CLASSROOM SETUP! // days 4 + 5 // first year teacher

WELCOME BACK! or welcome if you're new :)
Hope you enjoy today's classroom setup!! thank you so much for watching + supporting me!!
follow me on instagram: @elementary.withemily
AMAZON WISHLIST: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
XOXO

[@ElementaryInTheMitten]

Okay LOVED seeing you share your Amazon haul! So many people donated to my classroom when I was a first year teacher and it meant so much to me, so I love being able to give back to first year teachers when I’m able to as well! Your classroom is seriously looking great and I say focus on the decor as much as your heart desires because you are working on this during your unpaid summer time!! Spend your time as you wish - it’s YOUR time and you are already going above and beyond to make your space inviting for your fourth graders! 🥳

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!!!🙌🏻 now i can pay it forward as well to my fellow first year teachers. you’re so right!💛

[@randihubbard4975]

I knew that was from you Kim!! Funny 😆 I remember you sharing that book too

[@ashleyheinichen214]

Hi guys! I am actually going to be a first year fourth grade teacher. I have nothing to start and I made a wishlist as well. If anyone would wanna contribute I’d be so grateful. - Ashley

[@ashleyheinichen214]

Do you know how to get the wishlist out? I have no one that has contributed yet it’s getting close to the next year. I’m going to be teaching for the first time 4th grade as well let me know if you have any suggestions!

[@postitsandpens]

I personally am okay if you leave the AC on. We can hear it in the background but it's not overwhelming.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!! i appreciate that☺️

[@kylie8017]

Same!!

[@ImMo1256]

Same!!

[@maeganmcdonald7488]

Same, I can’t even hear it!

[@cimmorelli1234]

yess.. please be comfortable!!

[@expressionsdancer55]

Girllll decorate that room! I’m going into my second year and if the thing getting you excited for the year is decorating then 👏do 👏it!! Don’t feel guilty for wanting to make your classroom beautiful and cozy for your kiddos. You’ll learn the curriculum and stuff as you go, and will be able to collaborate with other teachers before the year starts to plan and figure it all out. You got this!! 🤍🤍

[@chelseahockenberry1621]

I would add more than two desks to the group, but that’s just me! I would do 3 groups of 4 and 2 of 5

[@elizabethrhoades1787]

You are not a bad teacher, you are a NEW teacher! My first year I felt completely lost and overwhelmed. You are doing a great job and it's very obvious you have the passion needed for this profession!

[@Xycee32aa]

“Today is…” is a good header for above the calendar

[@sarahpatterson738]

Ahhhhh I'm so glad my package got to you! Velcro dots (and magnet dots) were EVERYTHING in my first classroom so I knew I needed to send some with the pencils! Here's to a positive first year experience filled with wonderful memories- my first class is one I will never ever forget 💖

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you SO MUCH!!! it means so much to me that you would take time to send me things💛💛

[@templezimlich3009]

Oh my gosh! Yes! I am a first year teacher setting up my Kindergarten classroom. I have been so excited to finally get in my classroom and set everything up and now that I'm in there, I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing...Ahhhh! But we got this! Just wanted you to know you are so NOT alone!

[@carolynsharp8863]

I am only 3 minutes into the video and had to pause to comment. My heart hurts for you right now! You are doing a FABULOUS job and will be a phenomenal teacher. I am going into my 4th year and I am still learning so much every day. Rome was not built in a day. It takes time to know how you want to set up your classroom. Even then, sometimes what you think you want goes out the window when the kids show up. 😂 What works for some classes does not always work for other groups of kids. You are doing great! Be proud of the things you have accomplished. You are creating a warm and inviting space that your students will feel safe in. ❤️ That’s what matters.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

this is SO sweet. I needed to hear it!!! thank you SO much 💛

[@teachingpebbles6969]

For the desks! Instead of having two kiddos alone on the edge, save that room for sitting on the floor and working together/walking space and add the other two desks to your back tables (add them on the end next to your current #5 desk to make tables of 6). Looking good!

[@lydiamcguire3950]

Coming from a 13 year veteran teacher… a classroom is so personal, so you are the only one that knows what is best! The beauty of being a first year teacher is that you get to figure it out as you go making it impossible to do it the wrong way! Your room will be perfect because it is already a testament to how much you love your students before you’ve even met them! 💙

[@deetee8100]

Ask the custodian if they can change the desk heights. Or see how the legs move...I’ve changed my own with an Allen wrench.

[@ImMo1256]

Girly, don’t worry about what people say. First of all this is a classroom SETUP video. I watch these to see cute ways new teachers are setting up their rooms. Obviously yes procedures and classroom management are important but no one knows what you’re doing at home. Enjoy being excited about being in your room for the first time and making it cute and fun for your students. I promise it does make a difference. Good luck with your first year and have fun at your bachelorette! Mine was last week.

[@rebeccagerber6370]

Be easy on yourself- the first 5 years are always tough, but keep going; your classroom setup looks great so far, and you've got what it takes to be a great teacher. Everything of the best in your teaching journey 💗

[@Teacherlife_MW]

Hey there! 👋🏽 My order of doing things would be… 1. Layout 2. Creating areas for centers + library 3. Organization + supplies 4. Bulletins, posters, white board etc. (I would do printing, cutting, laminating, labeling etc at home.) However, I completely agree with Kim regarding to things YOUR way because it’ll all be perfect by the 1st day of school. Good luck this year! 😊

[@randihubbard4975]

Also I agree with Kim, decorate all you want!!! It is helpful when decorating if you do know how you want your class to flow, but decorate your heart out, you spend so much time in your room!

[@mykinderclassroom6785]

You are not a bad teacher! It's your first year! Give yourself grace. All teachers have been in your shoes!

[@rochellewindley50]

I'm getting ready to be a first-year teacher as well! I was originally going to teach fourth grade, but they moved me to first. I had already bought so much fourth-grade stuff lol! You are so blessed to have people donate to your classroom. I have been so excited that I've pretty much bought everything on my own lol. I love watching your room come together! I pray you have an amazing first year!!!

[@amberburke9941]

I’m teaching first as a first year teacher as well! Good luck. I created an Amazon list because everyone kept asking me how could they help. Most of the items on my list have been purchased from others😁 my debit card is glad for the break🙃😂

[@rochellewindley50]

Amber Burke that’s awesome!! Good luck to you as well!! 😊

[@HeyJessie14]

I have moved classrooms all 4 years that I have taught, and I am with you in that I have to decorate my classroom first. I find it is so much easier to plan once the room is complete (or close to it) because I can visualize how the kids will move around the room as they work and turn things in. I want to reiterate that you are doing a great job. Your students will love you and the space you created for them! Have fun at your Bachelorette party!

[@kaylajames7073]

You are SO not a bad teacher!! I can tell that you really care about your students and want them to have a welcoming environment, and that’s what makes a great teacher. I’m also a first year teacher and feel like I have no idea what I’m doing so you’re not alone!

[@jessicatolin08]

This will be my first full year teaching. I took over a class in January and have learned alot! Even teachers who have been teaching for years forget things. Don't be too hard on yourself, you're going to do amazing!

[@breannawisneski3078]

I love how your room is coming along!! The first couple of years is SO hard to figure everything out and when you see classrooms “done” you don’t always see the struggle in getting them there. Have so so much fun on your bachelorette party and enjoy every second of it ☺️

[@kaylynweaks3931]

Your not a bad teacher girl this is my frist year teaching at a new school love these helpful tips

[@rachelsimmons3548]

It does stink as a first year teacher. But know that there is no one "right" way to do things. Things you thought were an amazing idea may turn out to be a flop and things that you put together on the fly can turn out to be incredible. The important part of classroom setup is to put together a welcoming environment that functions for you and your students. And honestly, you might not know what that is until you meet your students. Good luck this year! I love watching these videos.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you so much!! you are so kind!

[@amydianda6625]

This will be my 18th year and I still LOVE decorating my classroom. It’s YOUR room and you need to feel comfortable in it. Whatever you need to do to make that happen, do it! People like to give advice and that’s ok, but at the end of the day, it’s your class so do you! You’re doing wonderful already! ❤️

[@malorieherr4662]

I’m in Highschool and I am so excited to become a teacher and decorate my own classroom!!

[@simplysouthernmomma]

You are not a bad teacher! Last year was my first year of teaching. Setting up your first classroom can be hard, but try to keep in mind what the important aspects of a classroom are. The cute things are fun to do, but make sure everything you spend time and money on work to help teach your kids! You will learn along the way! Just try to embrace your first year with open arms and you will be fine!

[@heyyyitszoee]

If you're using the "I can" statements as your learning targets, I've seen others print them out and attach them all to binder rings by subject. Then all you have to do is flip to the learning target and they last for years to come, so long as you keep teaching the same grade/subject/curriculum.

[@brittplans3090]

Your first year is full of aaaaall the emotions!! Totally understandable and I think every teacher can relate. You’re doing a fantastic job so far!

[@KennediM123]

I’m a second year teacher and I felt the way you’re feeling my first year too! Any effort you’re putting into decorating, getting things done early and preparing a warm environment will show your kiddos just how much you care. They really notice! You’re doing great, and I love watching your progress!!

[@rolo7110]

I have really enjoyed your videos. I like seeing your think process. First thing I want to say is, never apologize for your style of organization and planning. Each person is individual and unique, you do it the way is best for you. Personally, I have never been able to do any paperwork or planning done until my room was set up physically, and I don’t have ADHD! :) I’ve been doing it this way for 30 years and it’s always worked for me. I have just ended my final year of teaching but I still enjoy seeing the young teachers being so excited and enthusiastic! Welcome to the club and I wish you many years of happiness and joy with your students!!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you so much!!! wishing you all the best in your next chapter

[@tiffwhit23]

I am loving your classroom setup! For the teacher toolbox labels maybe try to print them to fit to the page or not fit to the page. Your drawers look like normal sized ones. Hope this helps!

[@ManLyrical]

I know this comment is kinda late and now you've already had your first day of school with the students but i just had to say that your classroom is so cute and you put so much care and thought into the room and your students learning

[@dmctgrlly]

I am going into my 3rd year of teaching this year, so I am still a relatively new teacher myself. I'm with Kim on this, you definitely have to go about doing things in a way that makes sense for you and that make YOU happy. This is the time during the summer you can focus more on decoration and still have plenty of time during official back-to-school days to work on procedures, management, and planning. I know that when I got my 1st classroom I was extremely overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that was left behind by the previous teacher. I had nowhere to put my things, so I had to organize everything first. That meant bringing all of my desks and tables down so I could sort things into piles. (I am going to have to do the same thing again this year since I am moving rooms again, lol.) I wanted to jump right into decorating but my OCD got the better of me and the mess had to go. Besides, the decorations are part of classroom management. They are one of the first things that students see when they walk in your room and they set the tone/send a message to the students. You are creating an extremely welcoming space for your students and I can guarantee that they will notice and appreciate that.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

I love this!!! thank you so much☺️💛

[@DevinClaire8]

Your room is looking amazing and so inviting for you/your students! I also love how transparent you are with your feelings and your ADHD. I can’t wait to see more of your classroom come together!! :)

[@kaitlinhillstead8674]

I am also a first-year teacher this year. I feel your stress and can relate to you SO much. I don't know if I am getting, saying, or doing the right things. I relate to you and I hear you. You're incredible and are making me think so much of my own classroom too! It is making me excited to get in my own classroom and get started! You are going to be amazing, keep your head up girly! :)

[@haleyf3083]

I have to decorate my room first too!!! No worries about that girlie!! Give yourself some grace! I didn’t really know what to do academic wise until I prepped with my team and we decided together on certain things! It’s coming together and will look amazing when you’re done!!

[@andrealynne5328]

You're doing a great job! Don't be hard on yourself. I've been teaching for 5 years and I also like to do decor first. It gets me excited for the school year, and once you get started with curriculum and procedures, you won't have much time for decor, so why not do it now?! Do what's best for your, and remember you are doing awesome! I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's all done! ❤️☺️

[@mayaabruzzo8556]

You listen to your heart! At the end of the day it is YOUR classroom so just do what you want and listen to the comments that work with what your doing!

[@tmb1238]

I'm going into my tenth year teaching, just wanted to say that you are WAY ahead of where I was in my first year. You're doing a great job so far, keep it up!

[@Shannon1623]

You do you! I have been doing this 20 years, every teacher has their own way. You got this!

[@kimwoods7131]

It’s getting so cute! I love the excitement in your voice. Don’t worry about what others might think you should do. You do YOU!! I, too, struggle with clear thought processes when tackling a big task. I like to decorate first so that I’m surrounded by a nice looking classroom that isn’t screaming “help me!! 😂🤣 Enjoy your party and be safe!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!!💛

[@bethaniesnow7207]

I just found your channel tonight! I’ve binged all of your classroom setup videos! Everything is looking awesome! :) I’m currently a special education major & this makes me so excited to get into a classroom!! keep up the hard work. you’re doing awesome🤍

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!!🥰

[@shandeller05]

I love how your room is coming along. Great job

[@victoriac9828]

There are labels by pocketful of primary on TPT for that tool box I believe. They are the perfect size!

[@RaeleenxMarie]

Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing great! Your room is coming along so good, love watching your setup videos.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you ☺️

[@jennalm121]

I totally get you with wanting to do layout and decor first! The last 2 years I did it that way, and it made it so that the space wasn’t chaotic and made it easier for me to envision how procedures and management would work! I can’t efficiently think about those things when I’m thinking about the 1000 little things that are still unknown like where thing go or where there’s space to add things

[@victorialeever7856]

Ahhh!! It is looking so cute and together! Love it so much. Enjoy your bachelorette party.

[@rebekahpulido1155]

I am so excited I found your channel! I am also a first year fourth grade teacher this year :) so excited to see what you do with the space

[@marquitachaney3056]

You are doing great! When I was a first-year teacher, I did not have such great teachers offering advice. However, you have to put things into perspective, you will not be able to do it all but do what makes you feel good about your room. Make it "YOUR' happy place. Advice on organization and other things are great but your decor should be based solely on your taste and likes. I hope this helps you! Keep up the great work and I love all your videos!!!!!!

[@gabbiemckinney8568]

Girl I’m also a first year 4th grade teacher in GA! I’m loving your setup videos!!

[@amandazapata8117]

I just started decorating my classroom too! First year 9th grade teacher! :) we are going to do great! 🤍

[@blonderoast3032]

Your room is coming together and looking so cute!

[@lilliej9]

I’m going into my first year teaching 3rd grade. You’re going to do greaaaat! I feel the vibes in your classroom!!! 😁

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you🥰

[@madison1952]

I love how everything so far that has been set up

[@amberriley6558]

For the title for your calendar you could put “happy days” or “good days only”!

[@csmusic90]

I know you can print the labels smaller. You just have to change it on the print preview screen. You can scale it to probably 50% or wherever you need them at

[@thebrailletrailliteracyaty7289]

Here’s my two cents on the decor/order of setup tasks-you KNOW you will get done what you need to get done. (That’s why some of us are at school until midnight the night before school starts lol) but if you don’t get the decor stuff done before the kiddos come you never will. You spend SO MUCH TIME in your room-making it a happy place to be matters! (The very first thing I ALWAYS do is bulletin boards/making my teacher area pretty b/c it makes me happy to do it.)

[@gentrythomas9277]

watching this a little late. i am not a teacher or anything but i love watching your vids. also love the give, serve, love hat. my dad use to be lead pastor at north point's main campus but now we live in arizona. anyways just wanted to say i love your classroom and do not get discouraged, you are doing great!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

oh wow that’s crazy!!! and thank you so much!☺️☺️

[@jennatucker703]

I cannot wait for my senior year of college to end so I can start teaching!! Loving these set up videos!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you🙌🏻

[@lamekiriana1324]

OOoooo heres a good idea for the calender, you can put the kids birthdays there so for the start of the year u print out cupcakes the kids can draw on and then after they decorate at the end of the day when they all leave u can put the kids birthday cupcakes they made on the day of their and the month u know, hopefully that makes sense.

[@kylantv9982]

Your classroom looks amazing!

[@devereauxbalegdeh]

I love how u keep it real with us

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!! that’s the best compliment! i’m alwayssss gonna keep it real👏🏼

[@victoriaLL345]

It looks great!

[@maeganmcdonald7488]

Girl… you do you!! Everyone does it differently! One of my teacher friends starts with her bulletin boards and has those completely finished before starting on anything. I’m going into my 4th year and have done it differently each year😂

[@terrisalazar644]

You should do what you want to do in your classroom. Everything will fall into place. Have a great year!

[@ClaudiaSanchez-1991]

Your room looks great!!!

[@HowTo-jo8nw]

I think for the white board you should divide it into sections.You could user border to divide them and you could also over lap them so one side won’t look flat. You could even just write some squiggly line or something but yeah!

[@CamdenPaige]

Your desk looks super cute!!!

[@lizaanderson6331]

I feel ya....I have ADD plus OCD. Totally Get It!

[@rileyj926]

The groups are amazing but what I would’ve did was a group of two in the front and then three in a straight row on the right and then on the left and then keep putting them back and then whenever you get down to two desk put them in the back but idk if it would fir but go youuuu girllll!!

[@MrYoTeach]

That other pocket is also storage for the other months. You would face them backwards then rotate. Or you could put the big holiday for the month or something like that.

[@ms.coleinfirst2467]

I personally can’t function in mess so I need to have a clean and organized environment before I sit down and plan!

[@drhard_is_in]

Great job so far! As for uneven desk, ask your custodial staff to help you with that. There are holes on the legs of the desk for adjustments.

[@ritaaddam668]

No amazing teacher I bet anyone will give you anything in life just don’t be streak And you are beautiful don’t make yourself a bad teacher you are amazing teacher

[@yo_itz_zyla]

I have that pillow on my bed I love it it will look so good in your classroom love u❤️❤️❤️💖💕💖

[@gabby7379]

I didn’t know some people still use boards in elementary.. when I was in elementary they used smart boards.

[@annamarie9046]

I just did the same thing with the boho rainbow labels for the teachers toolbox. I have the same toolbox as you and found other boho rainbow labels on TPT. Make sure you look at the product description before you purchase but I know there are some that will fit yours!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

oh thank you!!

[@Emerald_Hope]

To be honest when I was in Elementary School I hated it when desks were in groups like that because it was either hard for me to see the board with the person next to me blocking the view... Or it ended with me sitting weirdly to be able to both see the board and write along.... But u do u. Other than the student desks, I love the way u set up ur classroom. U'll do great.

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

it’s better this way so the students are able to collaborate with their group!!

[@jackiej5384]

Hi Emily! I’m going to be a first year, first grade teacher and I just wanted to tell you that I TOTALLY related when you were talking about not feeling like you know what you are doing at the beginning of the video. I haven’t started setup yet, but I feel that so strongly. Part of me feels like O know exactly what to do and the other part feels like I have no idea. Just wanted to tell you that I think you are doing amazing and I can tell how much you already love your kiddos. Have an amazing first year ❤️

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!! you are not alone!!! hope you have a great first year too🥰

[@kaitlynnm4932]

I’m so jealous! I don’t get to see my room until the end of July! I’ll be a first year 3rd grade teacher in California! Glad I found your channel! Have fun at your Bachelorette party, how exciting! For your two extra desks, I wouldn’t have just one group of two, I think those kiddos would feel left out. Maybe groups of 4 instead?

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

thank you!! and yes i didn’t even think of the groups of 4🤣

[@jonathaniler]

You are doing great. There are going to be a lot of times you will think you are doing it wrong. I'm starting again as a Special Area teacher so I'm sure I'll be doing something wrong. Keep up the good work!

[@hollylaz3142]

I think #BestDayEver would be cute about the calendar!

[@ashleyflight5730]

The reason the pink fabric is appearing as two different colours of pink is because the fabric is not facing the same way. If you flipped it over and placed the stretch going the same way, the colour will appear seamless. Just a tip for next time. :)

[@kgaipo72]

I have been teaching for 26 years. I think you are doing a great job. As for your desk set up, when you get the two extra desks try 5 groups of 4 instead. I find it works great especially with things like turn and talk or partners. Everyone has a partner and there is less transition for those things. Just a thought.

[@alixk2334]

I have the same floor lamp in my room for mine the little light got really hot, I changed out the lightbulb and it was fine. Just letting you know in case yours does the same thing!

[@leahfischer8835]

I like the place you put the lamp. The other option was behind the door which may get bumped etc

[@cammydunbar7565]

You should use the magnetic hooks and hook fairy lights around your whiteboard!!

[@jessicawatts544]

Girl you'll be great! Figuring out your first year is hard! Also obsessed with your shirt - where did you get it!?

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

target!! thank you🤩

[@julianamoore9778]

I think you should consider photo copying the borders you didn’t have enough to complete. Then cut them out and glue them to another border to make it the right thickness.

[@neighsayer1787]

I love ur video and I really never know what to do ever so it's okay

[@BrownSideOfAutismTeaches]

Before buying more fabric, maybe try putting your desk at an angle?! So the open space isn’t as visible BUT I think it’s fine as is!

[@yellowcatplays2124]

Hi I love your Chanel merry Christmas

[@devereauxbalegdeh]

I love ittt

[@whitneychavez4499]

Call it the calming corner

[@autumncharrier2198]

hiii i love this series!!! i was wondering if on your first day of school you could do a first day vlog!

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

yes!

[@godsgirl7201]

Love those colors of the world crayons

[@ednatrejo15]

my desks were all different sizes this past year and I know exactly what you mean! lol but after a while, I didn’t even notice it anymore

[@jillianengstrombrula7340]

I had the exact same issue with my toolbox and the labels I bought. What I did was I measured the drawers, then took a screen shot of one label with no text box. Then opened PowerPoint and put the screeenshot label for the amount of drawers that I had and changed the size to fix my drawers. Then put a text box over, and typed. If that makes sense. A few extra steps, but I really liked the labels and worked just fine

[@emilyinthemiddle3119]

that’s what i was thinking. thank you!!!

[@claudineamato1161]

Don't stress yourself about the decor. Think about how you want your classroom to function. Whole group area, small group area, teacher area, library, etc. Start thinking about your routines and procedures. Relax and you will do great.