6 Useful Tips for Classroom Setup in the Elementary Classroom

6 Useful Tips for Setting Up Your Classroom

When you think about the new school year…what thoughts go through your mind? Is it wondering how to set up your elementary classroom?

Setting up an elementary classroom is more than just arranging desks and chairs. It’s about creating a space that encourages engagement, academic growth, and creativity. We will explore the essential steps to organize and decorate an upper elementary classroom. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get set up for success!

Planning for Success in Setting Up Your Classroom

Before actually setting up your classroom, take time to plan your classroom layout. Think about the goals you have for your students and how the physical design will impact those goals.

Consider the following…

Traffic flow: create a flow that allows students (and you) to easily move around the classroom. Avoid cluttered areas by keeping pathways clear.
Flexible spaces: incorporate flexible seating options, reading corners, and collaborative work areas. This will help with different learning styles and encourage teamwork.
Classroom zones: divide your classroom into functional zones, such as a reading nook, math corner, and tech station. Being organized will help the students know the purpose of the area and create independence.
Teacher workspace: don’t forget to create an area for yourself. Are you on the team desk or no desk?

Create a Blank Canvas for Your Classroom Setup

Before decorating, declutter and clean your classroom. Remove unnecessary items, old decorations, and outdated materials. The blank canvas will give you a fresh start for the new school year. It will also help make it easier to plan your classroom setup.

Wall Space in the Classroom

Walls are a crucial part of any elementary classroom. They will help set the tone of your room.

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by…

Color Scheme: Think about the color scheme you want to use in your classroom setup. I recommend neutral colors or calming colors. If you use a lot of bright colors or a lot of colors in general, it is distracting for the students. We want them to be able to focus.
Educational Posters: I change these throughout the year. I only put up what is necessary at the time we are discussing the materials. Everything else is just not needed.
Student Work Display: Some schools have restrictions on what you can display. For example, at my school we cannot display work that has a grade on it. I like to showcase work that took time and effort for the students to complete.
Classroom Expectations: Definitely display those expectations. If your school determines the expectations, make sure those are posted in the classroom. It’s also a great idea to have your students help you make posters with the expectations that you can display.

Organized and Accessible Supplies

A well-organized classroom makes it easier for students to access materials. It also helps you spend less time cleaning up.

Think about the following…

Supplies: As a fifth-grade teacher, I like to have the supplies organized and accessible for the students to use as needed. They do not need a lot in their desks (that just creates a mess), so I use the drawers we have in the classroom. If you do not have built-in cabinets/drawers, I suggest Sterilite drawers that will help keep supplies readily available.
Student Cubbies: Most elementary schools have some type of student cubbies or lockers. Have the students keep their backpacks, coats, etc. in this space. I use a book bin at the top to show which one is theirs. That’s another organizational bonus!
Classroom Library: My favorite space in the classroom! I take great pride in my classroom library and want it to stay organized all year. I use book bins and labels to help the students know where to find and return books. For more specifics, check out my blog post for more information about organizing the classroom library.
Teacher’s Storage: I need my space, too. Even though I don’t use a teacher’s desk, I have an area in the classroom that is dedicated as mine. I keep my weekly plans and files in storage for easy access.

Setting Up Your Classroom with Personal Touches

Don’t forget that you spend 7+ hours/day in your classroom! Incorporate personal elements that show your teaching style and personality.

Classroom Theme: Are you team theme or no theme? Either way, it’s up to you! I like to keep a color theme (black/white with pops of color). I’ve also had specific themes, too. Choose what works best for you and your personality.
Welcome Letter: Make sure to have a welcome letter for your students. This starts building those relationships and gives students something to read/look at on the first day.
Student Desk Tags: We all want to know where our space is going to be for the day. So do the students. Designate their desk space with a name tag. I like to keep mine simple with their name and classroom number. Some teachers like larger name tags with helpful tools. Either way, choose what works best for your students.
Classroom Mascot: Every classroom needs a mascot. Can you have a real pet? Maybe something like a fish? We can’t have any real animals in our school, so I used a stuffed animal. The students notice it right away and always want to know more about him. They get to take it home on the weekends and write about what they did. Yes, even fifth graders still like stuffed animals.

Safety & Accessibility in Your Classroom

As you set up your classroom, prioritize safety and accessibility.

Emergency Procedures: In case of emergency, do you have an easy way to exit or shelter in place? Think about these as you set up your classroom layout. Make sure to follow your school/district policies.
Accessibility: We have students with a lot of different needs. Keep these students in mind as you set up your classroom. I’ve had students with physical and mental accessibility needs. It’s important to think about them in addition to the rest of your class.
First Aid Kit: Hopefully your school provides this to you. Keep a first aid kit in your classroom to cut back on trips to the nurse’s office. We stock bandaids, cough drops, lost tooth containers, and more!

And there you have it! Your elementary classroom is now ready to ignite young minds and inspire future leaders. This classroom setup isn’t just about organizing stuff; it’s about creating a space that meets the needs of your students. You’ve got this!