July 20th, 2023

SeTTING up YOUR CLASSROOM

Congratulations on becoming a new teacher!
Setting up your first classroom can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Here are 10 tips to help you get started:

1. Plan Ahead:
Create a layout of your classroom before setting it up. Consider factors like seating arrangements, learning centres/ areas, and storage areas. This will help you optimise the use of space and make the most of your classroom.

2. Organise Supplies:
Invest in storage containers, folders, and bins to keep your supplies neat and easily accessible. LABEL everything, so it's clear where items belong and where students can find them. I think investing in storage from the beginning makes it easy to transport to a new classroom and find items easily throughout the year.

3. Create a Welcoming Environment:
Decorate your classroom with bright and engaging visuals that reflect your teaching style and subject. Use posters, bulletin boards, and student work displays to make the space inviting and inspiring. This DOES NOT need to be insta perfect or fully set up from the beginning of the year! You can decorate as you go!

4. Establish Classroom Rules and Procedures:
Early on, set clear expectations for behaviour and procedures. Communicate these rules to your students and consistently enforce them. This will help create a positive learning environment and maintain order from the very beginning!

5. Designate Learning Areas/ Stations:
This may not be necessary in post primary depending on your subject. Create designated areas for different activities, such as a reading corner, art station, calm down area or science centre. 

6. Arrange Student Desks Strategically:
Consider the best desk arrangement for your teaching style and subject. You might opt for traditional rows, collaborative clusters, or a combination of both. Be prepared to adjust the layout if needed and don't be afraid to change it up! Cable ties are great for grouping desks together or keeping them in straight lines together.

7. Personalise Your Space:
Add a personal touch to your classroom with photos, plants, or items that reflect your interests and hobbies. This helps students see you as a relatable and approachable teacher.

8. Incorporate Technology:
Your classroom should have adequate technology already there. This includes a projector/ TV, speakers and a device (computer/ tablet) and appropriate connections for the technology. This is something you can speak to management about if it is not adequate. 

9. Create an Organised Teacher Area:
​Dedicate a space for yourself, where you can keep lesson plans, assessment materials, and personal belongings. Having an organised teacher area will save you time and make your day more efficient.

10. Safety First: 
Prioritise student safety by ensuring that emergency procedures and safety guidelines are prominently displayed. Familiarise yourself with the school's safety protocols and take necessary precautions in the classroom.

Remember that setting up a classroom is an ongoing process. Be open to adapting and adjusting your setup as you gain more teaching experience and understand the needs of your students. Wishing you a successful and fulfilling teaching journey!

Toodles,
​Múinteoir Cole