Looking for the best elementary classroom setup ideas to get your classroom ready for the new school year? Read on to find out exactly what you need to consider to help you create the best elementary classroom setup!
Setting up your classroom can be one of the most exciting times of the year. If you’re anything like me, you probably have loads of photos and videos saved on your phone as classroom inspiration! But knowing how to achieve that look and create the best elementary classroom setup can be overwhelming.
In this post, you are going to learn all about the most important things you need to consider when setting up your classroom.
This post is all about the best tips for your elementary classroom setup.
Best Elementary Classroom Setup:
1. Clean
So, I know that when it comes to getting your elementary classroom set up, you are wanting to jump ahead to getting your bulletin boards up and choosing your classroom theme right?! And cleaning your classroom and decluttering your resources isn’t the most fun or glamorous task but trust me, you will regret it if you don’t spend the time getting things sorted now.
First, take the time to clean down the desks and other things that may have taken a battering during the current school year. You don’t want your ideal classroom setup being spoiled by dirty tables and chairs! Be sure to give cushion covers and other soft furnishings a wash, as well as taking down displays and decor that are looking worse for wear. Once you have a clean slate, you will be able to visualize your elementary classroom design ideas so much easier!
2. Declutter
If you have been teaching for a few years, take the time to go through your classroom decor bins to see what you already have. You may be able to reuse something you already have or at least get a really clear idea of what you need to make or buy. If you are moving classrooms, you may also find you inherit lots of stuff belonging to the previous teacher. If you’re lucky, you may find some super useful resources but more likely than not, you’ll just end up with piles of junk! Take the time to get rid of everything you don’t need so you have room for all of your stuff and so that you can find it easily.
Now that your room is looking squeaky clean and only contains things you will actually use, you’re ready to actually get on with setting up your classroom!
3. Elementary Classroom Layout
Deciding on the layout of your classroom can be super overwhelming as the best elementary classroom layout can depend on so many different factors. For example, it depends on the size and shape of your room, the needs of your students and your own preferences and teaching style. Having students sit in rows can help you manage student behaviors, while sitting in table groups can help encourage collaboration. A U-shape layout can help you get the best of both worlds.
It can also be helpful to split your classroom into zones. Depending on what age you teach, you may need carpet spaces, tables, small group work area, classroom library, a quiet area, a computer and technology lab and perhaps even some flexible seating.
If you are struggling to visualise how you can get the most out of your classroom, try using a free classroom layout maker, like Kaplan Floor Planner. You can input the dimensions of your classroom and play around with different layouts – saves a whole load of sweating from dragging desks around the room to find a layout you like!!
Make sure you also keep fire exits clear and clear walkways around the room so you can easily get about. It’s also a good idea to sit at all the different desks to make sure all students will be able to see the board when you are teaching.
4. Elementary Classroom Organization
Deciding on your elementary classroom organization systems before the kids enter the classroom at the start of the year will make a huge difference! It will help you teach students where things belong and allow you to keep on top of the clutter from the start. Here a few things you might want to consider when planning your elementary classroom setup…
- Keep things labelled! Whether it’s drawers or bins, adding a label helps students and other adults know where they can find things in your classroom. It also helps you hold students accountable when it comes to tidy up time if things don’t go in the right place!
- Keep things where you use them! Consider where you or your students will use different resources and try to keep them in sensible places. For example, consider keeping your math manipulatives near your group work table if that it where you will use them most.
- Keep it simple! A simple organization system is the one that is most likely to last.
5. Teacher Desk Set Up
Let’s face it, you are going to spending a lot of time at your teacher desk! So let’s make sure you get it in the right spot and that it’s as comfortable and useful as it can be. Make sure you will be able to clearly see your students when you are sat at your desk.
You are also going to want to make sure you have all of your supplies close at hand. Be sure to invest in some storage drawers, an in-tray, cute pots and anything else that is going to help you keep your desk clutter free!
Adding cute teacher desk decor is also essential! Hang a cute name banner on the front of your desk, add a desk plant and a couple of cute frames and you’re good to go! You may also find it useful to position your desk near a bulletin board which you can use as a noticeboard. This way, you can display key information that you and your students might need, such as lunch menus and clubs.
6. Classroom Library
Creating an inviting classroom library is such an important part of your elementary classroom setup. You want to create an area that students want to spend time in and will help them develop a love of reading.
First, make sure you have a bookcase, shelves or storage unit to store your books. You want students to be able to easily see the books so having them on display is best. You might also want to have some books that link to your theme out on display for students to look through. Organizing your books into bins or adding labels will help your students find books that are the right level for them.
Next, consider adding some bean bags, comfy chairs, cushions and a rug to create a cozy and comfortable reading nook. Having a reading theme display and posters can also help to create an inviting space.
7. Consider Classroom Lighting
Something that many teachers often overlook when setting up their classrooms is lighting. Most classrooms have harsh strip lighting which can sometimes be overstimulating for children. Why not try hanging fairy lights around bulletin boards or across the ceiling to create a beautiful display? You could also add small lamps around the room to create a more calming feel in your classroom.
Having multiple light sources around your classroom gives you options. You can turn on the fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere during your read aloud, for example.
8. Create a Calm Area
Let’s face it, elementary classrooms can be a noisy place! And all the noise and activity can be super overstimulating for some children. This is why including a calm corner or quiet area in your classroom is super important. It gives students a place to go if they are overstimulated or finding it difficult to manage their emotions, meaning they can self-regulate before rejoining the class.
A calm corner works well in a quiet area of your classroom, where there isn’t likely to be a lot of traffic. A reading corner often works well. Maybe add a desk with a sign and a box of self-regulation goodies for students to use as and when they need them. Comfy seats, fidget toys, stuffed animals and headphones are all great additions. A poster with calm down strategies on display is also a useful visual reminder for students.
An affirmation station near your calm corner also works really well. Having your students look in the mirror and repeat some positive affirmations after they have self-regulated helps remind them how great they are!
9. Classroom Decor Ideas
Now that your classroom is neat and tidy, you have the layout nailed and the break out areas are sorted, you can FINALLY get to the best bit…deciding on your elementary classroom decor!!
You may choose to have a theme in your classroom, such as ocean or safari, and this works really well for younger kids. If you are teaching older kids, your theme may be more subtle like bright rainbow or you might prefer a more boho neutral vibe.
Of course, you don’t have to decide a theme, but it does make a HUGE difference to the overall look and feel of your classroom. Your classroom will just look and feel so much more cohesive and calm if everything matches. Plus, if you’re going to be spending most of your time in your classroom, you want it to look as cute as possible, right?!
Here are some elementary classroom decor ideas that you will want to consider:
Bulletin Board Displays
Depending on how many display boards you have and what your school requires you to have up, you will need to think about what you choose to have up on display. Essential bulletin boards every elementary classroom needs would be math, english and spelling/phonics. You might want a handwriting display, social studies, science or other curriculum areas.
It’s also good to have bulletin boards that you won’t need to change regularly as this will save you lots of time throughout the year. A birthday display is a great one to have up, as well as an affirmation station. Once you put those up, you won’t need to touch them until the end of the year!
Classroom Posters
Classroom posters are another great way to add some personality to your classroom. Add some motivational and positive posters around your room to keep your kids inspired. Posters about the power of reading make a great addition to your reading corner too.
Seasonal classroom posters are a great way to decorate for each season without going to the effort of creating a full seasonal bulletin board. With no cutting required, they are super easy to print and stick up around your room to decorate for the holidays.
Door Decor
Adding a cute display to your classroom door is another fun way you can set up your classroom ready for the kids. Either change it out for each holiday or choose a design that will last the whole year. For children, seeing their name up as part of the door decor can really help with building a sense of classroom community. Plus, a door display looks so cute each morning when you come into your classroom!
Extra Classroom Decor
Adding those finishing touches to your classroom can make all the difference. Whether that’s a cute rug, bunting, comfy cushions or fairy lights, these extra bits of classroom decor can make your classroom feel like a home away from home.
If you are setting up for your first classroom, don’t feel like you need to spend a ton of your own money on this right now. You can grow your collection over many years of teaching. Plus thrift stores and facebook marketplace can be a treasure trove of great classroom decor!
This post was all about the essential things you need to do when thinking about your elementary classroom setup.
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