Setting Up a Classroom: 6 Mistakes to Avoid

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Show Notes:

Your classroom is more than just four walls - it’s the space for every lesson, every breakthrough, and every ‘aha’ moment your students will have. But before the teaching magic begins, the setup of your classroom is your first big move. 

Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benefit from reflecting on their current classroom setup to find better ways to organize the space and better serve their students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing six of the most common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and how to avoid them. 

Many teachers mistakenly believe their classroom set up should be dictated solely by the grade they teach, but that’s not the case. Your classroom theme and layout should reflect your personality, energy, and the level of engagement you want to inspire. I also explain why it’s important to not wait until the last minute, and how to think through routines and functionality before diving into decor. The bottom line: keep it simple, keep it organized, and focused on student learning. 

Setting up a classroom for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. In the rush to create the perfect space, it’s easy for new teachers to make a few common mistakes. From overdecorating to under planning for routines, these missteps can be avoided by keeping your classroom’s core purpose in mind: to support student learning. So whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran looking to refresh your space, this episode is for you!

 Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• 6 common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and what to do instead.
• How veteran teachers can reflect on their current layout and make changes that are more simple and organized.
• Why you shouldn’t make decor decisions based on grade level, but your personality and functionality for your students instead.
• Ways to avoid an overstimulating learning environment that decrease anxiety, distractions, and challenging behaviors in students. 
• How dedicating time to classroom prep throughout the summer will help you feel more calm and prepared when school begins.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Masterclass: How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• New Teacher Training Series Part One: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Setting up (Or Re-Organizing) Your Classroom
• What to Buy (and What Not to) When Setting Up Your First Classroom
• Spring New Teacher Training Series #3: Classroom Purchases with NO Regrets: What to Invest in for Your New Classroom
• The Best Classroom Theme EVER ❤️
• How to Choose a Classroom Theme: 7 Considerations

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