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Starting your very first year as a teacher can be an overwhelming time. Setting up your classroom is just one part of starting your career as an educator, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable. Here are some tips to set up your first classroom so its in top shape before your first class of students arrives.
Step 1: Clean your classroom.
It’s best to get the dirty work out of the way first so then you can get down to the business of organizing and decorating! Wipe off all surfaces and furniture. Dust and vacuum, removing anything you won’t use.
Step 2: Organize what you have.
Chances are you’ve been collecting things for your classroom since you decided you wanted to be a teacher. Organize similar items into boxes or areas of your classroom so everything is together. The teacher who had your classroom last year likely left behind a wealth of things to organize as well. Getting everything in organized areas and piles will make it easier to find space for everything and put things away quickly and neatly.
Step 3: Put things away.
Designate a spot for all your things. Put all your teacher books in one area, for example, so you know where to look when you need one. Set aside space for all your math materials so they are separate from your reading and science materials. This way you can easily get out what you need for each lesson.
Step 4: Create a layout.
Set up the furniture in your classroom for maximum efficiency. Place your teacher’s desk where the students will be able to see you while they work in their seats. This will prevent potential behavior problems. Decide if you want your students’ desks in rows or groups and set them up, leaving plenty of space for you to walk around while they work. Include tables for small groups and bookshelves for all your reading material.
Step 5: Create space for student materials.
Use plastic bins and baskets to organize the things your students will use regularly. For example, separate pattern blocks, plastic coins, and counting tools into plastic cups so you can easily pass them out to students when it’s time to use them. Also, use baskets for any games or hands-on tools you plan to use. Set up your classroom with particular spaces for things like rulers, extra pencils, and paper so your students can easily find and get what they need.
Step 6: Designate books and supplies.
Write student names in books and label anything they will need to keep in their desk. Place these items in or on top of your students’ desks so they can put everything away at Back-to-School Night or on the first day of school. Place name tags on desks as well.
Step 7: Set up your work area.
Organize your pens, pencils, stapler, tape, and all the necessary supplies you need to do your job. Place your important papers, such as the school calendar and class list, in your teacher planner so you can reference it when you make your lesson plans. Use a small shelf or bookends to set up your teacher manuals all in one place. Add some fun teacher-themed accents and family photos to your desk.
Step 8: Decorate your classroom!
This might be the most fun part of setting up your classroom! Decide on a classroom theme and start hanging up bulletin boards and adding accents. Use fun fonts to add words to your bulletin boards and include posters with inspirational messages to your students.
Setting up your first classroom is a big job, but if you take time to get everything well-organized and planned out, your first few days of school, as well as your entire school year, will go more smoothly.
