Classroom Setup | Lights, Walls, Counters | The Lettered Classroom

[@lynleeridley7454]

Do you have a video or an example of your anchor chart binder? I love the idea, and I would love to see yours.

[@WanidaMae]

Love that your room is so clean and down to what you really need. I teach higher grades and my classes like it like this as well, because it is way easier to concentrate like this.

[@rebeccat8501]

I love the windows with nothing blocking. Just looks so bright, airy and flowy. I love red shelf on floor. Makes reading cozy

[@jean-mariesimpson8989]

Like the red bookshelf next to the black one!

[@yielyvega2057]

Love the red bookshelf where you put it and love all the natural light that’s coming from the windows ... also your room looks so clean I feel like a lot of teachers make their rooms look so heavy/cluttered with so much stuff yet your room looks so cozy clean and organized

[@mirandabarron6507]

I love the black and red bookshelves. And the anchor chart is soooo smart. I love your videos. So many great tips. Thank you

[@sarahleduff6513]

Coming along great! I like the red bookshelf on the counter better. Floor space is precious and I think it would open up your floor more

[@sarahleduff6513]

Actually the more I look at it the more I can see the appeal of where it is. Tricky! Haha

[@iteachteachers3370]

Oh how I love what you've shared about stuff on your walls. Also, anchor chart organization is BRILLIANT! I will share this idea with my college students!

[@natusce]

I’m so glad to see you moving more towards less cluttered “Less is more” kind of a classroom!!!! I’be been following you for a while but now I’m going to be following you even harder lol!!!

[@julianhoustici]

It’s fun to watch these because it shows us how the teachers act in there everyday life vs what we see in school

[@staceydaniels7531]

I love what you said about things on your walls. I agree that things need to be intentional. I have really be stressing out about what others might say if I don't have a bulletin board for this or that. I have one gigantic b.b. and 2 smaller ones. I decided to use the big one for anchor charts this year so not many other things will be put on the walls.

[@xchurricane]

When I was in school natural lighting was always my favorite to work with. Plus, then all the books are in the same area!

[@BriannaFlagg]

I’m so grateful that my classroom this year has the dimmable lights! It allows for soft lighting without having to provide a lot of alternative lighting which is so nice. I really struggled not having that option last year without having to spend a bunch of my own money on lighting so I ended up just using natural lighting of the windows.

[@BriannaFlagg]

Also keeping anchor charts accessible for students digitally is the most genius thing I have EVER heard of. Thank you for sharing that idea!!!!

[@MakeItWithMich]

Love it all!! We aren't allowed to hang anything from the ceiling so I can't hang lights or anything but our school is brand new with HUGE windows so that's not necessary. But it looks SO NICE!! Also, fake plants are the way to go, honestly. The little Ikea ones make it feel homey without having to water anything!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Mich Rogers so true about the plants. I did try and have a few real ones that I know I can keep alive so I’ll add those and maybe a snake plant.

[@lindseybalducci8649]

I understand where you’re coming from on the idea of having less clutter, but I really love decorating my “teacher area” with cute little things. It brings me joy and can make working in my room during “off hours” (weekends, evenings, etc.) a little less of a drag.

[@alisonmcdonald4387]

I think you should keep your counter space open. That natural light is amazing. I like teaching with natural light too. I think the red bookcase is in a great place.

[@10kmgarcia]

Thank you for tip #2! I teach first grade and make anchor charts every week for every skill for every subject!! I usually introduce the skill on Monday and have them draw the anchor chart in their journal. So it targets multiple learning styles. I never thought about taking a picture of it and giving it to them. That’ll help especially for those students who don’t have the best handwriting. Thank you!! 💕💕💕💕💕

[@iteachteachers3370]

Agree! Such a great idea!

[@clarenemeth9916]

Love the idea of preserving the natural light. Going to play around with lighting in my room this year. Your room looks great!

[@julieaaron2603]

This classroom set-up is incredibly inviting 💜

[@tabbyy_b]

Love your idea of using lights on the ceiling! I also like to string lights in my classroom!

[@ThatNewTeacher]

Love that natural light! I would love to have windows like that!

[@malissac7966]

I love that you set the goal of two days to set up your room. My goal is three days😃. Red bookshelf on the floor, looks great.

[@sandrajohnson4233]

Im surprised so many people put up lights and lamps with fire code. I can't have them. Same with your floor to ceiling paper. Its cute, but code violation. Same with curtains. It sucks because we'd all love to be more homey, but often times its a code violation. I like how you placed your red bookshelf. It makes the back counter open and not cluttered. You cold also make a sign and just tape it the the back of the black one. I love your back counter seating! I wish I had all the storage and counters you have.

[@isabellelechasseur6938]

Hi Bridget! I've been watching you for a while and this is my favorite set up you did. It looks homie whilst looking so airy. Love the decluttered windows. I personaly wouldnt leave the red shelf in the middle. I think kids could stumble on it when there is a lot of traffic lol Have a good day!

[@danadbrown91]

Exactly the vibe I am going for in my room as well. "Plant Lady"

[@BridgingLiteracy]

danadbrown91 🤣 yeeesssss!

[@jennyaustin5927]

I love your lights!!!!! Specially the light bulbs going zig zag...... 😊👏👏👏 And the book case looks great there.... To me it looks cozy..... 😊

[@connorc8335]

Omg, good morning Bridget! It's been ages since I've checked in! Great to see everything is still going brilliantly :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Connor Clark thank you! It’s been a good start so far!

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

Hey lady...as a neighboring state, it stays dull to dark outside for a good chunk of the school year. Your lights look great now, but you might need more come mid fall. If you want one of your bookshelves/storage areas back, you could stack 2 stools or store them upside down, right side up next to each other. I'm always interested to see how you're MAC is every year as it continues to evolve.

[@catheheme2989]

How do you get the lights okayed by the fire inspectors? That would not pass in my district. Any suggestions for additional lighting would be truly appreciated.

[@AubreySmalls]

You can get any type of fabric and hang it on the back on the black shelf where the students get their books. Then you won't be able to see through. I think I may have to hang some lights in my classroom this year. I haven't done it before.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Mr. Smalls the Music Teacher great tip! Thank you!

[@AubreySmalls]

@@BridgingLiteracy Anytime.

[@danaevans4655]

Looks good!

[@ribblettsgaming2779]

Use a short curtin on the back of the black shelf. It will cover the gap and add backing color from the other side in the open cubby hole areas. Just an idea.

[@1993slh]

Good morning Bridget from Missouri!! I love how much effort you put into your classroom!! I have been watching your videos for a long time! I think you and Michelle from Pocketful of Primary have similar ideas! I want to meet you both so bad! I am your biggest fan!! Question: What grades are your children going into?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

1993slh good morning! I’ll be leading a trip to Jamaica with some PD added to it with Bookbag Tours! I’d love it if you’d come and talk all things teaching!!!! 💕 Ian is going into 7th grade this year and Blaine is starting kindergarten! Can you believe it!? They grow up so fast!

[@1993slh]

Your kids are growing up so fast. Would I be able to go if I am still in college? I am in a community college trying to become a teacher.

[@KeeganH]

Where can we find the posters for the hand signals?? I love them and need those in my classroom! Thanks! ❤️

[@monicawhitworth4973]

I would love to know too. Thanks!

[@carlybadalamenti4970]

Love the look of your classroom! I am moving to a new school this year and can’t wait to decorate. However, this classroom is smaller and one whole wall is like yours with the window and air condition. I love the curtains I was wondering where you got them. I noticed they were bunched at the bottom, I thought that would bother me but yours look great! I’m just worried about the lack of space but I too agree about the lighting tip. Hence why I want to cover my lights with homey type curtains. Also how did you put the brick wall up? Hot glue? I love that you have a accent wall I want to do the same! Love your room!

[@crumcake3]

I would like to live the clutter free life as well. I teach pre k and I am usual have a free space until October. Then I loose my way. The struggle is real.

[@mzzzzzzday]

i've been observing teachers who turn off the lights and let the sun in their classroom. way more calm imo

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Julia Roberts I completely agree 👍🏼

[@taniaaponte9878]

I always turn off the lights in my classroom. I have light sensitivity, which leads to migraines. It’s also very mellow. My students prefer the lights off and the natural light is great. I love your light idea though! It would be awesome on rainy or cloudy days!❤️

[@tislamdellis3217]

Yes....I've been doing it for years.

[@samanthamiretzky7355]

Personally wouldn't put the red beside the black. You spoke last vlog about how much traffic was caused. I know part of the remedy was to separate books from mailboxes, but you're now restricting kids to the carpet area, whereas if you move the red bookshelf they can access from both sides - creating a better flow and less traffic on the carpet area.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Samantha Miretzky you are literally reading my mind! Love that you also referenced the last vlog 😜 I’m just not sure where to plug it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@samanthamiretzky7355]

@@BridgingLiteracy Are the cupboards/closets in the back of your room accessed frequently? Would it be problematic to block one of those doors?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Samantha Miretzky yes. I have my curriculum binders in one closet and the back middle closets are for the kids.

[@JustBethTrying]

Do you really need the red thing?

[@Ms.smilingfaces]

I love your classroom. Florescent lights really gives me a headache where did you get the lights on your ceiling from?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Racquel H. Yes! They really irritate me and I know that I am a better teacher not using them all the time 🤣

[@hannahis813]

Less is more, my theme as well! In that student area can you put that framed picture up on the wall there? The one next to that small plant. I feel it’s taking up useless space and would look cute up on the wall! ☺️ my opinion, you do you lol

[@iteachteachers3370]

I agree!

[@burntsocks_]

Hi it’s me LuLu, I miss you. And I think you really helped me grow as a person, your the best :)

[@UnicornsRock]

DIAGONILLY I'm dying. This made me laugh so loud!

[@iteachteachers3370]

Me too!

[@elainclusioninthe8th341]

What do you use to hang your lights?

[@ljp117]

How about if you put the red bookshelf on top of the black one?

[@teresafavors9148]

Love your classroom 😀😀

[@kristinchappell6677]

Where did you get the asl sign posters? I like how simple they are, and they would be great for my preschoolers!

[@kristinchappell6677]

Also, love the stools in the cabinet! I would love that seating as a kid

[@toschaferguson5749]

I would love to know how you are going to use the units ribbons for math on the bulletin board.

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

I would leave the window area open. I like where you put the book display.

[@toschaferguson5749]

What are your suggestions for battery powered lighting. My school doesn’t allow us to hVe any plug in lights. :(

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Toscha ferguson the lights where my student area is above my books are battery powered. The flashing light is battery powered and you can find some super cute fairy lights that are battery powered. Where there is a will, there is a way, and I tend to live by the philosophy of doing things and asking for forgiveness. 😅

[@crimsoncreekmisfitranchaka3934]

I have always taught in districts where we weren’t allowed to plug in anything not provided by them. We have also always been limited to a certain percentage of wall space for any sort of decorations, resources or other materials (plus tape only for attaching) and nothing was ever allowed to be hanging from the ceiling. I am still waiting to find out what is allowed at my new district. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@hairgirl1970]

Love your room! Where is your dress from?

[@tishamoore7960]

What does your fire marshal say about your lights?

[@marykruseski9550]

What if you made some kind of sign/poster that would slide into the top slot of the red bookshelf? (Maybe foam board, so it’s sturdy). Make it high enough to cover the openings in the black one. It might work😊

[@aliciahdz83]

What kind of white stools are those?

[@Antinque]

Those fluorescent lights change the mood of my students. Some are overly active when I’m interacting with them. I realized that my classroom is more calm and my students engage more when the fluorescent lighting is off and my tree lights are on. My shades are up giving natural light. IDK...this has changed my classroom atmosphere.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Antinque I agree, at least for my kiddos. I see a big change in them. I even make a note of it on my sub plans that they seem to do better with the lights off.

[@lauriewilliams8336]

I totally agree! I had my lights off for the last 2 years. My students were much better behaved with the lights off. Also more into the work zone. The room was just cozier.

[@GirlwholuvsCODMWF2]

What lights did you hang from the ceiling?

[@LifeinMultiples]

It was a mad dash for me too...kinda still not done 😭😭😭 I'm so overwhelmed!

[@heatherthomas333]

The red shelf looks good by the black shelf. If books don’t cover it all the way then you could place a black piece of construction paper on the black shelf to cover it.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Heather Thomas great idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@VeeAlee]

I love this but sadly I can't have this type of space because of the different curriculum departments wanting to see what they want to see. I always thought it looked tacky and messy. Any advice??????

[@mrsdscraftdesk]

Do you teach reading too or just math? If you just teach math, do you need such an extensive classroom library? Also some districts require that anchor charts remain posted. If someone wants to take theirs down, check with your instructional leader or mentor teacher or whoever before you toss it.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

MrsDegeyter'sDesk I teach all areas. Reading, math, writing and content. ☺️

[@BridgingLiteracy]

MrsDegeyter'sDesk also! Such a great point about anchor charts! My old school asked that we keep up the beginning of the year charts for the first 20 days. Thank you for reminding us! ❤️

[@silvataylor4097]

What tips do you have for a classroom without windows?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

My first and second year teaching was in a classroom without windows. Lots of lamps and cozy areas. I even made fake window frames in my room and changed out the background with the seasons! I loved them and the kids loved them too because their art work decorated them ❤️

[@owleyes71]

Do you think the minimal idea would work for kinders?

[@hannahpillow2382]

I do, I teach preschool and stick to minimal because it's overstimulating for them.

[@MrLumination]

I usually have my front lights off and the back ones on. In my school we are not allowed to have fairy lights because it’s a fire hazard

[@Dede_5718]

Thank you ..I needed this reminder😊

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

Bins with them name tags for table caddy and turn off the lights

[@carleshadyse3413]

Where did you find that dress??

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

bins for names tags for there table caddy and table number

[@lilianamisiak8814]

What grade do u teach and where

[@KristyShey]

I wish I could do cool seating like that, but my classes range from 28-36 students, so I don't have the space. :(

[@HelloNatalieK]

Nice, don’t block the windows 😊

[@karenross3457]

I am surprised they allow the string lights. We were not allowed in my district.

[@aglaurendance]

I’m confused- I thought you were teaching 3 grades and the kids were rotating between you and your teammates, but in this video you were talking primarily about 5th grade math and 26 students- has your school changed?

[@berenicesanchez4394]

😉👍

[@victoriaLL345]

Leave window area clear.

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

and them Data flooder

[@brooklynwindham2548]

Diagonally 😂