So, I am about one week away from my Open House/Meet the Teacher night. I’ve already been in my classroom setting up and as all teachers know, I’m always amazed that there’s just so much to do.
I thought I would share 5 tips on things that I do to streamline my beginning of the year classroom set up process. Hopefully there a nugget or two in here that might help you become more efficient (or at least make you feel better about the process).
TIP #1: Keep track of your to-do list using Google Keep.
Obviously, when you have a lot to remember, you’ve got to make a list. Typically, I’m a list-making sticky note person, but at the start of the year the list gets too unmanageable for any regular sticky note.
A few years ago I started using Google Keep for my to-do lists, and I’ve never gone back. I’m always surprised that a lot of people don’t even know about it.
For me, I like to make an “at home” list and an “at school” list. I also have a shared list with my student teacher. It’s awesome to use because either of us can add to it any time we have an “Oh, yea, I need to remember so-and-so” moment just by typing to the list from the Keep app on our phone.
Another great feature of Google Keep is that when you check an item off the list, it goes away, but not permanently. So at the start of this year, I was able to “un-complete” items on my list from the previous year to use as a starting point this year. Super helpful.
Tip #2: Build your classroom supplies up over time by buying quality.
First off, I understand that you want to buy all of the cool things for your classroom. The picture below shows just how little I was able to buy on my school’s $100 per teacher budget. It’s not much, am I right?
Dipping into your own pocket for school supplies is nothing new for teachers, so I understand the urge to look for the cheapest prices you can get. That’s just smart shopping.
However, something I probably learned the hard way over the years is to buy quality products that you can use for many years For example, I probably bought 4 electric pencil sharpeners, before bit the bullet and spent real money to buy a good one.
So my advice is to buy better quality things built to last if you can. If you want to see my full list of must have them classroom items and supplies, read this blog post.
Tip #3: Organize your stuff with a Label-maker
I bought this particular model at Costco probably 10 years ago, and I have used it every year. Here’s the newer model sold on Amazon now. It’s wonderful for file folders, student mailboxes, storage bins, or really anything. In the example below I’m using it to label a commonly misplaced item – student clipboards. It’s really quite satisfying to use once you start! I don’t love my handwriting and this looks better than writing with a sharpie.
Tip #4: Don’t worry about fancy themes, color schemes, or achieving Pinterest perfection.
Obviously, I’m not trying to be controversial with this one. If you are the type of person for whom decorating your classroom like Hogwarts or all matching BOHO-themed everything brings you joy, then go for it. I won’t judge you.
However, know this. There isn’t data to support that highly decorated classrooms positively affect learning. And there is a good deal of research to suggest it actually can serve as a hindrance and distraction to learning.
Obviously, we don’t want our classroom to feel like a sterile medical facility. My advice when it comes to decorating your classroom is: just don’t overdo it. Make your classroom organized, warm, and inviting without burning yourself out on making your room look like someone’s classroom you saw on Instagram. It’s generally not a good investment of your time.
Tip #5 – And, if you run out of time before Open House, just shove whatever you have left to sort out into an empty closet.
Seriously. I have done this. The parents will never know. You can put things away better when things settle down.
Conclusion
As you prepare for Open House/Meet the Teacher night, remember that setting up your classroom is a process that doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By keeping track of your tasks with tools like Google Keep, investing in quality supplies, staying organized with a label maker, and not getting too caught up in picture-perfect classroom themes, you can create a welcoming environment without unnecessary stress. And if time gets tight, don’t worry—there’s no shame in tucking away unfinished tasks until later. The most important thing is that you and your students feel comfortable and ready to start the school year strong. Happy teaching!