Classroom Set Up | Back to School In Person Classes

Join me as I set up my classroom desks and sort through my closets! Let's discuss returning to school and many of the safety precautions.
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[@azul-t6m]

I am 33 years old, I am not a teacher but I have been watching your videos for years. I am also from a different country, but I can tell you here schools have always been like that. I grew up in classes where we had individual desks for each kid (sometimes they would let us sit in rows of two and once in a while we would put our desks together for group projects, but that’s pretty much it). We didn’t have common utensils everyone had their own, lockers were not a thing our backpack was always with us. The teacher didn’t have to buy anything for the class or for us, she only would let us borrow a pencil or something if we had forgot it. He/she would be at the front teaching and kids looking at the chalkboard. Different teachers came to our class to teach their subjects instead of us moving all over the place to avoid loosing time in between periods. Flexible seating was never a thing, we had some stuff put on the walls for decoration and such and that’s it. Also we didn’t have computers or iPads to work on, we used our books and dictionaries when needed. We were able to do our work fine and we grew to develop our concentration capability a lot. Besides, the teachers are the ones who make the class fun not the material things. You and your kids are gonna be ok. The only problem I see is kids are gonna want to touch each other anyway.

[@Heyu7her3]

I believe a lot of schools have desks, particularly as you go up in the grade levels.

[@julietamalo6881]

I think the class is gonna work for you pretty well. It's the most effective arrangement and all students will study safely. Good job, Bridget. Keep it up!!

[@samanthamccauley997]

Its so refreshing to see that I'm not alone in this spacing/teaching situation. I would love to see more of your room arrangement and how you plan to teach whole group.

[@Andinwyo]

We start with students Tuesday- thank you for sharing your set up. Love that no matter the challenge-you are positive and a problem solver. 💜💜

[@mr.kylecohen]

I so appreciate you, your perspective, and your leadership especially during the time we are living in. This was immensely helpful -- thanks for always getting me thinking critically about how we can best support our kids😀

[@lyncrafts316]

Bridget, I felt the same way when we had the seniors back in end of June but if the class size exceeded 20 , they had to split classes. I was fine with the space because I could move without hitting anyone's desk or get in the way. They liked it because class size was smaller and discipline was easy to deal with. However, in mid July, we had all the rest back in and the distancing in class is now shoulder to shoulder. I have to wear my mask the whole time I am teaching. It gets sweaty, but I remove it only when I am back in my staff room. Students no matter the age cannot sit still for 8 hours . It is a nightmare. I still have to yell at them to keep their distance when they are walking around the school or buying food from the cafeteria. They have to eat in class and a teacher watches them. As far as lessons go, I try to keep it simple as I am rotating classes. Our schedules are packed . I tell students to take all their books back so that when I give them homework, they can get it done. No decorations in the class as I am not making that a priority. Students write their temperature scans in a log book and sit in their assigned seats. They are not suppose to change seats unless given permission by the class teacher. They have a hand sanitizer in class to sanitize when needed. Take it one day at a time dear. Changes can be daunting but yet inevitable. Tell them that your desk space is off limits . No borrowing stationery from friends, etc.Hope my experience here in Malaysia helps ease the nerves a little bit. We are all in this together. From, Marilyn.

[@jceades1950]

Makes sense to have your space at the front of the room. I wonder if the stage is needed, and think that you would feel you had more room if the stage was gone. I also wonder if a more traditional desk or table for yourself would be more efficient than the round table.

[@momjd9985]

I’m surprised that you went back in the classroom. I am a teacher in NJ and our district opted for online until November at which time it will be reassessed whether or not to return to the classroom. Good luck and stay safe. Don’t stress things are out of your hands. Do what can be done.

[@kayleegoff141]

An idea of a thing to do at the beginning of the school year to do is classroom community-building activities. The one thing I remember at the beginning of the day in 5th grade we would say a one called teamwork.

[@ashleyhaskins8618]

What a wonderful classroom set up. Vermont starts school on September 8th and I am doing online learning for my fall semester. You inspire me very much and I enjoy watching all your videos.

[@irama687]

Looks good Bridget. We go back in 2 weeks but before Summer I had to set up my room the same way with Year One (equates to Kindergarten). The children really liked having their own designated space and resources. Also, love your dress- looks so cool and comfy but stylish.

[@rebeccat8501]

We are doing a hybrid model thie year. Half my class comes mon and tues with the other half coming from Thurs and Friday. Everyone does distance learning on Wednesday together. The days students aren't in school they will have work and projects assigned. Parents also were given the choice of full distance learning. We have to keep students 6 feet a part at all times.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Rebecca S ...That is similar to what my district is doing in NYS. Where are you?

[@rebeccat8501]

@@darwinhaditbackward5899 I am in New York as well.

[@thatnewbiegaming539]

That’s right! Keep it simple and add on when you’re ready

[@supersparkley123]

I hear you on shoving everything in my closet at the end of the year!!!

[@Mell_1230]

I love your teacher space. I’m not sure about the easel because all student might not be able to see it. Unless it just looks smaller on camera. :)

[@dotyknits8354]

When we went back to school after confinement in June I issued the same questions. To move easily and speedily towards the kids in needed, I used to sit on my rolling stool, it did the job. Going back in 2 weeks, here in France, and still don't know how to organize the spaces and the work.

[@tinarichmond9782]

I’ve been teaching with a mask for a week now. It’s very difficult!! I will be using a shield when I’m in front of the room far enough from the kids. I also use a microphone all the time to keep from straining my voice too much.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I like the mic idea.

[@malissac7966]

You little area looks great! I am starting the year completely online for the first semester. It's been a struggle, I wish we were going back in-person sooner.

[@lisagartner1238]

if you have 1:1 you can utilize zoom to create groups even though you are in person

[@caitlinbowling4748]

I used a table at the front of my room for all of my area last year, so I was able to automatically move back into it this year, fortunately. I love it! Hope you do too!

[@jnordfors]

Your space looks great! I am in denial about school starting. I will be spending Monday setting up! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@maliksutton6634]

Hi Mrs Bridget, I am glad to see that you are returning back to school. I can relate when it comes to having difficulty breathing with face mask and especially if you wear glasses because they fog up. I hope you figure a trick to wearing a face mask and stay safe. You can wear a scarf for added protection if that helps. Also, I really like your face mask by the way.

[@carolyncuesta774]

I think it’s really interesting that you’re back. I also live in PA but we’re all virtual until November

[@sama.scraps]

You might need to look into a small storage unit. Maybe share it with a few teachers. I have a huge one because I have moved a bit.

[@tpsu129]

Greetings fellow Pennsylvanian. I will be following to see how you manage things.

[@tracyfitch4873]

Our district is all virtual thankfully. My question is, for schools going back in person with kids in the classroom all day, when do teachers have planning? After or before school? Are they going to pay teachers over time? Most teachers already work overtime without pay unofficially, but... Of course even saying that is laughable because all schools districts have had funding cut, have to pay for all the things to keep teachers and students safe and in our district they’ve already cut pay steps (pay raises).

[@momjd9985]

Yay old school!! If it ain’t broke don’t fix it lol

[@kittyward7910]

Could you "tuck" things under your counters and on the shelves under the windows and then velcro material in place as a "curtain" so kids don't see it or fuss with it. Even your student mailboxes could be tucked and then used for paper storage or copy storage as long as it is covered.

[@lindseybalducci8649]

It's interesting to see how different schools will look this year. I teach 4th at a public school in Florida and we're also opening in person, but we have much less strict rules about it. Masks are not required, desks are allowed to be in pairs (so 2 students right next to each other), we will still be doing small group instruction at our kidney tables, we will still be switching our kids from one room to another for math/science and ELA/social studies, kids will still be eating in the cafeteria and leaving our rooms to go to special area. Basically, business as usual. Everyone thinks we will be shut back down within the first few weeks of school.

[@xinformationpi738]

Florida is a nightmare. We are praying for you.

[@christinecortese9973]

If we keep sequestering it will just delay the inevitable. It’s not going to vanish. Best thing is to boost your own immunity and fitness,

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I cannot understand your state! Did you teacher’s union allow this??? For shame. What is your county’s rate of infection? If it’s not low DON’T GO!

[@lindseybalducci8649]

@@darwinhaditbackward5899 I've heard that the Florida Education Association (FEA) is suing our governor for rushing to open schools before it is safe. Unfortunately, unions in Florida aren't as strong as many other states because it's a right to work state. We're legally not allowed to strike. I'm fortunate that my county is pretty rural and probably has a relatively low infection rate, but I'm still concerned because I know I will likely contract COVID and I don't want to risk the life of my 88-year-old, diabetic grandmother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm afraid to even visit her anymore.

[@lindseybalducci8649]

@@xinformationpi738 Thank you! Hoping for the best...

[@karigruppen1405]

I’m so happy to hear from someone who is in my same situation. This is going to be super weird, but I’m trying to figure out how to make it feel safe & normal for kids. Could you utilize the shelf behind your table for your binders & put the library books along the counter that you used to use as your desk? I think the space up front looks great 🙂

[@danigrl917]

I think it looks good. To me, it's almost like going back to when I was in elementary school and the desks were just facing forward and everything was so basic. Like you said, it's so ugly. lol. But you make it work. :-)

[@dr.normalove-schropshire9700]

There’s a teacher that used clear shower curtains & pvc piping to protect each student desk. I thought that was cool and can also let them take the masks down for a bit

[@dr.normalove-schropshire9700]

And some are adding plexiglass onto the desks to create barriers because they are approved for fire safety as opposed to the shower curtains

[@Tammy-ec6uk]

After you wear the mask for awhile you will get use to it. It took me 3 mths to forget that I had a mask on.

[@Dede_5718]

Have good year ..be safe...I remember how you use to write the morning quote...do you still do that?

[@toschaferguson5749]

Thank you Bridget for sharing today. I feel your pain with the desks in rows but I guess we'll get through it. :D I have a questions.. Do you have ANY plans for small groups? We have been told that we should seat the kids near kids they would meet with adn seat 'near' them. The other idea is to do zoom groups with students at their desks and you could be really anywhere. This could work- my school has not received devices yet from the county that were handed out last Spring. Just wanted to share those two ideas for you to possibly think about. Love your channel! Love your classroom!

[@nktigger99]

My thinking is if the big wigs have an issue then they need to come to the work of moving the desks....or at least give clear and detailed instructions.

[@EducationHaHa]

Do your students have chromebooks? If so, streaming your teaching would help for those in the back.

[@desireeshaw-stephens2596]

Praying, all goes Well !! Please tell us , where your dress is from ?

[@JN-go2yq]

Be better if the desks went around the perimeter spaced out. So old fashioned eh. Looks like a Victorian classroom. Too funny.

[@tracywagner2414]

it is not a joke

[@sewingstoryprojects6178]

Sit at desk/table in front and spread out student desks as much as possible. (good, you did this) Have your curriculum by your teacher desk. (check) Don't decorate and dont unpack all of that stuff from your closet. Just take out essentials you need to teach from your spot at the front of the room. (Done) Keep it very very simple and dont do anything else. Edit: kids in the back wont be able to see that anchor chart. In fact, kids in the back wont be able to see or hear much. They wont be engaged as much. This is why we do the things we do as teachers....you know, walk around, flex seating, engaging lessons, etc. We are being forced to go to a one-room schoolhouse with rows and little interaction. I would do as little as possible prep. which is the opposite of how you operate. I have no idea how you are going to keep a 5th grader in a mask all day in the same spot all day, except for recess weather permitting...engaged in work all day. You're not. That's why we dont teach that way normally. Ok that is that. That is the reality. Do not get stressed and do not compare this year to any other year. Your hands are tied so to speak with these restrictions and if they want you to come back face-to-face and teach that is ALL they are going to get from you. Do the minimal and keep it very simple. Keep yourself as safe as possible.

[@Heyu7her3]

Yes, I feel like the kids will be okay with "bare minimum" and that we must get out of our heads!

[@momjd9985]

Will you be keeping your distance from the students also? It’s 6 feet apart for safety isn’t it?

[@tinaackermann7818]

I was attempting similar things yesterday. I thought with enough "Tetris," I'd be able to save my kidney bean table but it's now in the hallway with everything else I needed to purge from my classroom. Be proud of your accomplishment. It's nice to at least be able to get started with some planning, right?

[@justinward3814]

I teach in twin falls Idaho we are doing in person instruction I have to space my desk 6 feet apart start on August 19th

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Justin Ward Imam curious, how many kids in a class do your expect? Will they be masked and spaced apart? I assume you have a low rate of infection. Good luck!

[@justinward3814]

I will have fifteen students

[@jackiemcgee2948]

Bridget can you tell me where your mask clip is from?? We are going back hybrid (I teach high school) so I’ll be wearing a mask every day also!

[@leggz2di4]

Yes I would like to know this also

[@melissanguyen8973]

I'm going to college next summer I'm going study for teaching I'm going to be a reading teacher ☺️

[@roseycoloredglasses]

How are you going to deal with paper?

[@christyw5350]

Hello, I teach second grade in NY. I always have the children shop for books in our independent leveled library. I am not getting clear guidance on how long books should sit before other kids use them. May I ask how your district is telling you to deal with this. It is so confusing!

[@erinichole3]

I have heard 72 hours.

[@leggz2di4]

I live in NY also and the NY public libraries are quarantining their books for 14 days- I hear most school districts are advising teachers to do the same

[@alicepackard5207]

First I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. You mentioned that your kiddos are going to be using paper and you will be handling it. We have been strongly discouraged from using paper. How do you feel about that? Your room looks great. Some day I will be able to have my students back and I will use this method too. Great job and prayers to you.

[@kathytodd983]

I teach kindergarten. Kids are coming 5 days a week starting sept 8. Desks and chairs only. I’m nervous and bummed. No idea how to teach K this way!

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Kathy Todd ...Will you be able to keep them apart? Good luck

[@inthevault9603]

No one should be forced to go back in a classroom. A lot of teachers are going to resign or retire. PA DOE should be ashamed of themselves. 😡🤯 Those desks look like they’re preschool size!😂

[@Carolyn2292012]

does anyone else think those desks look very tiny compared to the black chairs? are those her desks and shes getting more in tomorrow or are those not her desks and shes getting all new ones tomorrow ??

[@naavyen]

1:05 look at classes in the UK and then say that, plus there are 30 students in a class. Please don’t complain

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Naavyen Patel Not complaining. I was simply stating a fact.

[@marie-louisedekort9360]

I have 30 kids and my classroom is much smaller.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Marie-Louise De Kort Not now you don’t, do you? Where are you?

[@marie-louisedekort9360]

BookGirl NYS Curaçao

[@xinformationpi738]

Your state is experimenting with both your life and the lives of children. I would make sure whoever made these decisions for you you make accountable when you vote. I have worked with all ages children so good luck keeping those masks on all day on a fifth grade student. I wish you luck and you are in the prayers.

[@taylorfugate9647]

I’ve been back in person for a week-with kindergarteners. It’s SO hard to keep them apart, but hopefully it will be at least a tiny bit better with fifth graders. The masks are challenging, but doable. You’ll get used to it. It feels like it’s harder to get control of the whole class with them so spread out, so be thinking of good ways to do that now! Teaching like this is honestly so hard and I’ve been so upset about it, but it is amazing to have kids back in a classroom and be able to teach! I hope your year gets off to a great start!

[@dmctgrlly]

I really like your space! I report to my room for the first time since March tomorrow (August 17) and have no idea what I am walking into. I'm scared, excited, nervous, and several other emotions that I can't quite describe. I have no idea what I am going to be forced to bring home out of my classroom at this point. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it isn't much because my husband will kill me.

[@cupcakeleah]

This is exactly what I was looking for! I wanted to see how other teachers were setting up their rooms and were thinking about teaching this year. This are so different this year that it's nice to see what other people are doing! Thank you for sharing, you have a lot of great ideas that I can see myself doing as well.

[@katieburgess6839]

Looks great so far. You actually have quite a large classroom. My room/portable is smaller and I have 30 kids on the roster at this point. You mentioned paper... I'm not going to touch paper this year! Kids who want to write on paper or in notebooks can send me a photo of their work. I'm thinking I'll do most things digitally, orally and have each student use a personal dry-erase board with their own dry erase markers. I teach Grade 4 and 6 in Ontario and we have the same protocols you have, it seems.

[@tracy_in_primary]

How to make me stay at home and not leave my house? Tell me I have to wear a mask all day. I find them the most distressing thing, and I have to wear one all day - even when I am in my classroom all by myself. Making videos for me kids takes on a new sense of freedom!

[@HayleyNight13]

I'm in a very similar boat! I usually teach 5th grade math and science but I will be teaching all the subjects this year and keep the same kiddos. I'm lucky in the fact that most parents chose online so I originally was going to have 11, but now I'm down to 8. I'm struggling with figuring out if I should still do small group with two kids at a time and keep them distanced.

[@barbeenicole11]

Do you have a rough schedule for each day Monday-Friday for your instruction? I’m wondering if reteaching the same skill multiple days in one week gets tiring for the students and they zone out? Also, what’re your plans for your classroom library 😊?

[@brittanycauthen6960]

I haven’t been to my classroom yet to set up this year, but I usually keep my “area” up front/to the side, and I use a 3-tier cart, bookcase, and small projector/desk area rather than a traditional desk. I love it, and it’s one thing I’m really glad I can keep doing from “normal” years. It makes everything so simple and easy to maintain, plus gives kids more freedom and space to roam (when we can go back to doing things like that). I love your room, I think you’ve managed to make a COVID classroom cozy!

[@cmednc]

Gonna suck to be the kids at the back.... I’m looking forward to seeing how you differentiate. Although I guess the ‘where feasible’ phrase will make this easier hopefully. I dunno this is kinda depressing.... but at least you get the kids back which will be amazing. You guys were on remote learning for such a long time.

[@antoinetteniksch6779]

I have been teaching like this for almost 3 months. It's an adjustment but you get use to it. Just take it one day at a time. If you focus on the day, it will be a success.

[@shortmocha850]

I wish I did my space like that. You never know. I may have to do my space like that. In the front I’m still trying to figure out how to space out my desks. I like your class. I may steal some elements lol

[@kippmoyer333]

From another corner of PA just wanted to say.... your room looks like mine😩 We start on Thursday crazy!

[@financemommy7221]

I am just worried how the kids in the back will see other than using the projector.

[@annabrown3337]

really interesting, thanks. I'm going back full-time too

[@pattiesposito3122]

Hi Bridget I am a PA teacher too. (Western PA near Pittsburgh) We are going remote for 1 month then hybrid til Jan. We delayed start til Sept 1 so I have some time. I have been able to get 16 desks in my room at 6 feet. 4 would help as I am expecting 23 3rd graders. I believe you mentioned in a previous video that you use Schoology... We have just adopted it. Would love to see how you set that up. I love your positivity. Thanks for posting and good luck this school year.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Patti Esposito ...What’s your area’s rate of infection? That’s A LOT of kids in the room, especially third graders. Make sure masks are mandated. Good luck.

[@pattiesposito3122]

@@darwinhaditbackward5899 our area is currently 6%. Masks for sure...good luck to you as well.

[@lisseths21]

You look so pretty! And your hair is so long!

[@victoriaLL345]

Sad. But reality. Looks good to me. Stay safe.

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

Put back Desk and Chirs

[@thomgrlisdebra]

We are teaching virtually from our classrooms. Our students are coming back for in person learning in September. I wonder if we could have ”small groups” via Google Meets while the other students work on ”stations” at their desks. 🤔

[@financemommy7221]

I wonder the same.

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

and get small apple tv

[@angelinabonilla8318]

Where is your dress from?

[@elimaylugo2474]

Yes!!! Keep it simple.😂🤣

[@anya7818]

Gosh you are lucky to have such a big classroom. Here in South Africa a classroom is about half the size of your classroom with 38 learners to 60 learners depending on school. We have been in structured that 1 learner should be at a desk facing forward but the desk at the back of the learner can be against the back of the learner in front of him/her and learner in the desk nest to each learner about half a meter to 2 meters (with 2 meters being the best). Excuse spelling English is not my first language, my first language is Afrikaans.