The classroom environment is a key element in the success of the students within its walls. Some of the most important elements of the classroom learning environment consist of the print material, the physical arrangement and the overall condition of the classroom (i.e. neat, clean, ect). As professionals, we know that the items presented here do not represent the totality of the elements of an efficient and functional classroom environment.

To begin with, we will focus on the task of providing our students with a print-rich environment which is both efficient and instructive.

As many of us know, there a shift away from mass manufactured print material. So, then we ask ourselves: what do we do now? Well, one of the best answers to this important and valid question can be found in "Guiding Readers and Writers Grades 3-6" by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell. In chapter nine, Getting Started: The First Twenty Days of Independent Reading, there are multiple examples of teacher-created posters which serve as instructional tools and as reinforcers of prior knowledge. Some of the posters and elements (which you will see below) come from other chapters of the book, however, the majority of the photographs (which come from actual classrooms) are a direct result of chapter nine of Fountas and Pinnell.

Browse through the images below, think about the common aspects of the instructional posters and materials and then, if you would like, read the brief commentary following the gallery of photographs. Everyone's classroom has something to offer regarding classroom environment and these elements will be, with permission, posted as time progresses. Enjoy the gallery!