As a new school year is on the horizon, I begin the process to set up my classroom. This is the twenty-third time I'm doing this and it's always a challenge. Move furniture around. Unpack books. Arrange. Rearrange. Move again. It’s exhausting, but it’s mostly exhilarating. Let’s start at the beginning.
After a summer away from this space, I return to my classroom. This will be my second year in room 734. I find it takes me three or four (maybe five) years to figure out the best way a space works for me. Whenever I first walk in, I stop and take it all in...breathe it all in. Before anything else, I turn on some fun music. I curated a playlist called Teacher Theme Songs inspired by Gravity Goldberg’s new book, Teach Like Yourself. Music sets the mood and I’m off…
Moving furniture to just the right spot is something that is a challenge. I can’t figure out which is the best Tupperware to use for leftovers, so designing an entire room is not easy for me, but I’ve learned to enjoy the process. I ask myself these questions:
Do I have a small space for myself?
Is there a space for the class to gather?
Where can students work together?
Are there places to work independently?
Where can students work together?
Are there places to work independently?
Is all the space being used efficiently?
Once I move desks, bookcases, chairs, I usually move them again and again before I’m happy. (Hey, it’s just like revising my writing!) That must be finished before I start pulling out what I call the “fun stuff”. Books. Lights. Accessories to make the room cozy, warm, and a place I want to be.
I wish I had more guidance when I was a newer teacher about room set-up. Here are some of my tips for teachers:
*The bulletin board does not have to be perfect. A little slant gives it character.
*Leave some spaces unfinished to allow students to have ownership. My walls stay pretty bare and my books aren’t fully organized until students arrive.
*Make sure you feel comfortable in your classroom. It’s a space where you spend so much of your time.
*Resist lots of store bought posters. Student made posters always make me happier.
*Do not compare. (I still fall victim to this one.) Make your classroom reflect your students, your philosophy. A Pinterest classroom is pretty, but students are looking for heart!
*Ask for help. Ask where teachers found things or if someone can help you arrange. That's how I learned.
*It's not easy, but it's worth it!
*It's not easy, but it's worth it!
Going in today to finish my classroom. I haven’t taken many pictures yet, but I will and I’ll share. Enjoy this time. It’s hectic and busy, but you’re creating a classroom community where your students will learn and grow. It’s important.
I'm headed back in today, my friend, to tackle the beast that is my classroom in August. I just know that your Spotify playlist will make it a lot easier. Yes the classroom is for them, not for us. And it won't be done, really done, until they have arrived. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this piece and am listening to your playlist here at home:) Kids started a week and a half ago and this year was so hard for me to "arrange" the room.. I loved your line "I can’t figure out which is the best Tupperware to use for leftovers, so designing an entire room is not easy for me" Me too! For the first time ever I went without backing paper or fabric on my bulletin boards- left them cork with a simple one color border. My shipment is not yet here, so lots of my personal touches and my BOOKS are still missing...
ReplyDeleteabove from me, Erika!
Delete"It's important"!! I love your honesty and your tips. This post is a keeper and one I'll share with new teachers at my school. Can't wait to see more photos of this place you've created with so much heart!
ReplyDeleteI often wonder how teachers can put a whole room together without students. It's so hard to check for whether furniture fits the "flow" when their bodies are not yet present. I love seeing a draft. Then suggestions for improvement. And then how to increase learning. So many possibilities that don't need the teacher to make all the decisions! One of MANY in the room who need to be comfortable in the space! <3
ReplyDeleteThis will be great to share with new teachers.
ReplyDelete