CLASSROOM SETUP DAY 4 | LOTS OF DECORATING!! 2021 Elementary Classroom Setup

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My name is Kim Huls and I am a 2nd grade teacher in West Michigan. On this channel, I share a variety of teaching vlogs and some lifestyle content as well. Please take a moment to subscribe & turn on that post notification bell so you are notified everytime I post a new video. My handle is @ElementaryInTheMitten just about everywhere (Instagram, TikTok, etc.), so please follow along with me over there as well!
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[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

Hi, all!! Thank you so much for watching today's video! I filmed this video almost a week ago now and I've filmed a couple of setup vlogs since then (coming soon, so look out for those!!) Since I filmed this video, I thought I should share a couple of updates/explanations: 1. I used "primero" on my calendar instead of "uno" because typically I would say "el primero de septiembre" versus "el uno de septiembre" (at least that's was my thinking when creating it!) I should have explained this in the vlog but because I wasn't reading the cards aloud, I didn't think of it. I can add "uno" to the TPT file today though if you would rather use "uno" on your calendar. That's an easy fix, so no worries! 2. September only has 30 days! Ooops! :) I took the 31st off and put it with the months I'm not using. 3. I've decided I will probably go with the / dates (so the 23/30 and 24/31). I will add this option to the TPT file as well in case you'd like to do the same!! I think that's all from me! Thanks again for watching today's video.

[@kristinjaklitsch4803]

As a Spanish teacher, using "primero" for the first of the month is correct. You do not say "el uno de septiembre."

[@KeepingUpWithSharlyn]

@@kristinjaklitsch4803 thank you! I was so stressed reading that one comment! I am bilingual from Puerto Rico and made clear sense to me which actually made me smile when I read PRIMERO

[@09contrerass]

My first language is Spanish and I was an EL student, soooooo when I saw “uno” “dos” “enero” … oh my! my heart was so SO happy!! 💛 I LOVED IT! Little things like that definitely will make your EL students feel so welcomed and included 🥲 I looooove how your classroom is coming to life! Can’t wait for the next vlog! 😊

[@TheEpez88]

Hi Kim. I love the calendar. Any chance you can make it editable. I would love the Spanish to be the bigger font and the English the smaller font. I am a dual language teacher and teach primarily in Spanish at my grade level. Thanks!

[@Candybl0nd]

@@kristinjaklitsch4803 I am Spanish and nobody says primero de septiembre!! It's much more natural and correct to say uno de septiembre.

[@emilyclark8772]

You could put the month on a magnet up above your chart and then have enough room for days of the week? Room is looking beautiful!

[@Oliveyourmoney]

That was going to be my suggestion

[@jeanettedusksangel6670]

This is what I'd do as well. You could even make the month label larger if you wanted.

[@cheekychicuk]

I was about to make the same suggestion

[@quinnkantner777]

I was going to suggest this as well!!

[@LeoCurrently]

I was also going to make that suggestion

[@michellefeaster5585]

I’d start the calendar with Sunday considering that’s how they will see it as they progress through school (traditional) and put the months on a magnet and put them above the chart considering they’ll continuously be changing. I’d center Wonder Wall and put some cute greenery on the sides with some burlap

[@becaboobabe]

you should have “the fridge” on the fridge door and make the letters looks like magnets!

[@craftanddiyshenaniganswith6652]

Hey girl! Love your videos! I love your calendar but is usually uno, dos, tres..... if you are using “primero” you will have to use it as primero, segundo, tercero... I hope I explained myself correctly..

[@maryannewolter8690]

Move September up above the chart and put the days of the week where the month is- your room is amazing, any kiddo would be lucky to have you, it’s obvious how much you care just by seeing your setup

[@pkpurposefulplay]

Using the tape to make sure your letters are straight is BRILLIANT!! Always enjoy your videos 😊

[@This_Kid_10]

Your basket wall is not silly or frivolous! I love it. I’m so tired of the debate of should You decorate or not. Who cares, it is personal choice and people shouldn’t get bent out of shape when others share what they do!

[@amandaavery2118]

I would start the calendar with Sunday, and I would put magnets on the month card and use all of the pockets for the days of the week and numbers.

[@amme30]

Not a teacher, but I love watching these. The amount of thought and care you put into making the classroom inviting and interesting is amazing. Having family members who were teachers I know how much you all care for your pupils. Don't let your love and enthusiasm for this vocation be dimmed.

[@MrsFred33]

Hello!!! I am not a teacher or a parent of a little one. Well I am a parent a freshman in high school! I just wanted to say that I stumbled over your content and just loved what you do. I love to watch you teachers decorate your classrooms! I love the joy it brings to your faces and hearts. Just really wanted to say thank you for the smiles. Oh and I am from Phoenix, AZ and we started school 2 weeks ago! Tomorrow is her 3 week! I can’t believe it!

[@reginao528]

Calendar idea: You can put the month above the pocket chart or staple it to the very top. I would definitely add the days of the week. Sunday first is the most common way calendars are made and the type your students will be most exposed to outside of the classroom.

[@ravendeberry6645]

Definitely start with Sunday. Any song or calendar or saying had Sunday firsthand that’s how their mostly going to see it in life. Anyways your room is becoming so beautiful

[@karlaariens3430]

I love your room decor! I am a veteran teacher (22 years) and I love seeing room set-up videos from young, energetic teachers! 😉😉

[@thatpettyteacher1718]

Calendar - I had the same issue... I used the top row for the days of the week and put the month on the board with magnets above it. Wonder Wall - Just a thought.... You could use the w in wonder on the board to write wall vertically. Love your classroom!

[@fleetworkz7892]

I would put magnetic tape on the months and put it above your calendar. That way you can have room for the days of the week in the first row. Also, you are my teacher inspiration for my classroom setup! I'm a second year k teacher.

[@KaylaPaterson16]

You could make the month a magnet above the pocket chart, and put the days of the week in the very first plastic slot :)

[@upcountrycharlottemason]

This was my thought too. Maybe put black paper behind the month cards to make them pop on the white board.

[@charliejuliet-o9y]

My thought as well!

[@CassBeaz]

Was going to comment this! Then you have less to magnet 👍

[@knav07]

Yes!! My thoughts exactly!! And definitely start with Sunday as the first day! That way they get the idea of “weekends” as being at the ends of the week (that’s how I always learned it anyway)

[@ashleyengel7227]

make sure to put a layer of mod lodge over the paint on the doll house when you finish so that way it lasts longer and doesn’t chip!!

[@sierrahumiston1498]

I agree with all the other comments saying to move the month up above. I also have another suggestion though - when I used a pocket chart before, I made cards that were slightly taller than the normal date cards and had special labels like "fieldtrip" and "mini day". That way I could stick the taller labels behind the regular numbers so those days would be marked for special occasions. You could do that with days of the week as well. The top pockets would just always have those taller cards sticking out to label the days. Hopefully that made sense! For some reason I found it incredibly difficult to describe what I meant lol

[@lorimoghadam3054]

My dad taught for 35 plus years. I helped him growing up. He helped me for 15 plus years. He is currently on hospice and I missed him so much this year setting up my classroom. My son came three days and helped. He is leaving for Purdue University in two weeks. I have another son staying home going to college online. Your room looks great. Family is golden.

[@JamieB2357]

Preschool teacher here! Yes Sunday is the first day for the calendar. And I’d combine the numbers on calendar when needed

[@tammymisa5600]

When you have the extra numbers...just move the month name on top and then put the days of the week in the top space - I think that would make the most sense and look the neatest!

[@tessarenton5778]

I would maybe put the month above the calendar or just use a magnet to put it at the very top so that you can keep the numbers where they are and still fit the days of the week. Looks so cute though!

[@jessicabenson9000]

If you wanted to tackle the bookshelf one more time…. Or later on during the year…. I think it would look super cute if you put that white contact paper with the polka dots on the sides to cover up the pinks and blues. Love your videos!

[@kaetillery1619]

Great idea!

[@kristenschroeder6643]

All my pocket calendars have Sunday as the first day and I have the dates with the slashed numbers for those oddly spaced months. Maybe you can make some and print those 2 date cards.

[@katiekakesc6211]

Hey, you could put magnets on the backs of the months and put them on the white board above the pocket chart and place the days of the week on the first line of the pocket chart and the numbers to follow!

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

I love watching classroom videos lots of fun on KZbin

[@ashleyf50]

The contact paper would look cute on the Barbie bookshelf

[@sharontesi4273]

I don't think I ever had a classroom set up where there wasn't a mess at some point 🤣🤣🤣-- it just makes the end product even more satisfying, right?! 😊

[@adriapie]

I officially start my 5th year teaching high school social studies tomorrow! Thank you for posting these classroom setup videos! I get a lot of ideas on how to decorate my classroom from you.

[@katjagiebmanns4208]

I feel like you could put the days of the week on the top row and then make your months slightly raised (either by reprinting out and making a larger blank space at the bottom or just by gluing the months to a piece of laminated cardstock). That way the month can just sit behind the days of the week.

[@michelebatchler9259]

I do Sunday as the first day of the week. I have the same calendar pocket chart. I put the month at the top, then days of the week. I do use the 2 number ones or in case of December, not even worry about it. You could do the magnet underneath. Lots of options.

[@andrealynne5328]

I'm also a 2nd grade teacher. I teach in Tennessee and our first day is August 10th, and open house is August 3rd. Super early, but we have been out since May 27th so I can't complain! I absolutely LOVE your room. Your style is totally different from mine, which makes it all the more fun and inspiring to watch!! I had the same issue with my calendar and it drove me nuts! I just stuck the numbers underneath. Honestly, it was only a month or two that I had to do that, but my teacher OCD was killing me to look at it LOL! Can't wait to see more of your videos. You are so passionate about your job and it shows! ❤️

[@teachcreateandcaffeinate]

Love all your set up vlogs 💕🤗 I have been having so much fun setting up as well! I totally agree with you, if it brings you joy why not ☺️ Happy classroom set up days! Enjoying all the inspiration!

[@lizaanderson6331]

Looking at your calendar. Maybe put magnets on the month and put it on the whiteboard over the pocket chart that way you can use the whole thing for days of the week and numbers.

[@3653m]

Sunday as the first day! At first I was thinking I would just move the month up to the white board to put the days on the top… but when you said maybe using magnets I liked that idea better!

[@lauriev1528]

Kim, you might what to use T pins to hang up your baskets. You might want to hang the months up next to your calendar and use them as part of your calendar activity. It helps them know the order of the months. I wrote the day with the words and with the numbers Ex: September 1, 2021 and 9/1/21. It is a skill we need and it is surprising that when I taught 3rd grade they didn't necessarily remember the order of the months. For you Wonder Wall, how about Wall on the plates at the bottom right hand corner. I had my rug in the back of the room and it worked perfectly. I too love decorating my classroom too. I think each teacher needs to do what works best for them. Enjoy.

[@triciahodd396]

The black book shelf by your teacher area could be moved under your basket wall to house your read alouds and any morning meeting items you may need, which would move it from the current location and fill in space under the basket wall which will anchor that space a bit more. Great job!!

[@checkinoutbooks7563]

Put the month above the chart then put the days of the week on the first line.

[@colleensedote1901]

I was able to get in my classroom for the first time today to set up. We had summer school in our building all summer. Teachers officially start back August 9, and kids start back August 16.

[@haleyf3083]

I’m excited and nervous. Arkansas numbers are up so we are following existing guidelines from last year. My son starts kinder this year and will be with me. I hate that I’m scared for him when I should be excited for him. Just overwhelming! I’m also second grade, year four and they are so much fun at this age!

[@cmc7780]

For the calendar you could put the months on magnets and place the current one above the calendar. Then the days of the week and numbers are in the pockets. For the wonder wall, wall would be cute in the bottom right corner!

[@cassandraroberts3711]

I teach first and I start my calendar on Sunday and I normally use the dates that have the “/“ in them.

[@riannalynn16]

I start my calendar with Sunday. You could always make the month card bigger and put it on magnets above the pocket chart and then put the days of the week on the line where you have the month currently.

[@michelleelliott5079]

Hi Kim! I love watching your set-up videos every summer! You are so creative and your students are so lucky to have you as their teacher. I am a second grade teacher in Ontario, Canada. In order to include the days of the week on your calendar, you will have a split day (24/31, etc.) on some months. It's okay to model this, because they will see it this way on a wall calendar. F.Y.I.: September only has 30 days. (September 31st = October 1st is my birthday!)

[@nikaylamordue3581]

For the wonder wall you could do Wonder A L L

[@rayniemakloski2345]

If your board is magnetic you could put the month on magnets and move it to the top so you can use the top pocket for the days of the week. Also, I put Sunday as the start of my week. I teach 1st grade!

[@emeldabonilla7529]

You could totally put books in those baskets. Love it !

[@starrydreamer]

For your doll house- I realize you're almost done, but to have cut down on the number of layers start with primer- especially since you were dealing with bright colours. I might've also suggested even sanding the gloss down too if it was glossy. But definitely primer. Then a standard white wall paint over that. If you put the doll house on a desk when painting it'll be easier to paint that bottom level, rather than sitting on the floor and leaning in.

[@Mikkixox9]

We are contracted back to school on September 2nd and the kids start back on September 7th after the Labour Day long weekend. If you had've asked me even a week ago if I was ready to be going back I would've laughed and said no way. It normally takes me about a month and then I start getting excited about going back and here I am the 1st of August starting to get excited to go back, but also still on vacay mode while I can be!

[@mackenzierochelle7874]

Magnetic months and put days of week in first slot!

[@jenniferschwabauer1493]

In my classroom, I start with Sunday on my calendar. I figure that this is how my kids see most calendars, so I wanted to keep it consistent, (plus it goes with my days of the week song!) When I run into a month that doesn't quite fit, I attach my remaining days below my pocket chart in the appropriate spot.

[@gwitting10]

You always bring a smile to my face! I’ve been watching since my freshman year of college and now I’m going into my student teaching!! Just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me, and hello from a fellow mitten teacher ❤️

[@dawnlee1155]

Every episode I can’t wait to see the doll house what a creative idea so cute 💕

[@louisefoster406]

For the square labels laminate them and then use whiteboard marker on the so you can rub them off and re use x

[@Mahmadein]

Start with Sunday…for days of the week, I list the days vertically with cards and use arrows to indicate yesterday, today, tomorrow

[@michellewilliams8018]

Your classroom is looking GREAT! Your mom is the sweetest; you can tell that you guys have a wonderful relationship!!

[@ariellathomazin5093]

You should move the month label above the calendar and use the top calendar pocket for the days of the week!!

[@carlyleonard5867]

Hey! I think for the calendar you could velcro the month (or use a magnet) for the month and put it on the top/the black, top portion of the pocket chart. You can also you permanent vinyl instead of heat transfer and it should still work on the plastic. Start the calendar on a Sunday!!

[@ahoy_elementary7826]

I love your calendar! I would put the month over the pocket chart and days of the week in the top pocket. I would start with Sunday.

[@stephanieglassmeyer1973]

I would just put the month on top with magnets and the days of the week can be the top line. :D

[@jackiej5384]

First year teacher in first grade! My first day is August 23rd. I’m loving your room setup 😊

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

So, so exciting! Thank you, Jackie! 😊💛

[@kaitlindennis7076]

I teach Pre-K and we start after labor day! I love your room! This year, after COVID, I needed something bright so I made a rainbow room!

[@Elarawen]

One of the other teachers I watch on YT uses those little pocket things you were asking about. She laminated them and then cut the little pockets open with an exacto knife. She said hers lasted closer to the 5 year mark.

[@BriannaFlagg]

I would put the month above the pocket chart on a magnet and add the days of the week in that first row! Everything is looking great! I’m going into my fifth year and have moved rooms or schools every year too!😅

[@lakyndanielle16]

I would definitely put the month on a magnet above the pocket chart and then include the days of the week within the pocket chart :)

[@emruss6]

I love all of the greenery in your room!! I am trying to add more into my room, especially since I have no windows. I am also someone who loves spending time during the summer setting up my classroom. I have been in the same room for a few years now, so I always want to switch things up!

[@mandyglenn1940]

Same!!

[@elainnamyers1757]

You can put the month on magnets above the chart… maybe make the months larger so it stands out more above the chart 😁

[@laurencatherine2568]

For the calendar, I use black tape on my whiteboard it looks so much nicer and you only need to outline your numbers!

[@janetamato9210]

We return august 11 th and our students come back on August 12th. You room is very cozy.

[@maseffects]

I would put the month above it. Put velcro dots on the back to change it out and put the days of the week where your month is.

[@blonderoast3032]

Suggestion for that little dollar spot shelf: use small (like thumb tack circumference or smaller) nails instead of the push pins. The pins will wiggle out over time and that will fall. I have my key hook rack held up with push pins and it falls all the time. Edit: if you can use a larger nail you might use that, too. I was just going off of hole size.

[@hailee4978]

I start student teaching August 9th and kids start August 16th! I will be in a first grade classroom. I am so excited, yet so nervous!

[@emilyc5307]

Put the months above your calendar pocket chart. Use magnetic tape. That's what I would do!

[@myrthevanrenswoude.5817]

You can use permanent marker of fabric marker for the days of the week in the fabric. There are a lot of collours out there

[@LizzehMarie]

For the calendars: I do Sunday - Saturday (Sunday first day ) and then when you dodn't have enough room for all the cards, I do a slash!

[@ZelymarieRodriguezJimenez]

I love your videos! My classroom set-up went good. Is my first year teaching, I will be teaching 3rd grade and Friday 08-06 was my meet the teacher and Tuesday 08-10 is our first day of school. Keep the good job, you are a great inspiration!

[@gretchenbertuccini6465]

You can make the tension rod narrower by just twisting it. I would definitely put the days off the week in the traditional manner of Sunday being the first day of the week. I think as teachers it’s our job to always present the proper way/actual way things should be. And my suggestion is to use the / with the calendar dates for when you go “off the chart”

[@clarenemeth9916]

Just watching your video. Your room is looking really cute and you have a beautiful mom. For your calendar you could put the month above the pocket chart and put your days of the week in that slot on your pocket chart.

[@Blake.Cooper]

Sunday is the beginning of the week. Month goes above the calendar with magnets. You have to have days of the week.

[@jessicaoliver773]

For the calendar I would use magnets on the back of the month and put those above the pocket chart and then put the days of the week inside the pocket chart on the top.

[@lauriev1528]

I start my calendar with Sunday, the traditional way and I just stapled my extra row to my bulletin board, in your case you would do magnets. We also did many other math activities during calendar time. Your room is looking good.

[@micheleruppert9576]

I used to have the month card above the pocket chart on magnets. And I started with Sunday.

[@lindsaytownsend129]

I go back August 30, but no students until September 9! 😳 Excited to see your sound wall!

[@lorimoghadam3054]

use your cricket to make them small and place them on your white board to the right. Cut out a LARGE arrow to move to the day of the week. (Just a suggestion) I like your decor numbers you have.

[@dannimack1020]

Do magnets at the bottom when you need to because I did the slash in 1st grade this past year and no matter how much I explained it, they didn't get it. and I do it Sunday through Saturday like a traditional calendar.

[@anadavalle5974]

Great videos!!!! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I start on 8/30. For the calendar, I start with Sunday as the first day. I think you can either add magnetic numbers at the end of the months as needed, otherwise, you can place the month on the white board and you'll have room to put the days of the week as well as all the numbers.

[@rebeccaannrose1552]

My kids go back to school August 18th 😘 love watching ur vlogs 😘😘

[@saram9952]

For the calendar I would put the days of the week where the month goes and I would just add a magnet to all of the months to put above the pocket chart

[@kathrynkoepl2849]

You can hole punch and hang your months on the board above your calendar (on magnets) and the put the days of the week where you currently have the month!

[@ashleighwalter2862]

At the preschool at we use Sunday as the first day and then we use the split cards for certain numbers

[@carolmichael8585]

Love what you do!! You do You! It doesn't matter what others think as this is your home away from home!

[@carolynhaines8048]

Since your board is magnetic, I would put the overflow dates below. It only happens a few times a year. The slash dates are confusing to second graders. As an alternative, you could put magnets on the month and use the top row for days of the week. I would start the calendar on Sunday. Your room is looking so, so good.

[@julies9267]

So cute!! I LOVE decorating my classroom too. I spend a lot of my own money but that's my choice. My house is very minimal as well so I spend my time/energy/money in my classroom. I'm going into my 21st year in kindergarten. Thanks for being so real and so sweet! p.s. my mom has made a lot of stuff for my room too!! 🤎

[@mrsdscraftdesk]

When the days don’t fit at the end of the calendar, I just put them in the top row. The kids always seem to understand that my pocket chart was too small. Definitely start with Sunday; all calendars in the US do that and they need to see what they’ll see everywhere else. I think you should put wonder wall across the top and cut a few sprigs from your extra leaf things for extra cuteness.

[@suzy6070]

We usually get a six week summer, but this year we had seven weeks due to Covid 👌🏽We finished up on 25th June and go back 16th August here in Scotland. Thanks for sharing your set up!! ❤️

[@amberbennett5496]

Hi Kim, I start with Sunday and use the slash date if needed 😉

[@kathywest8994]

Just make the month card magnetic and put it above the pocket chart. Then you can put the days of the week in the first slot on the pocket chart.

[@Oliveyourmoney]

That was what my idea was

[@kathywest8994]

@@Oliveyourmoney Great minds

[@readsandeats2263]

Your classroom is looking really good. Looking forward to seeing how it is when finished. Your kids will love coming to class everyday.

[@lisamayne9505]

For my own calendar I prefer to have the weekend together because I plan for those days together. However I've been working in special ed and I like starting the calendar in the classroom with Sunday as we often talk about what day was yesterday or what day is tomorrow? So starting the calendar with Sunday makes that easier for those who need the visual prompt.