How are materials organized within the classroom?

In my observations, the way a classroom is set up is just as important as the lessons themselves.  When a classroom is set up properly, the students are less stressed about what they need to do, and where they need to go.  Most classrooms I have visited, have some distinct similarities.

Each classroom has a reading corner.  This holds their classroom library books, and a comfortable place to sit and read during centers, or when they've finished their work.  There are plenty of books for everyone, and range in many different topics, to engage any student.  Every classroom has student cubbies, or desk cubbies, where all of their books, pencils, classwork, etc. belongs.  This helps the students know where to go to find something, and where it needs to go when they are finished working on it.  There is also a lunch count for the day, and each student knows that as soon as they enter the classroom, they select their lunch option for the day.  The students place their option in a box, so that the teacher can count it out and report it for the secretarial staff.  Each classroom also has a designated spot for homework.  The students know that when they come into class, they turn in their homework folders in the correct spot.  The teacher's materials are put in cabinets, so that they are easily accessible, but not distracting for the students.

Every teacher has a "theme" to their classroom.  Some classrooms are patriotic, some are under the sea, some are camp grounds, and some look like they are straight out of a Harry Potter book.  Even though these aren't organized materials, it's a great way to motivate students, and share in their interests.  It creates a fun environment and encourages creativity.  It also helps to establish groups of students into desk clumps, so each group can be called on and quietly accomplish a task 5-6 students at a time, instead of 25+ students all at once.