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Tips for Successfully Setting Up Your Classroom

It’s that time of the year again: Back to School! Insert frantic nightmares about school, numerous back to school ads, and dollar sections calling your name that are filled with all the cute classroom things. This time of the year is like Christmas for teachers. Most have been dreaming, and probably loosely planning and prepping in their minds, about how we will set up our classrooms. It can be exhilarating and overwhelming all at the same time. You ask yourself countless questions- Will there be a theme? What million ideas from Pinterest can I actually use? Will this be the year I finally implement flexible seating? What is best for my students? There are so many thoughts that pop up!! I hope that after reading this post you can walk away with some great ideas to get you started and feel less overwhelmed and ready to dig in!

Setting Up Your Classroom for Back to School Blog Post

Start with A Purpose

Of course we dream about how we would like to set up our super colorful classroom with all the cute decorations from Lakeshore and/or Target. However, we must remember who this classroom is for. Is it for our friends on Instagram or Pinterest so we can post all the perfect pictures of how fun, clean, and adorable our room is? Most teachers would answer no. The classroom is for our students. So if the classroom is for our students, isn’t that what should be at the forefront when we begin to plan setting up our classroom? I have some secrets to a smooth sailing classroom that you can check out here to help really put your kiddos first in your plan. 

 Reflecting on past classrooms over the years, I’ve accumulated numerous things I no longer use and themes I’ll most likely never decorate with again. I would think, “theme first, then set up”. It wasn’t until I made the shift to making my room student centered and putting students at the forefront when planning to organize my classroom. Of course Pinterest and Instagram are WONDERFUL resources to find amazing ideas, but it can also be very overwhelming. So before you scroll, think about things that are ESSENTIAL to your classroom being a welcoming, interactive, and successful environment for your students. If you haven’t seen my ​Classroom Set Up Checklist​, I would highly recommend starting there. It covers everything you could possibly need when planning out your classroom set up.

Back to School Classroom Setup Checklist FREEBIE

Classroom Setup Checklist FREEBIE

The Essentials

Here are some things I feel are the essentials when planning your classroom set up: 

  • Seating Arrangement​– Where will your students sit? Will you have flexible seating? From your students’ perspective, what do you think would create the most comfortable setting? Creating a visual aid, such as a map or diagram, is something I love to do to determine where everything will be and how our seats/centers will be arranged.

setting up your classroom at the beginning of the year

● Student Organization​- This is definitely where I spend most of my time thinking. Where will student materials be (pencils, crayons, scissors, etc.)? Where will they turn in papers? How will they get new pencils if needed? Where will broken ones go? Will students have a desk where their personal materials are stored or will you have flexible seating? Where will students store lunch boxes, backpacks, and coats? When planning I like to think about it not only from the student lens, but also by what makes sense in the flow and traffic of the classroom. For example: I’m not going to put a lunch tub all the way across from where students hang their backpacks. That would waste time and create unneeded disruptions.

classroom organization and storage classroom storage ideas ditching the desks in primary grades organizing materials in elementary classrooms

  • Technology​– Will you have technology in your classroom? What type of technology will you have? iPads? Chromebooks? Desktops? It’s important to think about where these items will be stored and how students will access them. For example: if you have desktops, think about where they will be placed, because it’s guaranteed that they will be a distraction to other students. 

These few “essentials” and more, including rules, routines, and procedures, are all covered in depth in my ​Back to School Teacher Guide​. This guide is a great resource for new and veteran teachers as it takes you through everything that needs to be thoroughly planned in order to have a smoothly running classroom. Over the years, I’ve adjusted, gained feedback and have had principals tell me that my classroom runs like a well oiled machine. The community in my classroom is something I’m proud of and encourage in every class of students I have. I wanted to share my strategies with everyone and so I created the guide to explain how I facilitate this environment. If you’d like a more interactive approach, I also have a course to help you build your very own Student Centered Classroom you can check out HERE!

Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide

Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide

tips for successfully setting up your classroom

Ditching the Desk

Another important component of the classroom is of course your teacher area and materials. I am the first to say that I am guilty of having a HUGE mess behind my table. Life happens. Papers pile and things get thrown to the side to be “filed”. Yeah, you know it happens. But of course it’s our intention to try and not have that happen. One way I lessened the crazy pile stashes was eliminating my teacher desk. After a while it became just an extra thing taking up space which in turn, was another place for me to “store”, aka throw a bunch of papers on there that might not be dealt with until the end of the year.

I made a shift to not having a teacher desk and instead used my guided reading table as my personal material space. With a smaller space, organization is key. Below you’ll find pictures of a few of the ways I’ve stored things in the past. I love using the ​Rainbow Cart​ from Michael’s. You can almost always find it on sale or usually find a coupon too! Don’t forget to also use your teacher discount as well! ​Sterlite Drawers​ to store materials for myself and students are another great option for organization. 

When setting this smaller personal material area up, think about things that need to be stored and try to think through things that will eventually pile up. Some examples include: student notes, notes from home, PD materials, guided reading/math materials, books, papers to be filed/graded. Think about what’s going to be functional and easy to manage and upkeep. Just like with anything else, see what works and what doesn’t. Maybe something that works one year won’t work the next. It’s all trial and error.

guided reading and math groups rainbow cart for organization in primary classrooms small group organization

Be Prepared

Preparedness is the key to making sure things go according to plan. As educators we obviously have to be super flexible, but at the same time being over prepared can help lessen the stress that comes with down time or simply plans that change. I talk all about the benefits of OVER planning in THIS blog post and I encourage you to check it out! It’ll help you get the first few weeks of school planned and ready to go. Need a resource to help get those plans up and running? I’ve created an entire FIRST WEEK KIT for you to simply print, go and enjoy with your students! Maybe the first few weeks is a breeze for you, but setting up centers gives you the most anxiety? Head over to my post about how-to make your classroom centers organization an easier task! 

editable first week of school lesson plans and activities

First Week Kit

And of course I have to give you a freebie! Get yourself set and ready to set up your classroom and think through ALL the plans with my back to school teaching timeline. Grab yours below!

beginning of the year teaching timeline checklist freebie

Love this FREE resource?

Sign up now and get exclusive access to this freebie and many more in the continuously growing freebie library!

I hope that you walk away after reading this with some great ideas to get you started planning out your classroom set up. Remember that having a super beautiful classroom with the best décor you can find doesn’t make you a great teacher. The love and thought you put into it with your students in mind is what makes your classroom stand out. Taking time to plan out how to have a functional classroom that meets the needs of your students is what’s important. If you plan for your students, I promise you will have a warm, welcoming, successful classroom that your students will love to come to everyday.

 If you subscribe to my email list, you will get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me​ @sweetnsauerfirsties​ on Instagram.

To follow me on TPT and get all the latest updates on HALF OFF new products, click HERE!

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A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

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Hello Anger is by @jessicasinarski and discusses how to deal with that overwhelming feeling of anger. 😡 

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Which type are you?! I’m like a good mix of bo Which type are you?! 

I’m like a good mix of both! 🤣 Let us know which one you are below! ⬇️

Learn 5 easy end of the year organization tips too!
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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! This week I It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 

This week I have an EXCLUSIVE End of the Year Organizational Checklist FREEBIE! 🎉

This checklist can help you pack up your classroom whether you are getting stuff stored, moving classrooms, or even... moving schools! 😬

There’s also a blank version for you to add your own to-do items! Grab yours now! 📦 
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How adorable is this end of the year treat from @s How adorable is this end of the year treat from @sunshineandrainbowsinteaching?! 

Check out her page to learn how to make these delicious snacks! 😋 
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If this ain’t the truth! 😂 What’s your go If this ain’t the truth! 😂

What’s your go to candy? Mine is Reese’s for sure!

Image credit @adventuresinkinder 
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One of my favorite books to end the year together. One of my favorite books to end the year together. *Warning* I cry reading it EVERY year! 😭

When is your last day?

Check out my end of the year blog post for more fun ways to end the school year together! 🥳
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Now what if you’re a teacher AND a parent? 😵‍💫
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Still looking for an end of the year gift for your Still looking for an end of the year gift for your students?

Writing notes to students is one of my favorite gifts for them. 

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2. You can ALWAYS find great dollar book deals from @scholasticbookclubs 

3. It’s a great memory for them to look back on year after year. 

Learn more fun ways to end the year with students now! 🥳
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Have you ever let your students help you clean up Have you ever let your students help you clean up the room at the end of the year?

When we begin to take down the things on the walls, one of the things to go is our word/sound wall. 

Well who says this can’t turn into a game? When you take down all the important words from the year together, put them in a circle and have a word/sound hunt for them. 

The kids LOVE it and are so engaged. Bonus… an area of your room is cleared too!! 😉

Learn more easy end of the year pack up tips now!
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Have you seen this brand new book?! Hello Anger is by @jessicasinarski and discusses how to deal with that overwhelming feeling of anger. 😡 This amazing book helps children understand how to better control their anger and learn strategies to manage it. You can W*I*N your own copy now! Entering is easy!1️⃣ Make sure you’re following me 2️⃣ Make sure you’re following @nationalcenterforyouthissues 3️⃣ Tag some friends who would love to win too!✨ BONUS: Share this to your stories and make sure to tag me! ✨I will choose 2 LUCKY WINNERS Sunday evening! ❤️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #growthmindset #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #socialemotionaldevelopment #socialemotionallearning #socialskills #childrensbooks #readaloud #nationalcenterforyouthissues ... See MoreSee Less

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Which type are you?! I’m like a good mix of both! 🤣 Let us know which one you are below! ⬇️Learn 5 easy end of the year organization tips too!{🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #classroomdecor #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherorganization #classroomorganization #teacherfun ... See MoreSee Less

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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! This week I have an EXCLUSIVE End of the Year Organizational Checklist FREEBIE! 🎉This checklist can help you pack up your classroom whether you are getting stuff stored, moving classrooms, or even... moving schools! 😬There’s also a blank version for you to add your own to-do items! Grab yours now! 📦 {🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherbloggers #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #classroomorganization #teacherorganization #teacherblogger ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Are you getting ready to go back to school with some classroom planning? Check out my ultimate back to school guide for teachers in this blog post. I will give you everything you need to succeed for the beginning of the school year with these teaching resources. See how I set up my classroom, how I incorporate social emotional learning, how to create structure and expectation for students and much more. You also won’t want to miss my back to school freebie - a classroom setup checklist.
  • Are you working on putting together your classroom library? This blog post will give you some classroom tips and tricks for classroom library organization. You will want to start by book leveling to have an organized system for students to access books. After books are leveled, I love to organize books by genre in my elementary classroom. I even link to the editable classroom library labels I use. These classroom organization tips will help you see reading growth with your elementary students.
  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente
  • Back to school is right around the corner! As a busy teacher, you are probably feeling overwhelmed with your long back to school to-do list! Today, I am sharing how you can crush the first week of school. I am sharing back to school activities for building a strong classroom community including getting to know you activities. I also also a back to school survival guide and back to school read alouds. Find first week lesson plans and more!
  • Are you struggling with your classroom seating arrangement for your elementary classroom? Check out my ultimate flexible seating guide that you can use to make your back to school planning easy. Learn all of the benefits of flexible seating and how it can enhance student engagement and learning in the classroom. I include a list of other classroom seating ideas like wobble stools and scoop rockers. I also talk about flexible seating expectations and how to use a flexible seating choice board.
  • Are you getting ready to go back to school with some classroom planning? Check out my ultimate back to school guide for teachers in this blog post. I will give you everything you need to succeed for the beginning of the school year with these teaching resources. See how I set up my classroom, how I incorporate social emotional learning, how to create structure and expectation for students and much more. You also won’t want to miss my back to school freebie - a classroom setup checklist.
  • Are you working on putting together your classroom library? This blog post will give you some classroom tips and tricks for classroom library organization. You will want to start by book leveling to have an organized system for students to access books. After books are leveled, I love to organize books by genre in my elementary classroom. I even link to the editable classroom library labels I use. These classroom organization tips will help you see reading growth with your elementary students.
  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente
  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente

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