Classroom Set-up 101: "Classroom Stuff"

Blank walls, blank floors, blank counters, blank boards, blank brain... That about sums up the scheme of things when I return to my classroom after a long summer away.  The first moments back in my room devoid of decor, ideas, supplies, when anything is possible and nothing is done, can be overwhelming!  Even with 43 plus classroom set-ups under my belt it takes a few moments for me to settle into work mode and get things going.

When finally get down to business, I start by compartmentalize my set-up duties into three major groups... classroom stuff, teacher stuff, and student stuff.  Please excuse the over use of "stuff", but in the intensity of setting up a classroom it is all "stuff" intermingled in my thoughts which tend to easily jump from this "To Do list to that "To Do" list and back again!  Does anyone else experience this problem... or are my familial ADHD traits showing again?

I use my desk to plan and organize lessons.

Okay... I'm focusing now...
Let's start with "classroom stuff"...
On day one of a new year set-up, I start with the physical classroom space.  The first things I conquer in terms of physical classroom set-up are the big places  (ie: whole group meeting area(s), small group meeting area, and my space).  Last year with a little creative wiggling I actually created two whole group meeting areas.  One group meeting area is in front of the activboard and the other was in front of the calendar and white board. 

Reading, Writing, Math and Science ready for the da

I really like to have my kids in the whole group meeting area whenever we cover important information.  I can hold their attention better and encourage   opportunities to use a "Think, Pair, Share" teaching technique designed to increase attentiveness,  interaction between students, and the topic being presented.

Teaching resources are right behind my desk

One filing cabinet next to a teaching resource bookshelf

Our whole group meeting area near the Active Board

Math manipulatives under math assignment board

After I conquer the big places, I set up curricular areas (ie reading, writing, math, science, social studies, etc)   I group curricular materials, manipulatives, and books in the assigned  area of the classroom.  Storing materials and supplies together helps keep things organized as I unload boxes.  Additionally, it provides a predictable, logical set-up  structure for the kids to refer to throughout the school year.  

Student supply areas are easily accessible

After setting up curricular areas, I move on to setting up student desks and student tool and supply stations.  I  group student desks in groups of four, five or six.  With a average class size of 22, I usually need four to five desk groupings.  I always connect one of the desk groupings to my teacher desk for those students who need extra assistance and guidance throughout the day.  The rest of the desks are strategically placed throughout the classroom with the guiding rule... "You should be able to get anywhere from anywhere!"  Desks, tables, bookshelves and furniture should not deter movement.  Teachers and students on the move should be able to access all areas of the classroom with ease.

Our science supplies, materials, and displayed work are located together

The last element to address in Classroom Set-up 101: Classroom Stuff is bulletin boards... my favorite!  As much as possible I coordinate  bulletin boards with the curricular areas already established in the classroom.  For further details on this subject check out these posts:
Bulletin Boards 101,
Bulletin Boards 101: The Necessary Kind, Bulletin Boards 101: Curriculum Centered,
and
Bulletin Boards 101: The Special Kind.    

Click here to download a free copy!

I always tell my students that their desk is like their brain.  If it is cluttered and disorganized it will be difficult for them to think, learn and complete their work.  In the same way my classroom is an extension of my teaching brain.  The way I set up my teaching environment truly determines the way I prepare, interact with, and facilitate learning.  No doubt this post covers a lot of information!  To recap the high points  I will leave you with a short reminder list for the "Classroom Stuff" of Classroom Set-up 101.... Click the picture to download a free copy.  Hope you enjoy it!