---
title: 6 Ways Your Classroom Set-Up Can Help Foster Better Interactions
description: Did you know that your classroom environment can support better interactions? Get easy tips for setting up your classroom this back-to-school season.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/dancing-in-classroom.jpg
---

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    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
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          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
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          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
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          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
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          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
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# 6 Ways Your Classroom Set-Up Can Help Foster Better Interactions

 August 13 2021 by [Sara Schodt](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/sara-schodt)

- [Teacher Tips](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-tips)
- [CLASS in Practice](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-in-practice)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/dancing-in-classroom.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=dancing-in-classroom.jpg)

Classroom interactions, as described by the CLASS® lens, are at the heart of children's learning and development, and can be enhanced by a highly effective classroom environment and curriculum. This back-to-school season, reflect on the elements of your environment that can support effective interactions to maximize children's learning. 

## 1. Celebrate the Children

![Bulletin board featuring children's families](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/All%20about%20me.jpg?width=3252&name=All%20about%20me.jpg)

Display images of children and their families throughout the classroom, to show them that this is a place where they belong, where they are celebrated, and where their worldviews and personal experiences are relevant.

## 2. Be Inclusive

![toy figurines in wheelchairs](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/ACCA%20room%205%20wheelchair%20and%20walker.jpg?width=4032&name=ACCA%20room%205%20wheelchair%20and%20walker.jpg)

Including diverse classroom materials such as books, posters, and dolls that represent different races, cultures, ages, and abilities can support a learning space where all are welcome and children are comfortable with and curious about similarities and differences.

## 3. Use Materials that Support Emotional Development

![Big Feelings Charts](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/port%20huron_room%2048_emotions%20chart.jpg?width=3024&name=port%20huron_room%2048_emotions%20chart.jpg)

Provide displays and materials that help children identify and talk about emotions, such as books about feeling frustrated or posters with different emotions that children can use to help identify the things they are feeling in the classroom.

## 4. Create Private Spaces

![Using pillows in a small, private space in a classroom](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/ACCA%20room%2013%20private%20space.jpg?width=4032&name=ACCA%20room%2013%20private%20space.jpg)

Create a space for privacy where children who are feeling overwhelmed or in need of individual work or play time can take refuge from the whole group. Children who are learning the language of introduction (DLLs) can also use a space for privacy to have a moment of silence and rest their brain.

## 5. Get Closer

![Teacher and young girl high-five while sitting next to each other](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/fun-activities-for-3-years-old-picture-id618453328.jpg?width=1024&name=fun-activities-for-3-years-old-picture-id618453328.jpg)

Arrange areas of the classroom so that adults can easily play in close proximity to children, work alongside them, get down on their level, talk, relate, and co-view.

## 6. Repurpose Materials

![Child care classroom decor made of recycled egg cartons](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/ACCA%20room%2013%20recycled%20artwork%20(1).jpg?width=4032&name=ACCA%20room%2013%20recycled%20artwork%20(1).jpg)

Provide recycled materials in your classroom like cardboard tubes of different sizes and shapes, egg cartons, clean empty bottles and plastic containers, that children can use to engage in creative and open-ended play.

See more examples from the tips above in this video. Ask your network what other tips they have by sharing the video below on social media!

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