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Preparing Your Classroom for the First Weeks of School 

Did you read that title and feel a little bit of panic too? It can be SUPER overwhelming planning for the first few weeks of school. I promise you though, when this time is WELL spent, it makes your first weeks of school a breeze, and it also helps you lay a solid foundation for the ENTIRE year with students. My goal by the time you finish reading this, is that you have TONS of tools, helpful ideas, and of course less stress for your prep ahead. 

Preparing for the First Weeks of School

*This post includes affiliate links which means I get a small commission on each thing you purchase at no additional cost to you!*

Solid Plans Equals Success 

Having a solid plan in place will help alleviate A LOT of unnecessary stress. One thing that I’ve found that helps to combat that is to be OVER PREPARED. That’s right! That may sound like a contradiction, however I’ve found that by overplanning, I am less stressed and the students are always ready for ALL the things. 

Check out this exclusive Teaching Timeline Freebie. This helps you create your plan for back to school starting a month before school starts. I know that may sound like a lot but I promise if you start planning early, you’ll be ready for absolutely everything. With this timeline, I’ll help you plan through the weeks before school starts, setting up for meet the teacher night, and then the first six weeks of school. You’ll be ready to walk in the doors on day one with students and have everything ready to go. Grab your freebie below!

beginning of the year teaching timeline checklist freebie

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Classroom Setup that is Sustainable 

Part of preparing for the first weeks of school is planning out your classroom setup. It’s important to take time to think through your seating arrangement, flow, and the type of seating you will have. With this post HERE, we’ll talk through effective strategies for classroom setup together. Want to dive into flexible seating but not sure where to start? THIS post can help you prepare ALL the things for the first weeks of school with students!

One crucial component during the classroom setup phase is labeling. I don’t know about you, but it feels like as soon as that class list hits my hands I’m ready to label ALL the things. A few years back, I smarted up after realizing it was TOO much work to relabel everything year after year. Instead, now I simply assign students a number, I label numbers on cubbies, bins, hooks, etc, ONE TIME and it stays put every year. When new kids come in next year, they’ll too get assigned and it’s less work for me! It’s such a great time saver and a great way to help students organize. 

student supplies classroom organization

Student Bin Labels

Teaching Must Haves

Listed below you’ll find some of my favorite tools to help make the first weeks of school a BREEZE!

Back to School Procedure Checklists 

These editable checklists help you think through ALL the procedures that need to be taught at the beginning of the year so that ultimately, your classroom runs itself. That’s right! With THESE checklists and the guide mentioned below, you will have your classroom running like a well oiled machine that doesn’t even need you at the helm!

back to school procedure checklists

Back to School Procedure Checklists

Diverse Literature

I LOVE incorporating an array of literature in learning whenever I can. There are SO many amazing books out there to help teach all the important skills at the beginning of the year. Remember to let your characters reflect everyone in your classroom! Check out this jam packed list HERE!

Bins, bins, and more bins!

Getting yourself organized is just as important or if not more important than helping the students get organized. There are SO many great tools out there to help you arrange things in a way that works. Bins are one of my favorite tools and you can never go wrong with too many bins. Chances are if you have something that needs to be organized, a bin is a good place for it. Rainbow carts are another great tool for organizing your materials in a color coded system. I also love THESE Michael’s Scrapbook Bins for organizing materials for centers. Take a look at how I organize mine below and learn more about center organization HERE! 

centers storage and organization tips

Center Organization

Teacher Guides 

There are SO many great teacher supplies out there to support you, and no I’m not talking the stationary aisle, although we LOVE that shopping trip. I’m talking about some of my favorite guides to help support you during your first few weeks of school with students. THIS is my comprehensive list of guide/books to help set up important structures, build a strong classroom community, and most importantly, create a solid foundation for the entire year with students! 

The first is the Beginning of the Year Survival Guide. With this guide you will work through the ‘Big Three’, packed with thought provoking questions to make a back to school plan for the first six weeks of school. When we talk about the Big Three, we design your classroom setup, outline ideas for our classroom community, and of course deep dive into the classroom management piece. Grab this newly published book HERE! Or if you prefer a more interactive version, check out the Building a Student Centered Classroom course found HERE!

Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide

Beginning of the Year Survival Guide

The First Six Weeks of School is another MUST HAVE! I go back and review strategies from this book every year to make sure I have everything ready and set for the first six weeks. While it helps you plan out those crucial first weeks of school, it also helps build a solid foundation for the entire year with students. Grab it HERE!

When it comes to thinking about the community you want to build in your classroom, there are two books I absolutely love. The Morning Meeting Book and 80 Morning Meeting Ideas are both great reads that help with important community building structures and the ideas include awesome back to school topics and activities to break the ice, have some fun, and start building that strong community from day one! 

Classroom Management Hacks 

Another big piece of preparing your classroom for the first weeks of school is to spend A LOT of time planning for rules, routines, and procedures. One of the most helpful hacks I’ve learned when teaching expectations is to teach students exactly what it looks like and sounds like for EVERY procedure. This lets them know precisely what is expected and don’t be afraid to hold your students to a high standard. When you practice, you make sure that EVERY SINGLE STUDENT is following the expectation. That way your year is a BREEZE with students because they know EXACTLY what it looks and sounds like when they are totally on point. 

procedures anchor chart

editable classroom procedure posters

Editable Classroom Procedures Posters

Spending time creating rules WITH students, teaching ALL those routines and procedures, and of course setting high expectations for EVERY student to follow, is a recipe for success. Below you’ll find slides to help students learn about those procedures and of course practice, practice, practice! Creating anchor charts with student images is another great tool that helps students see exactly what they should be doing and motivates them to continue working hard to meet those expectations! 

The First Week of School

All this preparation leads up to one of the most stressful and overwhelming times of the year- the first week of school. This week is another time where I tend to over plan so that there is NEVER down time and students are focused on learning about ALL the things that will make our classroom into what it will be. We spend time getting to know each other, building our community, team building, learning about all the important routines and procedures, and of course how we have fun together. 

Don’t worry though, I’ve done all the hard work for you so that again, YOU are less stressed starting out those first few weeks with students. With the First Week MEGA Bundle, you will have EVERYTHING you need planned out for you so that you can have fun and get to know your students without the stress and anxiety. We’re talking jam packed lesson plans, engaging activities, and procedures to teach all in one convenient bundle for you to grab, print, and go. Check it out HERE!

editable first week of school lesson plans and activities back to school activity kit and lesson plans

First Week of School Kit

I really hope you enjoyed learning about how to alleviate some of that back to school stress during those first few weeks of school! Dash over to my store and grab the First Week Kit to help support ALL your needs. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including Back to School Teaching Timeline FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how to videos! 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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Have you seen this brand new book?! Hello Anger 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! ❤️
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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. 

1. It ensures they have something to read over the summer.

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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How adorable is this end of the year treat from @sunshineandrainbowsinteaching?! Check out her page to learn how to make these delicious snacks! 😋 •••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #lastdaysofschool #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #lastdayofschool #studentgifts #ilovemystudents ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Are you looking for some classroom organization ideas that you can use for the end of the school year? Check out these 5 easy time saving tips for teachers on how to organize your classroom. Read everything from my ideas for teacher decluttering, how to have students help you organize your classroom, and use my end of the year checklist to help you remember what to bring home for the summer. These organizing tips will help with packing up your classroom so you can leave for summer and relax.
  • 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 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.

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