Classroom Set-Up Must Haves
One of the best things about being a teacher is getting to set-up your classroom for the upcoming school year! (Especially your first year!) Sometimes getting a classroom ready can be an overwhelming task, what with bulletin boards, decor, student seating, storage, a library, and many curriculum subjects to think about.
In the early years of my teaching career, I thought that my room needed to be fully decorated and the walls full before "Meet the Teacher Night", but as I gained experience and grew wiser, I learned that less is more. So now the year begins with designated areas of learning instead of putting up posters that were pretty to the eye.
I start with a checklist each year before I enter my classroom. I know that need specific areas for learning and storage. These were called my "Must Haves".
Must Haves
Whole Group Meeting Area:
Every classroom needs a designated area to meet as a class. For me this is my large rug in the front and center of my classroom. The students know that this is where whole group meetings and lessons take place. A rug is useful and a great way for students to recognize the perimeter of where to sit. I also have a rocking chair for me to sit in while reading and speaking. It also serves as an "Authors Chair" so students can share their writing pieces.
Student Seating:
Personally I prefer tables for students, but most classrooms have desks. Desks work great, too! It's important to have students sit in group of 3 to 6. I find less than 3 gets boring and more than 6 is a party.
Classroom Library:
This is my favorite area! This areas need to attract students in and get them excited to dig into books! I love to make my library a comfy cozy place to sit and read. Books need to be organized in a way that is easy for students to find books and put them away correctly. I always grouped mine by genres and used the genre posters. You can also include baskets by author or topic. I don't put books into leveled baskets or mark with AR levels. I want students to choose books that are right for them depending on their purpose for reading.
Small Group Meeting Area:
A small group area is very important. I use a small rectangular or kidney table. Students can sit on chairs, exercise balls, or crates. There only needs to be 3 to 5 seats. I also have a small dry erase boards and my computer close by to hold focus lessons and practice materials for each group.
Technology Area:
Designate an area in the classroom for students to use computers or tablets. Make sure to post expectations and and charging equipment needs.
Subject Focus Areas:
Focus walls are an important aid in classroom instruction. I have reading, writing, and spelling focus walls in my classroom. This is where I post standards or strategies we are currently working on. Anchor charts, student work samples, and notebooks are also stored here. It is important to remember that the content on these walls is ever changing because what you are teaching changes weekly and monthly. Make sure to have the students take ownership of these walls by making it easy for them to add information or work samples themselves.
Classroom Management Station:
Every classroom needs a management station. This is where you have your lunch count, attendance, jobs, and outside the classroom passes. It is helpful to post this area close to your classroom door so that students can walk in and take care of their daily business first thing.
Teacher Workspace:
I am not a fan of a big teacher desk that takes up a lot of space. A small table with your computer, lesson plans, screen camera, supplies, and a few pictures is all you really need. Let's be honest, do teachers really spend much time during the day at their desk? No, we are all over the place! My desk was small and located behind my small group kidney table. It was easy for me to pull things up on my computer for my small groups to see. Now that almost everything is stored on our hard drives, the need for drawers of papers and shelves of books is no more.
A few extra ideas to consider:
- Learning goals and targets-Where will these be posted so that you and your students can refer to them easily?
- Student storage
- A class schedule posted
- A shelf of the teacher's "Golden Books"- The teacher picks their favorite books and puts them on display!
- A word wall for important words. You may have a word wall for high frequency words, as well as content area words.
- Book Club/ Literature Circle Storage
- Centers or Stations Board-I call this the "Work Choices" board.
- Center storage- This could be baskets, pocket charts, etc.
- Strategy board-This is where we post strategies to practice.
- Student Work Display- This can be on a hallway bulletin board or by hanging string from the ceiling and clothes pinning work to the line.
To use my checklist to plan your classroom set-up, click here! Happy planning teachers!
~Randi and Kelly