Here is some more information about classroom environment and guiding behavior:
Center time in the early childhood classroom: Basic set-up. February 2003. Accessed on March 15, 2013 from http://www.pbs.org/teachers/earlychildhood/articles/centertime.html
Learn more about both permanent and portable learning centers in this brief article. Classroom set-up, center themes and practical ways to keep center time flowing peacefully and effectively are discussed. Although the introduction references preschool and kindergarten classrooms, I believe that centers can be a valuable way in which children experience self-directed, hands-on learning in the lower primary grades as well.
Colbert, Judith. Classroom design and how it influences behavior. Accessed on March 15, 2013 from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=413.
This article discusses the ways in which a classroom environment affects the behavior of both teachers and students. Some of the key topics addressed include: the importance of a well-organized space, teacher involvement, classroom design and child development, classroom design and learning, and play units and behavior. The article ends by listing ten steps to more effective classroom design.
Gartrell, Dan. (2012). Education for a Civil Society: How guidance teaches young children democratic life skills. Washington, DC: NAEYC. ISBN: 978-928896-87-6.
This easy-to-read and informative text explores how teachers can use guidance to empower children as they grow in the five democratic life skills, as defined by Gartrell. The text stresses the importance of family-teacher partnerships, developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessement, and guidance in the classroom.
McCart, A., Turnbull, A. (2002). Behavioral concerns. Accessed on March 15, 2013 from http://www.pbs.org/teachers/earlychildhood/articles/concerns.html
This article provides an informative overview of the positive behavior support approach. The authors break down positive behavior support into four steps: establish universal support for all children, establish group support, establish individual support, and be proactive. The article ends with a list of resources for educators, but I encourage you to check them out as well.