How to optimise Year 1 classroom layouts for effective learning

As children progress through primary school, the transition from their familiar Early Years (EYFS) setting up to a new classroom in Year 1 can feel quite a leap. It can mean a move from a child-led, play-based flow between activities to a more traditional classroom setup with a desk and chair per pupil.

But learning environments tend to be more flexible these days. The aim of a classroom layout is to encourage student engagement and learning. There’s no strict right or wrong way to set up a KS1 classroom, but it’s good to consider the pros and cons of different classroom layouts. Remember that the classroom layout you choose when kids come back to school in September isn’t set in stone for the entire school year. You may want to evolve the classroom design at various points throughout Year 1.

Here we’ll look at classroom seating arrangements and overall classroom layouts; the advantages and disadvantages.

Continuous provision spaces

Having distinct, clearly defined areas for each activity has become the norm in EYFS, but it doesn’t have to end there. It can work really well for pupils in Year 1 as well.

Continuous provision refers to all of the different learning areas for your children to use every day spanning English, maths, phonics, science and so on. They’ll contain a core range of resources that children can use all of the time, throughout the school year. You’ll have a maths area with counters, measurement tools, number blocks and grids. You can have a phonics area where sounds are displayed next to descriptive images. Maybe you want a comfortable space where kids can read or look through a book.

All of these classroom layouts promote learning and exploration. Having distinct zones can encourage independent engagement as well as small groupwork activities too. Use colourful lettering to clearly identify each zone and label the activity (such as phonics, numbers or topics like nature or dinosaurs).

Classroom seating arrangements

The seating plan that you choose for Year 1 goes beyond classroom design and aesthetics. It can affect a child’s motivation, engagement, behaviour and relationships with their teacher and peers. But it may also determine your pedagogy. Certain classroom setups lean towards teacher-led lecturing whilst others encourage interactivity and group discussion.

It’s important to consider individual pupil’s specific needs. If they have an EHCP for example, that may stipulate the best position for that child. But even those without an EHCP may benefit from preferential seating (such as seating glasses wearers nearer the whiteboard).

But you also need to consider the size of your learning environment and the amount of free room you have to play with. You want to optimise the space you have with your classroom layout.

Group seating

Placing several tables together in groups (often of four to six) is a popular classroom layout. It’s ideal for collaboration and group work amongst pupils. However, some kids won’t have a direct view of the whiteboard and may need to move to see better. You may find some kids getting distracted and talking when they shouldn’t.

Row seating

The traditional classroom design of rows of desks facing the front of the class has lost favour in recent years. It does have merits - the whole class face the whiteboard and the teacher has good visibility of everyone which helps classroom management. It lends itself to individual or pair learning rather than group work though.

Horseshoe seating

Placing desks in a series of U shapes has similar benefits to group seating, but can give kids a bit more personal space. It’s also easy for the teacher to engage with the group and individuals when needed.

A large U-shaped classroom seating arrangement caters well to whole-class discussions. Pupils can see their classmates and that promotes interaction and discussions.

Mixed seating

When you have multiple learning styles and needs to consider (and in a class of 30 kids that’s inevitable), there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to seating. Having a mixture of seating plans may be the solution rather than a single set up. This style links with the concept of continuous provision too.

A small U-shape of desks would work well for a group of students who need plenty of teacher assistance. As you move between subject areas, you may find a group setting would suit some learners and a U-shape for others. Having the flexibility to adjust your classroom set up means that you can adapt to different needs and preferences. That said, some kids like a set workspace.

Classroom decor

This is the fun and creative bit. Create eye-catching classroom decorations to stimulate and encourage kids, as well as provide learning opportunities. You may reinforce classroom rules, highlight learning topics or share kids’ birthdays with your classroom displays. Use appealing visuals on bulletin boards to promote kindness, friendship and positivity.

Storage is always a key component of classroom decor. Contain equipment and activities within drawers or storage boxes. Make sure they’re clearly labelled with lettering and images to help pupils identify what’s inside. Encourage kids to tidy away equipment at the end of an activity.

Twinkl has stacks of ideas and resources for decorations, as well as classroom designs and seating plans. For interactive classroom tours, check out YouTube or Pinterest for inspiration.

Help with your Year 1 classroom design

We’ve worked with primary schools across the country to optimise their classroom layout with our products. Find out more about our school projects or browse our student seating, product collections and storage solutions.

We have a customer-driven approach to product design. You’re central to all we do. Get in touch with our customer support team if you have any questions and want to discover more about KI Furniture