How to Prepare Classroom for First Day of School
Checklist of What to Do and Steps to Organize Room for New Teachers
Jul 8, 2009
Preparing for the first day of school can leave new teachers feeling like they don't know where to start. There are materials to organize, curriculum to prepare, bulletin boards to decorate, and a thousand other details. But by systematically approaching the tasks, it is possible to be ready for the first day and not end up exhausted!
Write Everything Down Immediately
One of the most important steps is to write everything down. Any time a task or question comes to mind, write it down. Keep a notebook on the desk and write everything in the same place. Don’t trust it to memory because there are too many things to keep track of during the hectic days before school starts. Take five seconds as soon as it comes to mind and write it down. By writing it down, it frees up mental space for other more important tasks than remembering five things to buy at the teacher supply store and three questions to ask the administrator.
Organize Teacher Paperwork
The first step is organizing the teacher’s paperwork. Collect all the needed materials and supplies at once and get it done. This will include:
- Enter names in gradebook and attendance book
- Organize student portfolios
- Write a welcome letter
- Prepare a substitute teacher folder
Organize Curriculum Materials and Lesson Plans
Next, unpack and collect all textbooks, workbooks, reading materials, math manipulatives, science materials, etc. Decide how to store them in the most appropriate place for how they will be used. Other curriculum tasks include:
- Write lesson plans for the first week, including overplanning lessons
- Prepare all copies and handouts needed the first week
- Prepare a plan for distributing materials
- Label all materials that will be distributed
- Prepare simple activities for the first day of school
Prepare an Attractive and Welcoming Classroom Environment
Students enjoy a nicely organized and decorated classroom. When a teacher puts effort into the appearance of the classroom, it tells the students that he/she believes they are important enough to give them a pleasant place to be each day. When preparing the classroom, remember to:
- Determine the best way to arrange students desks and location of teacher desk.
- Decide on student desk nametags and either put on desks or prepare for students to make.
- Put up informative and engaging bulletin boards.
- Set up calendar and circle time area, if necessary.
- Post classroom rules and consequences.
- Post daily schedule and specials schedule.
- Determine classroom jobs and post information.
- Set up other specific areas such as reading corner, workshop centers, and displays.
Gather and Organize Classroom Supplies
Supplies can vary from school to school and grade to grade. However, most teachers will want at least the basics on hand the first day. These will include:
- Paper – plain, handwriting, construction, drawing and computer
- Pencils, pencil knobs and pencil sharpener
- Pens – blue, black, red
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Crayons
- Stapler, staples, staple remover
- Tape – clear, masking
- Folders – manila, pocket, three prong, three ring
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Rubber bands, brads
- Glue – sticks, liquid
- Facial tissue, paper towels, hand sanitizer
Preparing a classroom for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming for a new teacher. But by carefully making checklists and going about the organizing in a systematic way, a first year teacher can be ready and confident for the first day of school!
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