---
title: Classroom Design Layouts That Promote Student Belonging
description: Promote student belonging with these great ideas for classroom layouts and designs. Get ideas for how to make your classroom are more inclusive space.
---

[artcobell Blog ](https://www.artcobell.com/en-us/blog)

# [Classroom Design Layouts That Promote Student Belonging](https://www.artcobell.com/en-us/blog/promote-student-belonging)

 Written by [Patricia Cadigan, M.Ed., ALEP](https://www.artcobell.com/en-us/blog/author/patricia-cadigan) | Dec 8, 2020

To successfully design learning environments that meet the needs of today’s COVID-19 conditions while preparing for a future post-coronavirus world, we must embrace the idea that* learning can and will occur anywhere at any time and that teachers and students will have a choice on how that happens. *To learn more on this, check out our previous blog post, ["How to Effectively Create Student-Centered Learning Environments."  ](https://www.artcobell.com/blog/student-centered-learning-environments)

As we keep our focus on helping students develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively, **we re-think learning environments as student-centered ecosystems to evaluate how the spaces (non-living) impact students (living) and how it promotes their success.  **Taking this approach to classroom layout ensures students can confidently say the following:

- [“I’m inspired.”](https://www.artcobell.com/blog/inspire-learning)
- [“I’m secure.”](https://www.artcobell.com/blog/promote-student-safety)
- “I belong.”

We're going to take a closer look at "I belong" spaces. Click the links above to learn more about the other two spaces of a student-centered ecosystem.

## **Classroom Designs that Encourage Student Belonging**

As you create a student-centered ecosystem, you’ll need to evaluate the social and emotional needs of your students as they transition back and forth between virtual and in-person learning. The pandemic has led to students suffering a significant loss of [social interaction](https://www.artcobell.com/blog/social-and-interpersonal-skills) and various forms of trauma.

As you reevaluate your school or classroom design, be mindful that the setup can have lasting effects on a student’s physical, social, and psychological (emotional), and cognitive development.

Schools need to focus on creating a foundation of inclusive, collaborative, risk-free spaces that will enable students to learn within and beyond those walls. The elements of “I belong” spaces will bring in features that promote positive social and emotional health.

 

### **Tips For Creating “I Belong” Spaces**

An effective classroom layout is made up of diverse types of school furniture, which can help you create [safe learning environments](https://www.artcobell.com/blog/social-emotional-learning) for your students.

In this effort, here are some things to remember:

Use furniture that encourages students to collaborate, socialize, and develop human connections*.*

- Be mindful of the number of students in an area.
- When working together, all students should have eye contact with all participants.
- When there are less than four students in an area, use a café-type table that gives learners a relaxed feel.
- When there are 5-8 students, use configurable student desks that can be arranged in pods. 

- When spaces are comfortable with small numbers, use [soft seating couches](https://catalog.artcobell.com/products/sofa), [benches](https://catalog.artcobell.com/products/rectangle-bench), or [ottomans](https://catalog.artcobell.com/products/ottoman-38-square). This gives students the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, feel relaxed, and give them the chance to express their ideas and be heard.

## Using Classroom Furniture to Promote Student Belonging

If you'd like more information on how to create a successful student-centered ecosystem that helps promote student belonging, let us know! At Artcobell, our[ furniture experts](https://www.artcobell.com/dealer-locator-how-to-buy) are passionate about helping students succeed by equipping schools with the tools they need. From help designing classroom layouts to tips for making a school furniture purchase, we're your partner for creating student-centered learning environments that work!

 

[View full post](https://www.artcobell.com/en-us/blog/promote-student-belonging)

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