Setting up Your First Classroom with Focus

If you’re a new teacher holding the keys to your very first classroom, you might be wondering, “Where do I even start?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Setting up your first classroom can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. This guide walks you through practical tips for setting up your classroom, establishing routines and procedures, and planning your curriculum. Whether you’re a new teacher or just looking to refresh your approach, these strategies will help you start the year confident and prepared.

When I started my first teaching job, I was thrilled—until I walked into my empty classroom. The walls were bare, the cabinets were filled with random game pieces and faded seasonal items, and I didn’t even have a teacher’s desk. My principal handed me the keys and said, “Have fun!” That’s when it hit me: I had no idea where to begin.

Back then, Pinterest was invite-only, and teacher Instagram wasn’t even a thing. In some ways, I’m glad—because now it’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap. You see perfectly coordinated, Pinterest-worthy classrooms online and start to feel like yours has to look the same. But here’s the truth: real classrooms—where real learning happens—can be messy, colorful, and imperfect.

My first classroom wasn’t fancy. Most of the décor I made myself out of scrapbook paper and cardboard. And while I definitely wanted it to look nice, I quickly learned that a welcoming classroom isn’t about matching bins or expensive decorations—it’s about creating a space where students feel comfortable and ready to learn. You can see a picture below of my first classroom, which I was very proud of.

Over the years, I’ve moved classrooms and grade levels several times, and I’ve learned a few key lessons along the way. These three areas will help you stay focused and confident as you set up your first classroom:

1. Classroom Set-Up

2. Routines and Procedures

3. Curriculum

   
   

Let’s break each one down...

Part 1: Classroom Set Up

Layout: When you walk into your new classroom, decide where the “front” will be—it doesn’t have to match the previous teacher’s setup. I’ve even flipped a classroom entirely and had maintenance help me move the whiteboard. Don’t stress about the desk arrangement or flexible seating; you’ll likely adjust it after the first week based on traffic flow and classroom needs.

Bulletin Boards: Bulletin boards don’t need to be perfect from day one. Students may not remember the décor, but they will remember how you make them feel. I now cover boards with butcher paper, wrapping paper, or fabric and display student work or anchor charts as we go. This keeps the room welcoming without adding pressure to have everything finished before day one.

Supplies, Manipulatives & Curriculum: If something is missing, like a teacher’s desk or supplies, ask your principal or grade-level team first—you might be surprised by what’s already available. Before spending your own money, check storage or other classrooms for shared materials.

Classroom Library: Don’t stress about creating a perfect library system right away. Place books on shelves and organize later, or ask volunteers or early finishers for help. You can also check out books from your local public library if you need to cover a certain topic, theme, or holiday. I would often check out up to 50 books at a time and rotate them based on units. Be sure to keep a list so nothing gets lost. For my book recommendations, click here.

Part 2: Routines & Procedures:

Create Visuals: Visuals, like posters or anchor charts with directions, are lifesavers. Break procedures into small steps and teach them explicitly. Write down your procedures for everything, both big and small. From how to line up, to the procedure for using the pencil sharpener. You need to explicitly teach all of it. For anchor charts or posters that you want to complete with your students, I suggest first sketching how you want it to look with a pencil, and then finalizing it with a marker or color as you model with your students. These visuals give students a reference point and will save your voice from constant repetition.

Parent Communication: A parent handbook is invaluable. Include classroom management systems, contact info, and policies. Over time, refine it as you encounter new situations. To save time, you can use an editable handbook I created for K–5, complete with a parent letter and customizable policies. You can find it in my First Year Teacher Starter Kit.

Part 3: Curriculum:

Back-to-School Ice-Breakers: Start with ice-breakers and get-to-know-you activities. Building relationships from day one is crucial while maintaining classroom management and setting expectations.

Use Your Scope and Sequence: You don’t need every lesson planned out on day one. Review your scope and sequence, and then consider your school calendar. Subtract holidays and breaks, and then map out approximate teaching days for each unit. This big-picture approach keeps you organized and reduces stress.

Batching Lessons: Batching lesson plans was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to plan multiple lessons at once and freed up time for other tasks. Learn more about my batching system here: How to Batch Your Lesson Plans and Get Ahead.

Organization is Key: Keep lesson plans, small group notes, student data, calendars, and other resources in a single teacher planner or binder for easy access. For classrooms you move between, a rolling cart or crate on wheels is a lifesaver. Hanging file folders help manage student work, assessments, or long-term papers.

Free New Teacher Checklist: To help you get started, grab my quick checklist, which includes essential classroom supplies and guidance for preparing your classroom expectations and procedures: Free First Year Teacher Checklist.

Setting up your classroom for the first time, or even for a new school year, doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on what truly matters: creating a welcoming space, establishing routines, and planning lessons that keep you one step ahead. Remember, your classroom doesn’t need to be social media perfect. What matters most is the learning, growth, and connections that happen inside it.

Take it one step at a time, use the strategies that work for you, and give yourself grace along the way. With preparation, organization, and a focus on your students, you’ll start the year feeling confident, ready, and excited to teach.

You might find some of these links helpful:

First Year Teacher Starter Kit

How to Batch Create Lesson Plans

Teacher Productivity Hacks