5 Steps for setting up a new classroom
As an educator, one thing we all know to be true is that you will likely change classrooms more than once in your teaching career, perhaps even change buildings! With this change comes the challenge of not only packing up your old room, but also starting fresh in a new space! Oftentimes teachers are left to set up their spaces on their own time during the summer, so I wanted to provide a few suggestions to teachers on how to make this process a bit less daunting and help you establish a space you enjoy.
Follow these 5 steps below to help get you set up in your new classroom so that you can start the year feeling organized and prepared!
Step 1: Set up student seating and other large furniture
The first thing you MUST do when you get in your new space is take time to set up the seating arrangement for your students. This is the largest amount of space used in a classroom so taking time to establish the desk set up first will help you create the “flow” for the rest of your classroom. While I have not created a blog post about setting up classroom furniture, I do recommend a few other resources for suggestions.
While you are setting up student desks, it is also important to establish where your teacher’s desk is going to be (if you are choosing to have one). Your desk will need to be positioned as out of the way as possible (so typically in a corner of the room) and near outlets and other audio/visual equipment, phone and printer needs. All while being able to keep a clear line-of-sight for all the students in your classroom.
*Pro-Tip- if setting up your teacher’s desk at the front of the room, please keep in mind that it is important to keep that area free of visual clutter because research shows that higher levels of visual clutter make it more difficult for students to focus.
Step 2: Establish Classroom “Zones”
Every classroom has several “zones” that help it function as a classroom. I’m talking about zones specifically for students and some that are specifically for teachers. You may also have subject/class specific zones such as stations, a class library or arts/crafts areas. It is crucial to be intentional about how you zone your room because zones and seating arrangement will determine the “flow” of your room.
We have all been in classrooms where it is nearly impossible to get to the pencil sharpener without tripping over several children, or, heaven forbid, someone has to plug in a laptop to the wall. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up the “zones” of your classroom.
Station specific Zones- make sure all the supplies you need for each specific station are located near that station. Use three-tier carts or storage drawers to make sure everything a student or teacher might need when at that station is accessible without having to move around the classroom!
Student zones (supplies, papers, etc.)- if you have a common area that houses extra student supplies, make sure that area is easily accessible when your room is filled with humans. I also recommend keeping all the supplies/materials students have access to in ONE location of your room. They should be able to walk over to one spot and take care of what they need. This may also be where you choose to have your “turn-in” area or where they would go if they were absent the previous day. The goal here is that every student knows where to go when they need something without having to disrupt you teaching or helping other students.
Teacher zones (desk, files, cabinets, curriculum and materials)- it is also a good idea to establish clear areas in the room that are “off-limits” to students. It is recommended these areas be near your teacher desk, but that is not always possible. In those cases, make sure these items are grouped together and clearly labeled for “Teacher use only”. This is a great place to store extra supplies/materials as well as your curriculum and professional development materials. I also recommend not using the “prime real estate” in your room to house these items.
Step 3: Unpack Boxes and Sort
Now that you have zoned your room…you may start unpacking your boxes! In this step I recommend using the flat surfaces in your room to begin sorting all of your items and putting “like things with like things”. For example, even though you might have pens you keep in your desk and some you keep for student supplies, begin by putting ALL the pens together in one space. The reason for doing this is it helps you take a quick visual inventory of what you have and what you don’t have. This will also help you realize that you don’t really need 12 staplers in one room and that somehow you only have one pair of scissors left.
If you have not already taken time to get rid of items that you no longer need or that are no longer working, this is the time to do it! You will be surprised how quickly you can declutter items when you can see all of the items in one location.
Step 4: Set up your Zones
Now the fun begins as you start to store the items in their correct zones! When setting up your zones, make sure that every item has a home and that you are not cramming items into a space. If you start to feel like you are cramming, then it is a sign you either need to purge some items, or you need to rethink where and how you are storing the items.
A great way to make sure every item has a home is to utilize organizing systems; bins, boxes, trays, etc. There is no need to go out and buy a bunch of new organizing supplies, take time to shop your own classroom for storage containers, or check with other teachers who are purging their own classroom. I guarantee there is something in your school that would be helpful for your needs. But, if you do have to go buy a specific bin or container, make sure to measure the space you intend to use so that you don’t get stuck spending money on things that don’t fit, which creates more clutter!
I also highly recommend taking the time to label your newly organized bins. When an area is used by more than one person, it can become disorganized quickly when people don’t know exactly where something needs to go. Labels are a great way to maintain the organization you have taken so much time to set up.
Step 5: Decorate
Once every zone is beautifully organized, now is the time for you to decorate your room. I know this is the step that teachers often want to do from the start, but it is important to first set up the flow of your room so that your decorating efforts can match your intended use of each space. Decorating really is the icing on the cake, so make sure to take the time to bake a good cake before you throw on the frosting!
Following these steps can help take the stress out of setting up a new space and hopefully allow you to find joy in your new classroom!
Happy Sprucing!
