7 Tips for Setting up Your Classroom

Hey primary teachers, are you struggling with setting up your classroom for an effective school year?  

I’m here to answer all your questions about one of my personal favorite things to do…setting up your classroom.

Wave goodbye to the struggle because today I’m going to teach you:

• How to set up your classroom
• Where to place key materials
• How to make it look  amazing

If you already have your classroom set up, but it is looking pretty messy, you may want to read this post.

Setting up your classroom

This is going to be fun! Starting with that mindset is half the battle.

Tip #1 First, arrange the desks for cooperative learning.

The student desks take up the bulk of the space in the room, so it makes sense to start there. You can set them up in small groups or partners. I have also set up my classroom in an open U shape. This allows for great whole group discussions. Just play around with it and see what works best for your teaching style and the size and shape of your classroom.

Tip #2 Next, arrange any other available tables and create an open floor area.

Even though I do not do flexible seating, I love having spaces for my students to get out of their desks and move about the room during centers, storytime, etc. If you have a nice big rug for your classroom, I would put that in your open floor area. My favorite classroom rug that I ever had was from Lakeshore. I loved the big squares for giving each student their own personal space on the rug. If you don’t have a big rug, sit spots can be a great alternative to have a way to orient the children on the floor. These Velcro dots attach to the carpet and tell kids exactly where they need to be.

Tip #3 Create a beautiful classroom library.

This is an amazing space that students love to visit. I like to place another smaller rug here. If you don’t have a small rug, you can usually find affordable basic rugs in the college/dorm section at any major retailer during back to school season. I like to display new books each month reflecting different themes or seasons. The students are so drawn in when they see fresh books come out, rather than having all the books available all the time.

Tip #4 Store your items in a smart way.

You will be getting into your classroom cabinets every day of the year. Why not think carefully about where items should go, rather than aimlessly loading the cabinets up?

First and foremost, place items that you use most frequently at eye level. This will save time and your back! I usual dedicate a cabinet for math supplies, one for reading materials, arts and crafts, and so on.

Use lower cabinets for the materials you want children to access. I keep indoor recess games, puzzles, and other toys down here.

I like to place math materials such as cubes and counters in open baskets along counters or on the top of bookshelves. This makes them easy for students to access. To make life even easier, you can store them in individual containers, so you merely have to walk up and grab one!

Tip #5 Create a calm down corner.

This is something that I didn’t implement until later in my career, and I was so glad I did! Sometimes students need a break. Think about how relieved you feel when prep time comes, and you finally get a moment of peace! Kids need and deserve that too. My calm down corner was a bean bag at the far edge of the classroom. I had some fidget toys and sensory dough, as well as a timer, so they didn’t stay too long. If you haven’t incorporated one before, I think you’ll love it, and so will your students.

Tip #6 Make your classroom beautiful and functional!

You and your students will be spending a lot of time in this room, so please think carefully about the function of your room first and foremost. Don’t forget to designate spots to turn in homework, notes from a parent, a spot to grab writing and drawing paper, and oh yes that pesky pencil sharpener!

After it is functional, now the real fun begins! You can make it your own, and turn it into your home away from home. Add those faux succulents, modern rainbows, or whatever makes your heart smile.

However, always remember that some students have sensory issues and overdoing it can have a negative impact on them. Allow some blank spaces that give the eye a place to rest.

Finish setting up your classroom

Tip #7 Let your students personalize the room too.

Create a space to have their work on display, and post their names around the room. It might be on a class job board, a birthday wall, or even on classroom cubbies. All of these touches help build a feeling of community in your classroom.

Now that you know how to create a perfect set-up for your room, you are ready to begin!  Have fun with it!

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