How to Set Up Your Classroom in 10 Steps

Below are 10 steps for how to set up your elementary classroom.

1. Analyze Your Space

The first step for how to set up your classroom is to analyze your existing classroom.

Gather Supplies

You will need a phone, tape measure, ruler (or something to draw straight lines), and piece of paper.

Take Pictures

Stand in the middle of your classroom and take a picture of each wall. Open up cabinets and closets and take a photo of each of those as well. Stand in each corner and take a photo of the room from that angle. These photos will help you plan your space while you are outside of the classroom.

Create a Diagram

Sketch out each of your walls as well as an area view as if you were looking down at your classroom from the sky. Include details such as bulletin boards, outlets, and computer hook-ups.

Measure and Record

Measure bulletin boards, space between boards, closets, and shelves. You’ll want to record all measurements related to anything that will play a role in your classroom design. Record these measurements onto your diagram.

Take Inventory of What You Have in Your Space

Make a list of all of the furniture in your classroom. This includes items such as desks, shelves, and easels. In addition, make a list of all of the district-issued items that you’re required to house (science kits, reading anthologies, etc).

2. Get Inspired

Great places to get inspiration from are Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. Definitely follow us on our Clutter-Free Classroom Instagram and join our Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook group. We share tons of tips and ideas for setting up your classroom. Mainly focus on the classroom layout at this stage. Decorating comes later.

3. Plan Out Your Space

The third step for how to set up your classroom is to plan out your space.

Break Your Classroom into Zones

It can be very overwhelming to tackle your whole classroom at once. Instead, break it down into zones. Below are some examples of classroom zones:

• Whole Group Meeting Area
• Small Group Instruction Area
• Classroom Library
• Cozy Reading Nooks
• Teacher’s Desk
• Student Seating
• Computers
• Writing Center
• Math Manipulatives
• Listening Centers
• Science Center
• Social Studies Center
• Arts and Crafts Supplies
• Mail and Communication Station
• Recess Materials
• Math Word Wall
• Lunch Orders
• Job Charts
• Behavior Boards and Charts
• Birthday Displays
• Student Work Displays

Update Your Classroom Diagram

The next step is to update the classroom diagram you created based on what your desired layout is. Be sure to include the location of all of the zones that you brainstormed in the last step.

Plan Out Each Zone

Take one zone at a time. Plan out each zone in great detail.

Choose a Classroom Theme or Color Scheme

Check out this list of 60+ classroom themes for elementary teachers. It includes a wide range of classrooms themes. Some examples are a mountain classroom theme, sunflower classroom theme, and green classroom color scheme.

4. Declutter Your Classroom

This step is one of the most important! Learn how to declutter your classroom and be sure to avoid these 20 mistakes teachers make when they declutter their classroom.

5. Clean Your Classroom

This classroom cleanup system is my favorite! It will guide you through cleaning up your classroom quickly and easily.

6. Move and Position Furniture

Move and position your classroom furniture based on the plans you put together.

7. Make a Shopping List

The next step is to make a shopping list. Identify everything that your classroom needs.

8. Go Shopping

Now that your classroom is sparkling clean, your furniture is set up, and you have a list of what you need, it’s time to go shopping! If you are sticking to a tight budget, consider shopping at your own house, reaching out to friends and family, and going to yard sales. Online yard sales and Facebook Marketplace are other great options. Other stores I love are Target, Walmart, local teacher shops, craft stores like Michaels, Dollar Tree and Amazon. One thing you’ll definitely want to download is a classroom theme or color scheme bundle. We offer 60+ classroom themes to choose from. Download one that best fits your style!

9. Set Up Your Classroom

Start with the essentials. You’ll need to prioritize your to do list because the first day of school sneaks up on you sometimes and you’ll want to make sure you have at least the basics before your students arrive. One of the things you will definitely want to have up there is a bulletin board background and bulletin board trim on all your bulletin boards. You don’t have to have anything on them by the first day, but it will help you create a nice, finished look.

10. Decorate Your Space

The last step is to decorate your classroom! These blog posts may be helpful:

• How to Decorate the Classroom of Your Dreams
• How to Create a Cohesive Learning Environment for Your Students
• Colorful Classroom Decor Ideas For Elementary Teachers

In closing, we hope you found these 10 steps for how to set up your classroom helpful!

The post How to Set Up Your Classroom in 10 Easy Steps – 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

I wanted to feature them on the blog today in case anyone was still looking for them. I love how the black matches so many classroom themes and color schemes. This means it can be used year after year even if you decide you want to change your classroom theme or color scheme. When consulting with teachers on classroom organization and classroom decor, I always recommend teachers buy black or white containers, caddies, etc. so they will not need to repurchase all of those items if they decide to do a classroom makeover in the future. Neutral colors are so versatile!

Read below to get tons of ideas about pocket charts and how to use them in your classroom!

What is a Pocket Chart?

A pocket chart is a tool elementary teachers use in many different ways for instruction and organization. They come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and styles. For example, some are designed for the purpose of holding calendar pieces and others are designed to hold schedule cards. They are often characterized by having clear pockets (although not always) and metal eyelets at the top for hanging purposes.

How to Hang a Pocket Chart

Below are 6 ways to hang a pocket chart.

1. Wire command hooks
2. Clear command hooks
3. Binder clips
4. Magnet clips
5. Scotch mounting tape
6. Pocket chart stand

8 Ways to Use Pocket Charts in Your Classroom

Below are 8 ways to use pocket charts in the classroom.

1. Calendar
2. Daily schedule
3. Lunch count
4. Attendance
5. Student mailboxes
6. Organizing supplies (e.g. white board markers)
7. Organizing tools (e.g. calculators)
8. Instruction (e.g. graphing)

Where to Buy Pocket Charts

Below are 15 places where you can buy pocket charts for your classroom

1. Amazon
2. Target
3. Michaels
4. Office Depot
5. Staples
6. Walmart
7. Really Good Stuff
8. Scholastic
9. Lakeshore Learning
10. Oriental Trading
11. Carson Dellosa
12. Dollar Tree
13. Office Supply
14. W.B. Mason
15. Wayfair

Black Anchor Chart Examples

Below are the black pocket chart items I was able to locate online. You can click on any of the affiliate links to go directly to that product and purchase it.

In closing, we hope you found these pocket chart ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• Classroom Calendar Ideas for Setting Up Your Classroom
• How to Create a Visual Classroom Schedule Display
• First Day of School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers

The post Pocket Chart Ideas for Elementary Teachers (Grades 1-5) in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.