Classroom set up is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. You’re itching to get in your classroom to start setting up for the new school year, but you know that your stuff is packed or moved around.
So where do you even start?
Make a To-Do List
You actually should start your classroom set up before you even get to the classroom. If you’re anything like me, your brain has been thinking about all the ways to set your classroom up since last spring. So the first thing to do is make a giant to-do list. Get all the ideas out of your head and onto paper.
Organize the To-Do List
Organize that giant to do list into time categories. What needs to be completed by Meet the Teacher or Back to School Night? What needs to be completed by the First Day of School? This will help you prioritize what you need to be working on so you don’t get distracted.
Divide & Conquer
Think about how many days or hours you’re going to be setting up your classroom? Then decide what are your top 3 tasks for each of those days. For instance, day 1 tasks might be to move the furniture, set up desks, set up the teacher area. This gives you an attainable goal for each day but also leaves flexibility to do other things. All of this will depend on how much time you get to set up your classroom.
Gather Materials
One of the easiest things to do is lose the scissors or stapler while you’re setting up. Now I put all the materials I’ll need on this rolling cart and wheel it around the classroom as I need it. Even if I walk away, I know where to find the materials I need to keep working on projects!
Progress Over Perfection
Remember that it’s okay to not have your classroom 100% ready by the first day of school. Make sure it’s ready for students to walk in and you’re able to teach. The rest can be completed later.
Want to make sure you’re not forgetting to add anything to your to-do lists? Check out these Back to School checklists for upper elementary.
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