Whether you’re setting up your classroom this September for the first time as an NQT or it’s your tenth year of teaching, deciding how to organise your classroom can be an exciting task. It can however be overwhelming at times when creating lists of everything you want to include. Could you be missing any quick and easy tips that could help your classroom set up be stress free this September?
We took to Twitter to ask the experts for advice and created a list of tips and tricks from teacher’s across the UK. Here’s what they had to say:
Secondary Classrooms
Trying to show what your subject can be used for as a career? This clever ‘my name is’ wall display by Laura, @missgeog92, has been a massive hit. Laura’s been inspiring her pupils with what studying geography can lead to as a career, but you could easily use this idea for history, sociology or even English language.
Day2 of display make over ✅ Welcome to my 19/20 classroom (subject to one more wall needing TLC)
It’s been a slog; hours of designing, printing, cutting and assembling through this “heatwave”, but I’m super proud. Ready for another year😁!#RQT #teacherlife #geographyteacher pic.twitter.com/GOepie7Grd
— L A U R A 🌍 (@missgeog92) July 26, 2019
The ‘my name is’ idea has been going down a storm on Twitter with Wayne, @mrgeog90, also using the idea for a window display.
https://twitter.com/mrgeog90/status/1158412922139418625
Primary Classrooms
Struggling to organise your pens and pencils so they’re easily accessible? @MrSumpster has come up with this great idea of using a trolley. Now it can easily be moved around the classroom and with the colour coordination, your pupils can easily find what they’re looking for.
Spent some time in class this morning doing a few little jobs including sorting through pens and pencils…loving the colour coordination on my trolley 😍 #edutwitter pic.twitter.com/DrdqXqbS2f
— Mr Sumpster (@MrSumpster) July 31, 2019
Struggling to think of what essentials might be for your classroom? Georgie from @just_teachuk shared some excellent resources that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Classroom essentials shopping!!! 🛍 Lots Of bargains! 💝 #classroomorganization #classroomsetup #PrimaryRocks pic.twitter.com/pSmUWel0Az
— 𝐺𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑒 🙋🏽♀️🦩JustTeachUK MCCT (@just_teachuk) August 2, 2019
Here’s a fun and inviting way of encouraging your pupils to learn phonics by @MissFJohnson.
Phonics area 🏝🐚🏐⛱🏖 pic.twitter.com/bsxrG530TV
— Miss J 🌸 (@floralteacher_) August 2, 2019
General Classroom Advice
Looking for new ideas on current topics to discuss with your class? Head to @BBC_Teach to join Newsround’s exclusive Facebook group for teachers.
There are many ways for teachers to engage with the BBC. Did you know that @BBCNewsround has a Facebook group for teachers with tailored classroom content to spark debate, explain the world and tackle tricky topics?https://t.co/dcnKhWeivv pic.twitter.com/QvZT6wJxws
— BBC Teach (@BBC_Teach) August 1, 2019
Want to come up with the perfect seating plan that is designed for all development needs? Take a look at this handy video by @TeachStarter to find the best one for you.
Seating arrangements are always a tricky part of the classroom set-up process. 🤦 Here are some great tried and tested ideas. Read more about the pros and cons here >> https://t.co/160iP448Iu pic.twitter.com/FTr1NJmoIM
— TeachStarter.com (@TeachStarter) August 1, 2019
We loved this advice from @miss_f_tweets that your classroom doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect, the main goal is creating an inviting classroom that your pupils can enjoy learning in!
#NQTTips
Your classroom doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. Remember to focus on usefulness over beauty. However, make your classroom your own and a space where you feel comfortable and empowered to do your best. For me this year, that means plants! 🌱— Miss F ; 🇺🇦 (@tweettweetcher) August 1, 2019
One of the most important tips we’ve found was from @Lg025 – don’t stress too much about perfecting your classroom, take time to relax and enjoy the process of starting a new school year.
It’s about trial and error. You can adapt and change throughout the year. Just make your room a clear, workable space and then switch off for a bit. 👍
— Lg02 (@Lg025) July 31, 2019
A massive thank you to everyone that contributed to this blog! Do you have any other tips or tricks you would include for setting up your classroom this September? We’d still love for you to get involved and let us know your thoughts.
Are you looking to find the perfect permanent job so you can enjoy setting up your own classroom space? Take a look at the range of permanent jobs we have available today.
