How to Organize an Elementary Classroom

Classroom organization is key to a successful year as a teacher. Having your classroom up, ready and running when the students come the first day will help them adjust to their new surroundings more easily. It will also help you as the teacher feel confident and in control from the moment the first bell rings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine how many students you have.
2. Decide how to best configure desks or tables to give as much room for movement around the class as possible. Try several different configurations before making a final decision.
3. Place your desk off to the side in front of the students. A teacher's desk tucked nicely in the front corner is less intimidating than one sitting front and center.
4. Establish a classroom library and reading area. Even if your room is small and filled with students, it's nice to designate even a small corner to reading. This lets the students know right away that reading is an important event in your class.
5. Reserve some space up front for a round or square carpet. This will be the place where students come to sit and receive instructions for the hour or the day. For middle and high school this is not necessary.
6. Set up center areas in any available side spaces. This can be used for small group instruction and for moving from one center to the next.
7. Label all supply areas clearly so students will be eager to get involved with helping clean up and keep the room looking nice.

Tips & Warnings

• A nice looking classroom filled with colorful posters and special areas is a welcoming sight to students. A classroom that has been lovingly and carefully organized and decorated lets students know right away that you care about them and their experience in your class.