Creating a physical environment that is organized, welcoming, and well-suited to the needs of students and teachers can present a challenge to both beginning and experienced teachers. Based on the responsive classroom approach, this guide for educators of kindergarten through grade 6 is designed to help teachers set up physical spaces that are conducive to effective learning and teaching. Following an introduction, chapter 1 examines ways to make the classroom fit the range of physical sizes in the group, accommodate children with special needs, and support students' developmental needs. Chapter 2 presents strategies for developing and maintaining an orderly and predictable classroom, including furniture, storage space, clustered work areas, and a personal space for each student. Chapter 3 focuses on the design of the whole-group meeting area of the classroom. Chapter 4 examines how furniture, materials, and storage spaces can be set up for active learning. Chapter 5 presents ways classroom displays can be used as a teaching tool. Chapter 6 discusses how to create ambience in a classroom. Chapter 7 deals with avoiding health hazards in the classroom. The book concludes by suggesting that small, simple changes in classroom design can have dramatic effects and that it is important to have a flexible attitude about classroom design and to share ownership of classroom design changes with students. The book's five appendices include a suggested materials list for grades K-6, materials for the whole-group meeting area, art materials and projects suitable for children, recommended sources for classroom furniture and supplies, and a selected bibliography of materials on child development. (Contains 12 references.) (KB)