Inside: Helpful tips on effectively setting up a classroom and creating a welcoming environment for students, without getting overwhelmed by all the back to school madness.
I felt the panic rise in my chest and my throat tighten. School was starting the next week and my classroom looked like a tornado came through it. Stacks of books threatening to topple over graced the floor and desks. Various school supplies were scattered like confetti. Pieces of furniture were all arranged in a mish-mosh- abandoned when I got distracted from setting them up. Posters, bulletin board paper, manipulatives, and other various items were strewn about.
It looked like a crime scene.
And I was the “criminal” that caused it.
I sank into one of the tiny student chairs and put my hands over my face. How… HOW was I ever going to be ready for the first day?
The first day of school is a hectic time for teachers. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, from curriculum planning to setting up a classroom. It’s easy to get lost in the details and forget why you’re doing all this work in the first place: for your students.
With some careful planning and focus on your student’s needs, you can set up your classroom in a way that will ensure success for the whole year. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Table of Contents
1- From Overwhelmed to Organized: The Benefits of Making a Classroom Setup List
Let’s start at the beginning. While setting up a classroom can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming. You need to take control of the situation right from the start. The best way to do this? Write a list.
I know- you’re either the kind of person who already keeps lists… or the kind of person who doesn’t want to be bothered. But there’s something magical about writing everything down in one place- and something even more magical about crossing tasks off as you complete them.
I think about it this way- before writing a list I have all these thoughts swirling around in my head. In addition to trying to get everything done, I’m also trying to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. Putting those thoughts on paper is cathartic- once it’s on paper I don’t need to have them swirling around in my head anymore. Now my mind is clear to tackle the tasks and get. stuff. done.
Think about all of the tasks you need to get done and write them allllll down. I like to use Google Keep because I can access it from my iPhone or my computer and it’s easy to move tasks around so I can group them and order them in ways that make sense.
Tasks to include might be setting up shelves or bulletin boards, gathering needed supplies, setting up seating arrangements, adding decorations like welcome signs or motivational quotes, creating a library area for books, having paper products on hand for daily use, setting up the computer and other technology devices, organizing storage bins and containers for art supplies, etc.
2- Sort Your List like a Boss: Prioritize like a Pro
Once you have your list ready it’s time to turn it into a plan. First, you’ll want to break the tasks into groups based on importance, prioritizing the stuff that must be done. (I don’t know about you but I always seem to get sucked into spending time on things that don’t matter like organizing my construction paper by ROYGBIV color order). 😬
The beginning of the year is a crazy time as is, and the last thing we need to do is waste any time doing tasks that don’t move the needle.
And as much as we want our spaces to feel personalized to our styles, it’s important not to lose sight of setting up a classroom conducive to learning that is focused on our students.
3- Maximizing Efficiency: Creating a Timeline for Classroom Setup
Now that you have your list of Must Dos and May Dos, it’s time to make a plan for actually getting everything done.
To make setting up a classroom a smooth process, it’s important to develop an organized timeline. Set realistic goals. Doing this will give you more direction and help organize your thinking so you don’t get swept up in overwhelm.
You’ll also want to consider any materials you need to find or gather. Nothing is worse than going to school mentally prepared to put up bulletin boards and realizing upon arrival that your roll of paper is nearly empty. 🫠 Be sure to list out what you need and check your inventory so you can address that before trying to set any plan into motion.
Oh, and one more thing- be sure to prioritize tasks like setting up furniture and decorating bulletin boards, and try to get these big jobs done in order of their importance. Start big picture before you get into the details.
Planning is essential for setting up a classroom on time and giving yourself the tools necessary to support student learning throughout the year.
4- Aesthetics vs. Efficiency: Find the Right Balance in your Classroom Setup
When setting up a classroom, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the aesthetics such as picking out color schemes and arranging decorations. While these visuals can be pleasing, it’s important to focus on organization and efficiency first.
And I say this from experience.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set up spaces that looked adorable but made ZERO organizational sense. I caused myself a lot of frustration throughout the year because I was holding onto how I wanted something to look instead of considering how it worked– or didn’t, in these situations.
Remember: setting up a classroom is about more than just making a pleasant space. Prioritize setting up the necessary systems that will help make the classroom run smoothly. You can add the cute stuff later.
5- The Cost of “Cute”: Set Reasonable Budget Expectations
So if you’ve spent any time scrolling Pinterest looking at classroom decor, I’m sure you’ve felt intimidated. Some of these rooms look like they’re from the pages of a magazine.
Some teachers throw their arms up and say Well that’s not realistic and move on with their lives. But if you’re anything like me, you might actually try to make your room Pinterest-worthy.
I cringe as I type this.
I can’t tell you the THOUSANDS of dollars I’ve spent on my classroom throughout the years, chasing after an aesthetic I never seemed to reach. And for what? It didn’t make my teaching any more effective.
Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t spend any time or effort on making your classroom look aesthetically pleasing. Let’s be real- you’re going to spend most of your day, every day in this space so it should bring you some joy to look at.
But, BUT… I beg you to set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
Not only will you save yourself from headaches later on, but you’ll also likely keep your sanity intact by setting boundaries for yourself and the amount of money you are willing to spend in setting up the perfect learning environment for your students.
Utilizing an allotted budget may also mean having to prioritize which elements of setting up a classroom truly need financial attention, versus which tasks could be done more cost-effectively.
This is one of those things that I would do differently if I could go back in time- so if there’s one thing you take away from this blog post, let it be the importance of setting a budget.
6- Furniture First, Decor Second
When you go back to your classroom to set up- the first thing you should do is set your furniture up. Do this before you open any boxes, put up any posters, or organize any books. Seriously. Get that furniture into place.
Having furniture in place first helps to create a mental frame for setting up the rest of the room. Knowing where desks, tables, and chairs are located can provide clarity when deciding how to arrange other elements such as bulletin boards and wall displays. If a classroom is set up with intention, it can help create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
Also, consider movement around the classroom. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to move around and look out for any high-traffic areas that could get “jammed” during the day. There are many distractions while setting up a classroom, but try your best to keep this top of mind.
Once it’s all in order you can move on to details like color schemes, bulletin boards, and wall decor.
7- Choose a Color Scheme that Works with What you Already Have
So let’s talk about color schemes. Fun! It’s helpful to have a few core colors in mind when purchasing materials and decorations for your room. It can make the room look more cohesive.
My biggest advice? Check out the colors you have in your room BEFORE you purchase anything. Look at the color of your walls, carpet/rug, and any furniture or carts. You may have your heart set on a blue, purple, sage scheme- but that bright red book cart and the rainbow colored rug isn’t going to work with that.
Unless you are planning to replace those items (and please, please, PLEASE don’t do that!) you have to work with the colors you have, not the colors you wish you had. Try your best to choose a color scheme that will work with the items you already have.
If you need some assistance looking for complimentary colors, check out Adobe Color Wheel.
8- Avoid Clutter and Chaos: Strategically Plan Bulletin Boards and Wall Decor
Now that your furniture is in place and you’ve selected some core colors to work with, it’s time to plan bulletin boards and wall decor.
First, make a list of all of the things you will want to hang up in your room, such as a Sound Wall, a calendar, a birthday chart, a spot to display student work throughout the year, and a spot to display anchor charts for each subject area. (Put a star next to anything that is essential so you can prioritize them and get them up onto the walls first).
If you’re not sure where to start- check out my Classroom Charts and Posters bundle. It includes a colorful Sound Wall, Alphabet Posters, Editable Hand Signal Signs, Birthday Chart, and Job Chart. These classroom posters are sure to brighten your classroom up and can be set up in a variety of different ways while setting up a classroom.
Then, think about how much space each display will require. Be intentional. Look at your furniture setup and decide where to place each display. You will want student references like a sound wall or anchor charts to be easy for students to see from the various spots they may be working. The spot to display student work should be easily accessible so you can switch out the work regularly without too much fuss.
Next, choose the bulletin board paper, borders, and accent pieces you will use. Make sure you have everything you need. If you need to buy more materials, make a list while you are in the classroom so you don’t forget anything.
Gather all of the materials you need to set up the walls. I love to have a stapler, stapler remover, and scissors ready to go. If you need any letters for board titles, get those ready before you start putting anything up. (Fire up your Cricut or hit the Ellison machine if you’re old school).
Planning will keep you on track and help you group tasks so you are more efficient.
9- Welcome them In: Make Your Door Inviting
When your students first arrive at school on the first day, the first thing they will be seeing of their new classroom is the door. Make it inviting! If you have the time and inclination, you can decorate it and add accents with your students’ names.
At the very least, have a sign to welcome them. Include your name and room number. This will be especially helpful when the kids leave the room to use the bathroom, visit the nurse, etc. They can look for your sign as a signal that they are in the right place.
You can make a sign for your door, find a cute one on Etsy- or save yourself time and money by grabbing this FREE classroom welcome sign I created. You can type your name and room number directly on it! Then just print it out and hang it up. (Laminating is recommended for durability).
Click the link to grab it!
10- Remember… This is all for the Kids
At the end of the day, make sure that the decisions you make when setting up a classroom are made with your students always in mind. Think about what they need. It’s too easy to get caught up in minute details that don’t really matter- and I say this from experience.
Your classroom- the reason why you are there- is for your kids. Keep that in your mind for perspective.
If you’d like to read more about how to welcome back students to a new school year and build connections right from the start, be sure to check out my blog post How to Welcome Back Students and Win their Hearts from the Start.
Get Organized and Take Charge of Your Classroom Setup
Setting up a classroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to waste time going in circles as you try to make sense of the wreckage of your classroom as I did for so, so, SO many years. 🤦♀️
By making a list, setting priorities, and creating a timeline or schedule, you can focus on what’s important – creating a space that is efficient and organized.
Don’t forget to grab your free classroom welcome sign!
