Congratulations! You just landed your first teaching job with your own classroom! Who knows what you could be walking into. Or perhaps congratulations on making a move to a new classroom, subject, or grade, and beginning a new adventure! I remember my first day walking into a room full of desks and chairs piled into the center of the room, empty walls, empty shelves, empty cupboards. I was like,” Great, now what?”.
Some may be lucky enough to walk in a room where a retiring teacher left some goodies behind. Whatever you are walking into, know you got this, and you are about to design your dream classroom.
If you are anything like I was, you started buying decorations and things for your room as soon as you got hired. However, our work begins way before you hang up those posters and place the picture of your dog or family on the desk.
1 – Introduce Yourself and Befriend the Support Staff!
Absolutely over time, you will make friends, find your support, and create a work family. However, on your first day, introduce yourself to the custodian(s) and secretary/secretaries! These people are indeed a resource for any teacher! Whether it is getting materials, fixing a broken cabinet door, connecting you to the person who has the answer to your question, these people will be your go-tos. Please get to know them; you’ll be glad you did.
2 – Visit Other Teachers’ Classrooms
Am I telling you to copy the teacher next door’s room? Absolutely not! Take a walk around and visit other classrooms and get a feel for the school community. How are other teachers setting up their rooms? Will there be a different or cool desk setup that you find interesting and would like to try? Notice how they have their classroom libraries available for students.
3 – Start Designing Your Physical Environment
If I can suggest anything, I would say two things: 1) Don’t be afraid to try new things and 2) Draw your arrangements first or find an online program that assists you with this endeavor. Scholastic’s Classroom Setup Tool and Classroom Architect are two different programs that virtually allow you to design a classroom. If you have a scratch paper drawing or a starting point, it will save you (or your spouse/friends) time and energy than moving and dragging heavy items to a new location every 5 seconds.
A few things to think about while designing your physical space:
Be strategic about teacher desk placement. Where you plan to put your desk depends on how you plan to use it. Some teachers utilize their desk as a “central command station,” some only utilize pre/post-school hours and planning, others may not even include and use a “teacher desk.” Whatever option is for you, consider the location and purpose of it.
Arrange desks purposefully. The physical layout should reflect your teaching style. If you’re planning on collaboration among students, perhaps consider arrangements like “pods” or “clusters” by organizing the desks around a table or each other. For frequent whole-group discussions, maybe a circle or U-shaped desk configuration. If you plan on an individualized self-paced curriculum, you might set up learning stations.
Consider transitions and traffic control. Many teachers may forget about this one. Don’t forget about how students will move about the classroom. Traffic control could be how they enter and exit the room and how they move around to gain materials, a transition between centers, or movement activities throughout the day. This tool will also be your first Classroom Management strategy! Having large open areas allow students to run and gather. However, unclear traffic patterns or spaces will create confusion. Make sure you have a clear idea to teach your expectations for your students to use and maneuver around the room appropriately and safely.
4 – Create Distinct Areas
Create distinct areas. Many teachers prefer to create different locations within the classroom. For example, a classroom might feature a quiet reading area, a library or reading area, a calming corner, a space for cooperative learning, learning stations or centers, and individual work areas.
Learning Stations/Centers. Consider how each center will operate. Will some need more space than others? What about voice levels? Think strategically about the placement of centers. For example, if you will assess or work with a group, make sure that area is not located near a loud cooperative team-building center.
Create a teaching station. This will be an area or designated space that will be your go-to location throughout the day. You want to arrange all of your teaching materials for that day (i.e., copies, pencils, paper, materials). The location may be your teacher’s desk, but more likely will be a different location. Having a space designated for this will limit clutter and won’t waste instructional time. Will students be allowed to access this area to gain materials, or will it be an area you will have access to pass out?
5 – Organize Your Classroom Library
Personally, the most stressful part for me of setting up my initial classroom was the library space. I wanted to make sure that I had enough materials and students could utilize the room appropriately. Don’t stress as I did; I’m still adding books and materials to this area. Just like a public or school library, yours should be organized in a logical manner of your choosing.
You could sort the books by genre, reading level, alphabetical order, or other identified criteria, organizing your books within labeled plastic bins, boxes, etc., with whatever sorting method teaches students how to use this space appropriately. Also, consider providing a little comfortable reading space to lounge with their books during silent reading time. This could mean you may need a bit more space dedicated for a reading rug, beanbags, or appropriate other furniture if you choose. Perhaps you are limited on space and cannot offer a full library area. However, I would suggest still allocate some space for book storage and a classroom library. It just doesn’t have to be fully furnished and paired with another appropriate area or center.
6 – Classroom Technology
When you have a moment during the setup, figure out your classroom technology. Be prepared for the possibility that your classroom may not have any technology. If you’re lucky to have it, make sure, everything works. If something doesn’t work, submit a work order to get it fixed ASAP. Turn on your computer(s) and make sure things are updated and connected (i.e., projector, SmartBoard, Doc Camera, etc.). Spend time getting comfortable with your technology, and don’t be afraid to ask others for assistance.
I spent the first few years afraid to use anything, but once I did, I looked like a fool trying to fumble around with the cords and wasting instructional time. However, my students at the time thought it was hilarious! Technology can be a great friend and resource that will take that lesson plan to the next level. Don’t be afraid of it like I was; make sure it works before the students walk in on day one.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Changes (At Any Time)
Once the school year gets underway, you may find that certain areas or aspects of the classroom don’t work the way you thought or envisioned. Don’t worry and don’t stress! Once you have students utilize the space, the setup of your classroom is bound to change. If you see the need to change something a week/month/quarter in, go ahead and do it. I still constantly adjust my space and classroom setup to attempt to make it more efficient.
It goes without saying that some teachers may have varying spaces to work with. It may be more challenging to work on traffic patterns and open areas within an ample classroom space. On the other end of the spectrum, if a teacher is working with a smaller space, it could be difficult to fit everything in and create appropriate centers, student work areas, etc. It is all about being creative, go with your gut, and don’t be afraid to take chances and make changes along the way.
I hope you have a wonderful upcoming school year! Be brave, be strong, be you! What are some things you are nervous about setting up within your classroom? Let us know below in the comments. Know you got this, and your students are going to have a blast this school year.
Written by – Christopher Olson
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