I decided to schedule work time when they were ready to work, and rest time when they were ready to rest. After lunch, we have centers or instructional time. After snack, we have rest time. Jensen says everyone has natural attentional highs and lows throughout the day. Teachers should take advantage of these cycles rather than fight them.
Threats biologically impair a student's ability to learn.
Like threats, stress also biologically impairs a student's ability to learn. Knowing what to expect and establishing a routine helps reduce stress. The furniture was rearranged to provide more space, and to more comfortably seat students. I added a small table for my groaner, which made table time much easier for him. The new arrangement reduced stress by allowing students to have more personal space, and see the front of the room without having to turn their chairs around.