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It’s that time of year again, time to get your classroom set up for back to school. In this post I'll give you the best classroom setup steps to take to create an amazing classroom this year. I'm talking about ideas to set up a gorgeous classroom library, organize your teacher cart and teacher toolbox, create epic calendars, create a gorgeous teacher space and so much more!
This post is packed with over 67 classrooms that'll inspire you to get organized, create the perfect classroom reading nook plus, where to get free classroom printables! Hope you can gleam some inspiration from these amazing classrooms and try some of these ideas in your class this year!
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You all need a classroom library, why not make it functional and beautiful? Get ready to be inspired, I've found 7 amazing classroom libraries to give you great ideas to get the perfect one set up in your class.
IMAGE SOURCE | JILLIANSTARTTEACHING
The white shelves in the picture above make this library look bright and beautiful. I love how this teacher displays a few of her favorite books on the top shelf. It looks like such an inviting place to find the perfect book!
IMAGE SOURCE | MRSCOWMANSCLASSROOM
Having a single color container on each shelf will help the kids place the containers in the right spot and it also looks pretty, win, win!
IMAGE SOURCE | UPPERELEMENTARYADVENTURES
I love how this teacher puts all the new books in a basket on the top shelf. The read sign and the plant add a homey touch to this class library.
IMAGE SOURCE | MISSFAIRCHILDSMUGGLES
This library has so much personality. I love the idea of making the top shelf a display for books, art and other fun stuff that the kids will love.
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATEANDEDUCATE
If you read my blog, you know that I'm a huge fan of the rainbow color scheme. This library nails it, enough said.
IMAGE SOURCE | THREEBLONDEBLOGGERS
Here's another way to do the rainbow color scheme. You can also gather some inspiration from the fun crayon theme that this teacher has going on.
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT
I saved my favorite for last. The details in this library are amazing. I love the pink cart, so the kids know where to return the books and how cute is the pillow container? The kids can grab their favorite pillow and book, get comfy and read.
What student wouldn’t want to spend some time in here?
Below are some of my favorite containers to keep your bookshelf looking as picture perfect as the ones I just showed you.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | BRIGHT CRATES SET OF 18
TWO | SET OF SIX TEAL FABRIC BINS
THREE | COLORFUL PLASTIC BINS SET OF 8
FOUR | COLORFUL MAGAZINE/BOOK HOLDERS SET OF 6 OR 12
FIVE | 10 RAINBOW FABRIC BINS
SIX | SIX PACK OF RAINBOW PLASTIC CONTAINERS
If you want some more ideas to create an Awesome Classroom Library, then check out this post...10 Epic Classroom Library Ideas
It helps to start the year being as organized as you can. That way the kids know where everything goes. I think when it looks nice, it gives you and the students extra motivation to keep it that way.
These teachers have found a way for organization to be beautiful. Read on to discover ideas to organize all the stuff, find the perfect containers, labels, file folders and more.
IMAGE SOURCE | SANDIEGOTEACHER
This teacher has got her pretty bins and teacher cart ready to get filled up! There's a lot of inspiration in this beautiful space.
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHERAPPROVED
Get a student data file box set up. You can add bright folders to make it look pretty. Take a cue from this teacher and number the students so you don’t have to re-do all of your labels next year.
IMAGE SOURCE | LAUGH.TEACH.SMILE
Here's another example of how creating custom labels can make organizing beautiful. These labels are a work of art!
IMAGE SOURCE | IEF_DES_BOULETTES
You can make an ordinary bookshelf look clean, organized and pretty when you coordinate colors, are thoughtful of the placement of everything and leave space for your stuff.
IMAGE SOURCE | SASSYSAVYSIMPLETEACHING
Another great use for a file box, you can organize your lesson plans by week for the entire school year.
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATE_INSPIRE_TEACH
This classroom is full of dollar store organization finds. I especially love the small clear containers on the second shelf. These would be perfect for organizing small bright supplies like tacks, erasers or paperclips.
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
This is one of my favorite classrooms there's so much inspiration here. I love that this teacher kept with a simple color palette of green, black and white. It makes the room look so put together.
I also love the containers on the bookshelf and the storage basket for comfy seating.
IMAGE SOURCE | KELLYSKLASSROOM
Each student’s class notebook is color coded for their personal container, brilliant! Plus, the kids would love these cute caricatures that look like them.
IMAGE SOURCE | CHRISTOFS_CLASS
Create a turn in bin and a take home mailbox for your students with file boxes and file folders. This keeps the papers contained and organized in one spot.
What to do with all those supplies? If you get the organization for these set up right at the beginning of the year and train the kiddos to put everything in it's place, your life will be a little easier. We all love that, right?
These teachers have found gorgeous ways to keep all the stuff in it's place and looking amazing.
IMAGE SOURCE | ARCHERSALLSTARS
My heart sings when I see crayons neatly organized by color.
IMAGE SOURCE | MRS.VOHS
I love these modern pencil, pen and marker holders.
IMAGE SOURCE | FABULOUSFIGS
This is a clever use of Play-doh containers to organize markers.
IMAGE SOURCE | LIVELOVEANDTEACH
These small containers with lids with a colorful label are perfect to keep all the supplies tidy.
IMAGE SOURCE | FOCUSEDNFIFTH
Who loves llamas? These labels are amazing!
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHINGWITHG
This mini teacher toolbox with the pretty labels is the perfect place for all of those little things like paperclips, erasers, glue sticks, staples and other miscellaneous supplies.
As a bonus this adorable pineapple has storage too! It’s nice to see someone else who loves pineapples.
Later in this post I'll show you more ideas and inspiration to create your own teacher toolbox.
IMAGE SOURCE | PREKWOLFPACK
Here's a great idea to organize those bulletin board borders. You could also use magnetic hooks on a magnetic board to do the trick.
I have a ton more Classroom Organization ideas for you here...83 Best Classroom Organization Ideas
Next, you’ll want to plan the layout for your classroom. The first of the year is a great time to experiment with a new classroom layout. Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHINGANDUPLIFTING
These desks are grouped in clusters of 6 each with their own supply caddy. Each student is provided a desk name tag, a class information sheet and a card from the teacher.
IMAGE SOURCE | DOLLARTREECLASSROOMS
When setting up your tables here’s a hack to keep the supplies neat. Create a labeled tote for each table with lock top lid containers for supplies also labeled with the table number.
IMAGE SOURCE |TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX
Take a cue from Brook, a teacher that specializes in literacy and STEM and combine storage and function in your classroom. Her husband designed this “maker shop” which is a play and storage table.
It has a dry erase tabletop, header board, magnetic dry erase wall on one end and a LEGO wall/green screen on the other end. There are storage bins on the top as well.
IMAGE SOURCE | THATSWEETTEACHER
Kirstie, a fourth-grade teacher from Montana has created a portable teaching station with this adjustable height mobile table. She rolls it to wherever she is teaching in the classroom and it holds her iPad, supplies, teaching manual, beverage and anything else that she needs.
If you read my blog, you know that I'm big on this one. I just love an organized teacher cart, and I know I'm not alone.
Below is a little inspiration for you to get your teacher cart organized and if you don’t have one yet, I got you covered too, below are the top finds for teacher carts and where to get them.
IMAGE SOURCE | MADEFORFIRSTGRADE
Add matching labels to your rainbow teacher cart to step up your organization game.
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNWITHMISSLAURA
Another great idea is to designate a drawer for each day, with a few to spare for miscellaneous papers like to copy, to file, to grade and anything else you need to stay on track.
IMAGE SOURCE | COFFEE.TEACH.GLITTER
This teacher has one cart for reading and one for math, just wheel it out when the lesson starts and have everything you need at your fingertips.
IMAGE SOURCE | SUNINTHECLASSROOM
These carts are cute, I love the labels, things, stuff, ect.
Below are my favorite teacher carts and where to find them.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | RAINBOW TEACHER CART
TWO | TEAL CART (MORE COLORS)
THREE | PINK TEACHER CART
FOUR | BLUE CART
FIVE | WHITE TEACHER CART
If you want more ideas to create a teacher cart, I wrote an entire post on it. You can find it here...The One Thing You Need In Your Classroom This Year
So, you don’t have any student work yet, not a problem. Take a cue from these teachers and get the wall space ready to go for their amazing work.
Bonus, if you make it look as gorgeous as these teachers your students will be motivated to make their work onto your masterpiece wall.
IMAGE SOURCE | 2NDGRADESASSYPANTS
To create “our brightest work” display you can use colored sheets of paper and then place their work on each sheet.
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHERAPPROVED
#bestworkever. This teacher uses matching clothes pins to hold the paper for a fun touch. I also love the bright rainbow banner.
IMAGE SOURCE | THEKINDERHEARTEDCLASSROOM
You could easily re-create this masterpieces bulletin board to display student work. Add a tassel banner for a playful accent.
So, part of setting up your room for the year is creating a monthly or weekly and often a more detailed daily calendar so your kids know what to except when in the class.
Below are some of my favorites plus, check out the adorable birthday calendar at the end.
IMAGE SOURCE | COOTIESANDCUTIES
To create this calendar, you can customize printables in your classroom theme. Simply find the images that you want and then place numbers over them to create your huge monthly calendar.
You could also find pre-made printables on Pinterest or Etsy. If you're a real go getter you can change your theme every quarter if not, then just re-arrange the numbers each month.
IMAGE SOURCE | THELEMONADESTANDTEACHER
Here's a simple calendar idea that looks pretty. This teacher coordinates her calendar with the black and white color scheme that she has throughout the classroom.
IMAGE SOURCE | MS_HUGHS
This is a fun idea to create a birthday calendar. The best part may be the ice-cream cone garland banner. You can find a similar one here.
Below are some of the best finds to create an epic calendar in your class this year.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | CHALKBOARD WALL CALENDAR
TWO | CONFETTI CALENDAR
THREE | NUMBERED MAGNETS
FOUR | CACTUS CALENDAR
FIVE | LARGE CHALKBOARD CALENDAR
SIX | GIANT DRY ERASE CALENDAR
SEVEN | SUCCULENT CALENDAR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Have you joined the new teacher toolbox trend yet? If you haven’t heard of it, it's an efficient way to get everything organized and it looks amazing too. If you don’t have your toolbox yet read on to find out where you can get one.
If you're crafty you can create your own custom labels and if not read on to find out where you can buy gorgeous labels for your teacher toolbox.
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT
This teacher created beautiful tropical theme labels for her toolbox.
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT
Here are some fun lemon labels created by the same talented teacher.
IMAGE SOURCE |THEINQUIRYGARDEN
These are simple labels with a small illustration of what's inside, perfect for younger kids still learning to read. Another idea is to take a picture of what is inside and use that as your label.
IMAGE SOURCE | KRAUSMATH
These labels are like the last ones but with a little color added.
Below are some of my favorite finds for teacher toolboxes and beautiful labels.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | EDITABLE TEACHER TOOLBOX LABELS
TWO | FLORAL TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS
THREE | FLORAL TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS
FOUR | BLACK TEACHER TOOLBOX
FIVE | WHITE TEACHER TOOLBOX
SIX | CACTUS TEACHER TOOLBOX WITH LABELS
If you want more ideas for setting up your teacher toolbox check out this post-Teacher Toolbox Create the Perfect One for Your Classroom
Why not create a home like atmosphere for your kids to truly make them feel at home in your classroom? What I mean by this is literally home furniture and decor in your class. Does it sound crazy? Well once you see the pictures of these amazing classroom below you may re-think the entire idea.
What I love about this idea is you can get really creative with how you want to do this. You can start small with wallpaper, a statement rug or cute throw pillows or go all out with a couch or a dining table. Get inspired by these knockout rooms below.
IMAGE SOURCE | KICKINGITPAPERLESS
If you're lucky enough to have a large classroom you can add a full couch. Finish off the look with pretty throw pillows, a floor lamp and a coffee table.
IMAGE SOURCE | APAPERLESSCLASSROOM
Sometimes all you need to do is add small touches to create a home like atmosphere like the cute cacti on top of the bookshelf or the small table with the side chairs and throw pillows.
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
Ok, are you in love with this class too? Don’t worry I'm going to show it to you from every angle. I love how this teacher took the time to paint pink and white stripes on her wall to coordinate her class colors.
Of course, we have to talk about the round dining table and chairs, I mean I would love this in my house!
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
What a fun seating idea! She put together two picnic tables to create a huge farmhouse style table with benches. All of the small touches are amazing too, the paper lanterns above the table give a chandelier like feel.
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
Here's another angle of this amazing class by the superhero teacher that shows a wall of gorgeous wallpaper that balances with the pink in the room.
IMAGE SOURCE |THESUPERHEROTEACHER
Then there's her seating area with a pink couch, of course! Plus, all the pillows on the floor make a perfect spot for the students to gather to read or work on group projects.
IMAGE SOURCE | UPPERELEMENTARYADVENTURES
Another one of my favorites. I love how she chose a pretty color scheme of pink, yellow and grey and incorporates it in the area rug, throw pillows and even the small accents like the stool.
You could re-create a spot like this in your classroom with small furniture and home accents.
What I love about adding a bright, fun rug to a space is it instantly livens up and adds interest to the room.
Check out how these teachers made the rug a focal point of their class below and find out where to get your own work of art class rug.
IMAGE SOURCE | ARTWITH_AJ
She's having her own PDX airport moment, which I love. If you're not familiar with the reference I'm from Oregon and our airport in Portland has unique carpeting so when you return home, you have to take a picture of your feet on the carpet to show you're home.
When you create your amazing class, you may be inspired to do the same thing!
IMAGE SOURCE | SUNINTHECLASSROOM
This teacher uses her bright carpet as inspiration to incorporate these colors throughout her class.
IMAGE SOURCE | TYPEAINPREK
This rug just adds even more personality to this fun classroom. What student would not want to learn in here?
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX
I'm loving this bright lightbulb rug. It even fits with her theme of thinking outside the box.
IMAGE SOURCE | ANAPPLEFOREDEN
Rugs with small squares work great in the classroom, everyone find a square and take a seat.
Below are some of the best classroom rugs that I found and where to get them. Plus, if you don’t have space for a huge rug check out number five below, they're carpet circles that you can put anywhere.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | COLORUL GEOMETRIC PATTERNS RUG
TWO | RAINBOW COLORED RUG
THREE | COLORFUL SQUARES RUG
FOUR | UNITED STATES MAP RUG
FIVE | COLORFUL FLOOR DOTS
SIX | HAND RUG
SEVEN | COLORFUL ABC RUG
All you need for an awesome reading nook is some fun seating and some cute pillows. Get inspired by some fun and beautiful classroom reading nooks below.
Your kids will be motivated to read if you create an amazing spot like this. Bonus, at the end I'll also show you some adorable throw pillows for your space.
IMAGE SOURCE | AYANNA.SANDERS
This teacher uses patio chairs, a bench with storage and some cute throw pillows to create a fun place to kick back with a book.
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNLOVEGROW
Your students' imagination would soar in a bright, colorful reading spot like this.
IMAGE SOURCE | MISS_FAIRCLOUGH_
This is a playful and fun reading spot that the kids would love. You can re-create this space by adding cushions and pillows to standard bookshelves to turn them into custom benches.
You could re-create the gorgeous inspirational wall as well.
IMAGE SOURCE | CRAZYCHARIZMA
Let your kiddos imagine they're reading by a cozy fire. Wouldn’t they have so much fun? You can re-create this cozy nook with a couple of bean bag chairs and some creative wall displays.
IMAGE SOURCE | CRAZYCHARIZMA
Create a focal wall with a simple inspirational saying on a large sheet of paper. If you don’t have the art skills, you can print the words and glue them on a paper. Add a bench and fun colorful pillows and you have yourself an epic reading nook.
IMAGE SOURCE | 2NDGRADESASSYPANTS
A reading nook can be as simple as two chairs and some book themed throw pillows and of course all the books!
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
You can re-create this fun reading nook with some floating bookshelves, a bench and a group of bright throw pillows.
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHCREATEMOTIVATE
Did I mention you need awesome throw pillows for your reading nook? This teacher gets it, throw them on a bench and you have instant charm.
Below check out my absolute favorite classroom throw pillows that would look amazing in your new reading nook this year!
WHERE TO FIND | DOUGHNUT PILLOW
WHERE TO FIND | GIRAFFE WITH GLASSES
WHERE TO FIND | TODAY IS THE PERFECT DAY TO BE AWESOME
When you find the perfect printable art there are a ton of great ideas to display it in your class. I love the look of a simple clothes pins and string or symmetrical frames. Plus, read to the end of this post to find out how to get some free classroom printables that I created!
IMAGE SOURCE | WRITEONWITHMISSG
What a fun idea and even better you can re-create this display for cheap. Head to your local thrift shop or Goodwill and find an old frame and spray paint it your favorite color. Nail a few strings and clip some clothes pins and viola you have a display for your classroom printables.
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
For a simple yet beautiful modern look print inspirational messages on large paper and hang them in simple modern frames.
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
Grab some string, clothes pins and pretty bulletin board paper and you have a beautiful display for your printables. This bulletin board paper can be found here.
This is the final step in setting up your classroom for back to school. It's very important to carve out a space for you that is organized and beautiful. You need a place to relax after a hectic day. I think that a clean, organized, clutter free space can really rejuvenate your soul. You deserve that, so make this one a priority.
Get a little inspiration from some gorgeous teacher desks plus, check out some pretty accessories for your desk below.
IMAGE SOURCE | KRAUSMATH
Inspirational messages are a must in your area. You can add cute touches to your space like these cups best teacher ever.
IMAGE SOURCE | MISSYBILINGUAL
This teacher has carved out a corner to make her own and has incorporated her two favorite colors throughout the space pink and gold.
IMAGE SOURCE | STEPHANIESUTHERLAND_
A beautiful planner is a must for your teacher space. This is your spot to plan the day, the week or the year.
Check out the Best Teacher Planners Here...The Ultimate Teacher Planner
IMAGE SOURCE | MADEFORFIRSTGRADE
Your teacher space is the perfect spot to add those touches that are just you, like fun file folders or cheerful pen holders.
IMAGE SOURCE | COFFEE.TEACH.GLITTER
It's a great idea to add plants to your desk to liven up the space literally. I also love how this teacher has repurposed a straw holder for pencils.
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
So much inspiration in this teacher’s corner. It's such a great idea to add a bookshelf by your desk with pretty containers to store the stuff that is just yours.
You can add flowers to your desk to instantly brighten your space. I also am loving this teacher’s polka dot chair.
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHOUTSIDETHEBOX
This teacher matched her teacher desk area with the boho rainbow classroom theme. The result is a fun and beautiful area that blends seamlessly with the rest of the classroom.
Below check out some of my favorite finds to create your gorgeous teacher space.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | GOLD ORGANIZATION SET
TWO | GREEN PAPER TRAY
THREE | SET OF SUCCULENTS
FOUR | WRITE CUP
FIVE | CREATE CUP
SIX | DESK PAD
Ok, so you now have the 13 classroom setup steps that you can take to create an epic classroom this year for your students just in time for back to school. Plus, you've seen 67 amazing classrooms to get you inspired to start.
Hopefully you now have some ideas for classroom decorations, organization, teacher toolboxes, creating a gorgeous teacher space, a creative reading nook and more that you'll actually use this year. You have one of the hardest jobs on the planet I hope this post might help add a little fun and beauty to your hectic day!
Feel free to save your favorite ideas to you Pinterest boards, just click on the red P on the picture!