supplies, project components or toys.
• Open shelving: Perfect for items children should have ready access to such as story books or learning station supplies. They may also be used as a temporary display space for finished projects.
• Mobile bin storage: Makes distributing and collecting supplies simple, since the unit can be wheeled directly to student work areas. The bins can also be completely removed from the cart for use at collaborative tables or learning stations.

Choosing Your Hub and Spoke Classroom Solution

School Outfitters makes it simple to outfit a classroom tailored specifically for a hub and spoke layout. Choose the option that best fits your budget and needs and get an itemized quote with just one click, including all three specially-designed stations. Our helpful representatives are happy to answer questions about our stations and how you can put them to use in your early learning classroom.

Call us at 1-800-260-2776 for personalized assistance.

Hub and Spoke Classroom Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hub and spoke classroom layout?

The hub and spoke classroom features a central gathering place that draws students together for circle-time activities. Learning stations radiate out from the central gathering place, so children can engage in activities that spark their enthusiasm. This layout maximizes teacher supervision while providing diverse learning opportunities.

Why is low-profile furniture important in hub and spoke classrooms?

Low shelving units allow teachers and aides to see all children wherever they are in the room. This constant visual supervision is crucial for early learning environments while still allowing children to access materials independently and engage in station-based activities.

What types of learning stations work best in hub and spoke layouts?

Effective learning stations include art stations for creativity, reading stations for literacy development, science stations for hands-on STEM exploration, imaginative play stations for social development, and collaboration stations for group projects. Each station should be easily accessible from the central hub.

How does the central gathering area support early learning?

The central gathering area acts as a focal point for full-class activities like circle time, story reading, and group discussions. A comfortable rug provides seating space while a magnetic easel allows teachers to display storybooks or student work, creating a cozy atmosphere for shared learning experiences.