CLASSROOM SET UP 2024 | pt. 3 tackling the boxes, finishing cabinets, curtains & the closet

It's that time of year!!! CLASSROOM SET UP IS HERE!! If you are new, my name is Katie and I am a teacher in Florida! Come join this set up series as I set up my new third grade classroom for the upcoming school year!
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[@mikaelagraver6582]

To me it would be good to have 1 of the bulletin boards be language arts and the other one social studies because you are teaching both it would just make more sense to do it that way so you students have visually for both of the subjects. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. Love your videos.

[@schoolingsara]

I had a science/social studies board for my anchor charts last year and it was super helpful! Also...I work on the anchor chart with my kids on the smartboard/mimio/whatever and then I write the anchor charts out because I need those anchor charts that I hang up in the room to be legible 😂 Also, re-lable those drawers if it makes you happy - because every time you look at them this year you'll think about it. Looks great!

[@tiffanymcdermott1743]

For those folks who are saying it's too early, she is absolutely right about the "down south vs. up north. " I teach in Kentucky, and we got out May 24th also, and we go back for PDs on July 30th. I like to start right about now organizing all of my classroom organizing now so that when pre-planning happens, I'm not still trying to set up my classroom. 1. I enjoy it. 2. It helps me be able to plan in my space because my space "feels like school", and 3. It helps me not have as much anxiety and stress as I start off the school year because we all know BOY always comes with unknown and unforseen stresses! Have a great summer and a great back to school year- whatever stage you are in, enjoy it fully!😊

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I feel the EXACT same way!! Best of luck in your BTS preparations 😊

[@dancingqueenclc]

Live in Utah and was done May 24th as well. First day of school is August 14th.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@dancingqueenclc Pretty close to our schedule! Students start the 12th 😊

[@Lisa_1023]

So true! I work in Midwest - Columbus, Ohio. The student's last day was May 31st. We don't begin until August 19th. Like you, I like going in early to organize in my classroom. I don't like rushing, so I go in two weeks before we are scheduled to report to school.

[@jackiej5384]

Hi there, fellow third grade teacher here! If you don’t want to have a board for your sound wall, you could tape file folders together and do laminated sound wall that they can put on their desk when working independently. That way, you don’t have to use up space for a sound wall. I like laminating my anchor charts and saving so I don’t have to recreate but I also know teachers who like to do it with the class. I have one for writing that has different sections of the writing process and then students use mini sticky notes with their names on it to track where they are in the writing process. It helps me SO much to know what they need help one since the writing process is the same for almost every type of writing! Lmk if you want more info. Loving this series!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yay third grade buddies! LOVE the writing process idea!! I definitely want to get better at my writing instruction this year and that sounds like a great way to have students self reflect! Thanks for watching and responding Jackie 😊

[@jackiej5384]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary Absolutely! Another idea I thought of for it...different color sticky notes for each class so that you can just leave it up and don't have to have two separate anchor charts! I laminate my basic skeleton of it and then the sticky notes stay on it and I can use it year after year because it is very simple.

[@Ash06TSU]

I love the idea of the social studies board. Also I usually make an anchor chart with each class then combine items for the final one to keep on display. This way each class gets to contribute.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I am leaning towards a social studies board too! And I love that idea! Thanks for the help 😊

[@donnastubblefield8015]

I am in awe of all your storage options. It blew my mind when you showed us the closet! I am so jealous.

[@Vandygriffd]

I am a retired teacher, so you may think my suggestion is crazy. I would use both bulletin boards for what subject you have been assigned to teach. Did you say you were teaching 2 different classes or grades? Then, I would designate 1 for each class. I enjoy watching you. My family asks me why, and I just tell them, "Once a teacher, always a teacher." I hope you have a very blessed year with some wonderfully curious and hardworking students!! Please don't listen to other teachers' opinions of your students. Make your own judgments, and remember, some may come from terrible situations.😊😊❤❤

[@karaheard6794]

I always get my planner at Michael’s. Go when they’re on sale plus you get an extra teacher discount.

[@cali_girl4609]

Hi you could use the second bulletin board for birthdays!🎉😊

[@mariacortez7050]

So happy for you! Looking so good!!!thank you!!!

[@Sarah31619]

For anchor charts, I create 2 separate ones with each class and then once the skill or unit it done I make a “final copy” that stays up all year.

[@dilyswt]

Great series and the new classroom looks great. I would have a board per subject to help anchor students when they change class. An easy way to swap charts would be to use large push pin hooks (the ones with three pin heads are super strong). Then you can punch holes in your anchor chart paper or use the type that's pre-punched and just hang them from the hooks. I only taught whole class but I used to stack up to 15 anchor charts this way, which saved space and meant I could flick through and swap anchor charts mid-lesson if needed with minimal fuss. I used those push-pin hooks for everything from display calendars to hanging my whistle to flip cards. They were one of my classroom must haves. Hope this helps. I'm sure whatever you decide will be fabulous.

[@hellomrsnelson01]

I think a sound wall would be beneficial, especially with the multi syllable words

[@melissarenfro7879]

Everything looks good. I keep my bandaids in a student comfort station along with tissues, hand sanitizer, and cups for the bottle filler. This way the students can serve themselves without too much interruption to the flow of the day.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

GREAT idea! Thanks Melissa ♥️

[@backtoschool1611]

The room is looking great!

[@DisneyPoppinsDisney]

I went from departmentalized 2nd & 3rd last year to self contained 3rd this year. There is so much to consider to change by not changing too much as I am looping. I get your stacked drawer debate. ❤😂😅

[@amandawrightson2469]

I am so jealous of how much storage you have 😅😩

[@courtneyrobinson7444]

My students really benefitted from a grammar/parts of speech/ punctuation board. I tried it this year, and it was by far the most utilized resource the students used.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you for the suggestion! What did you include on yours? Grammar posters? Anchor charts? 😊

[@courtneyrobinson7444]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary I purchased items on TPT. I teach 6rh grade ELA and SS, but this is an area student post COVID really have a hard time. I will see if I can post a picture.

[@courtneyrobinson7444]

Teachers Pay Teachers: Editing Marks Freebie by A Learning Affair Parts of Speech Poem and Posters by Treetop Teaching Punctuation Full Page Posters - Classroom Punctuation Mark Poster Set by Teaching with Terhune...I mainly used the Punctuation Pals. ​@mrs_katie_in_elementary

[@amm_1978]

I love the storage closet! So jealous! 😊

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I am so blessed with TONS of storage for sure!!

[@jennyb7343]

When I was departmentalized, I would premake anchor charts with blanks, students got a copy for journal notes. We filled in blanks together. For the 2nd class, I would put a sentence strip or sticky notes over the fill in the blank words to redo with them.

[@susangumbrell3874]

Hi Katie, loved watching the rest of your video, can't wait for part 4! Loving the windows, now your classroom (2nd home😁) has welcoming eyes. It's so weird what a difference the windows make. Enjoy your tavelling. Blessings Susie 🙏🇬🇧

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I totally agree! The windows made a HUGE difference! I start hanging a lot in part 4 (coming next Saturday) and it made a huge difference too! Thanks for watching Susie 😊

[@wendlit]

You did well! 👏👏👏👏👏⭐️

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@carolinejohnson6607]

For anyone thinking it’s crazy that she starts so early, I’m in Georgia and we start July 31st! We got out May 22nd. We have a slightly shorter summer and longer breaks throughout the year. I love it! I officially go back for pre-planning on July 22nd, would be the 24th but I’m new to my district!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Crazy how start and end times can vary so much but I love getting out at the end of May 😊 Good luck at your new school!

[@jillieg1013]

We (southern Illinois) got out May 22 and we start Aug. 14 with PD days the week before. I can't even get into my room now because the maintenance staff is still working. Good that you have all this time to go set up your new room!

[@morganfaith6]

I’m going into year 6 of being departmentalized (4th grade science and I love it). For anchor charts what I do is make a little one on printer paper with each class. I keep the individual one in the binder I use as their class interactive “notebook.” Then I combine all of the ideas/answers onto one big poster once all classes have done it. It is a little extra work but I’ve found this works the best for me. They also love seeing what the other classes did.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Oh this is a great idea!! Do students ever use the binder to go through and reference? Do you put the paper one on the board with a document camera as you all fill it out?

[@sydneytheriot7126]

I do mini anchor charts on printer paper on overhead (most of the time I have the kids make one with me to keep in folder) and then I make and hang the big one.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I do this a lot with my smart board displays... We write on those together and then I copy what we did onto a chart to hang!

[@jessicathomas2617]

I like the idea of the SS board!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@jessicathomas2617 thanks Jessica! I think I’m leaning that way!

[@JulieBottom]

I teach middle school, so I have five classes. I make anchor charts with each class and then I have one that I make that includes all the best info and that's the one I post.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Wow that's a lot of classes! Do you use a separate sheet of anchor chart paper for each? Or do you write things on a smart/white board?

[@Sunshinestatespeducator]

I think your idea about having grammar and phonics/writing on that bulletin board is a good idea!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I definitely want to find a way to display everything 🤪

[@dilyswt]

There's not much room on that small bulletin board for grammar/parts of speech. You could put that type of display on the 'spare' cabinet doors.

[@Born2TeachAndGrow]

I think a social studies bulletin could be a great way to link/connect it with language arts. Also, I’m departmentalized in 4th and I have a vocab wall and a grammar wall for students to reference.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks for the ideas!! 😊

[@LindaSevers]

Student work! :).

[@jillieg1013]

Love your room!! I really liked your bins stacked on top of each other (rather than some by side). Also, if you have time, I think making new labels would be a way to revitalize them since you've used those labels for 7 years now. Can't wait for Part 4!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yesss okay you are the second person who has said team stacked and team new labels! Think I need to go for it 😉

[@emilywalker1609]

Team Stacked! Could you get a command hook and hook the handle of the tape basket on it? That way it’s off the side? 😁

[@ka6309]

I make an "anchor chart" on the whitebeard w the 1st class, then make one on paper w the second class.

[@carolynpotamitis]

Hobby lobby has giant blank piece of paper posters. I would laminate one of them and use wet erase for headings and such and dry erase for the content with the first group. That way they both get to make the chart from scratch but you will have one master you can leave up.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

That's a great idea! Is that in the teacher section of Hobby Lobby? Does the dry erase come off easily?

[@sarahc5465]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementaryThey are in the teacher section! It looks like a giant piece of notebook paper. They’re like a glossy thick paper material, a marker would be permanent on them so you’d have to laminate them so that they’re able to be used with dry erase!

[@staceypennington919]

I am a middle school treasurer and I LOVE your vlogs. They are so fun to watch. I got to move offices last week so my mom is coming tomorrow to help me set up stuff I bought. I am 12 months so I am in all summer. I am no help on the BB but I like the drawers stacked. And now that you have it in your head that you want to relabel, you might as well do it 🤣 Can you tell me where you got your toolbox? I like that idea for my new office. That would be great for me to put extra supplies so I don't have to walk up the hall to the supply closet all the way in the front office.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yessss okay then team stacked it is!! And say no more, I'll have to relabel the drawers now 😂 Here is all the info on the teacher toolbox: www.teachcreatemotivate.com/teachertoolbox/

[@millisagable3018]

I would do the stacked and then on one side the missing work and the other side be the other stuff. I would also do a social studies board but thats just me

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Great suggestions! Thank you!!

[@caitlinfricks2843]

Hey! I teach 4th grade math and Science. I make two anchor charts-one with each class. I will usually do one with my first group on my whiteboard and erase it, and make the 2nd with my second group on chart paper and that is the one ai keep and display. I have a math board and a science board and that works for me. I think you should use the board for social studies and the second for reading skills.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks for the advice Caitlin! ♥️

[@andreabrown797]

I love to teach the RACES writing strategy. This could be a great option for a bulletin board

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Ooh tell me more! What does it stand for? Is it a specific curriculum?

[@jessicah.4989]

I think the drawers look better stacked.

[@mrs.fletchersclass4684]

Thank you for sharing:). A social studies or a vocab wall sounds like a good idea. Your room is looking great!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks so much!! Both great ideas!

[@brendaoberg3265]

I’m a high school science teacher, but I like to use interactive anchor charts. I make the skeleton and have pieces that the different classes can use to fill it in. I’ve also used 1 per class and just hang them up layered to switch out. It just made it more difficult to keep them up long term which is why I switched to an interactive one. I’ve seen some teachers use digital anchor charts.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks for the tip! What does it mean for it to be "interactive"?

[@brendaoberg3265]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary I have cards to fill in the blank where appropriate, and if it is math focused, groups get a problem to work out to add to it. I use those giant index cards, but card stock cut in half works too. I pick the neatest cards to keep on the chart. I wish I was back in my classroom already so I could send you a picture on Instagram.

[@aliciachase5011]

Maybe you can put the science stuff you don't need on the very bottom or tucked in the corner of the shelves so they are there but out of your way. They would still be accessible if you need it at some point. It will leave the top two shelves or the outer parts of the shelves for your stuff you may need more readily available. I am not a teacher but I love watching your videos! Have a great rest of summer from Upstate NY!!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Good idea Alicia! I am going to have to chat with my other team mates who will get into this science kits and may actually use them and see. Thanks so much for watching!! 😊

[@christinalove6351]

Reading and writing board. For anchor charts, I would do two. Where is your cursive/ brands alphabet from?

[@kristenlaughlin4510]

I would make the back whiteboard your anchor chart wall. The 2 boards in the front need to hold: *Spelling skill *Vocabulary *Reading skills *Grammar *Writing Divide them up how you feel is best. Maybe SS studies could be on the cabinets to make a timeline or sections of how it’s broken up.🤷🏻‍♀️ Just suggestions. Wow! You have a nice size closet for storage!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

These are great suggestions! I could definitely use the whiteboard to hold some anchor charts, you're right! Thanks Kristen! 😊

[@mirandabruning3953]

Wow our last day is July 26st and we'll be back on September 10th.

[@susangumbrell3874]

Hi Katie, i'm only part way through part3, but for your board you could have a 'what has made me smile this week' that the kiddo's can write a journal and you could pick a few from both classes to display, then you could swap it out every two week or so. Then everyone gets to see something positive about themself at some point. Plus its a great way to share social info to create positive relationships. Tell me what you think👍 Blessings susie 🙏

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

What a sweet idea Susie! And it encourages writing too! ♥️

[@susangumbrell3874]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary hi katie, when my daughter was in year two in the uk, they did a daily journal as their morning task. I was so emotional when her teacher sent it home at the end of the year as it was a clear timeline of a very tough year for us. We had lost my mum whom was a big part of her life. They two weeks before christmas our much loved german shepard of 15 years died. Along with all the sad times there were lots of happy times like picnics, going to our caravan and going to Walsingham on pilgrimage with our church. She is very arty, so along with her lovely diary there were beautiful pictures. Hearts full of joy. Thats were my thought process came from with the board.💖 Blessings Susie🙏🇬🇧

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@susangumbrell3874 that is so special!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@kristenlaughlin4510]

I would make the back whiteboard your anchor chart wall. The 2 boards in the front need to hold: *Spelling skill *Vocabulary *Reading skills *Grammar *Writing Divide them up how you feel is best. Maybe SS studies could be on the cabinets to make a timeline or sections of how it’s broken up.🤷🏻‍♀️ Just suggestions.

[@kermitdfrog564]

You could do an anchor chart that is the same on both side so one class does one side and then turn it over for the next class and that way you only use one anchor chart paper for both.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

The only problem is I think my markers will bleed through the page... and using anything other than marker is hard to see 🤔

[@Quilter1970]

I did 2 sets of everything. One side should be for one class the other side is for the other class. Seems like I was never in the same spot. My charts never looked exactly the same depending of their feedback. You have to treat them as separate classes.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

That's what I've heard! Tricky tricky!! So, did you make your anchor charts double sided?

[@Quilter1970]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary no just made 2 of them. One for each side. I covered the other classes bulletin board as they left with a rolled up piece of paper. Kind of like a shade. It worked really well. Like one classes stuff is on one side and the other classes stuff was on the other side of the room.

[@Personaltouchmotherhood]

I think you need a display for social studies. Could be simply, question of the day and facts/answers that students learn about that question.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I agree! I am definitely leaning towards using it as a social studies board!

[@sofiakarim2978]

❤

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Thanks for watching Sofia!

[@patriciagallop2551]

If your anchor charts are interactive then I laminate all of the parts and use Velcro or magnets. If you want the student answers then use dry erase sentence strips and have a section for both classes. I cover the other classes participants answers and then compare answers. I had three classes so I didn’t want to make three different charts. It creates a storage problem also.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Oooh I've never heard of dry erase sentence strips before! Where do you get yours? Thanks for the suggestions Patricia!

[@patriciagallop2551]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary I got the from Michael’s, Amazon, or Really Good Stuff.

[@patriciagallop2551]

@@mrs_katie_in_elementary I’m moving to a new school this year and one wall is almost all windows. So I’m going to use the new command hook curtain rod holders and hang them on curtain rods over the bottom half of the windows. I teach all subjects so I’ll have four of them. It will keep the students from being distracted from looking out the windows but the top part will let lots of natural light in. I am going to use valances for the top of the windows.

[@KelleyLints-f7x]

I don’t know if you do class jobs but you could do a class job display on your other bulletin board maybe.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I have a helper of the day! 😊 Class jobs are a lot to manage (in my personal opinion, I know it works GREAT for others) so I haven't done them in the past

[@alexandrayoung8070]

I love using a clicker for teaching!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I am excited to test mine out!!

[@nikkib4743]

The room is coming along great. What do you use the wine rack by the sink for?

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

It is to hold student water bottles 😊

[@primaryprocedures2289]

Will you talk about your behavior plan in one of your videos please. Looking for ideas.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I share about what I use in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIKnlYJ5mKaSqK8 😊

[@feliciafield8161]

We have been out since May 30th. I normally start working in my classroom as soon as it’s done being cleaned. I’d rather prep and get my room set up slowly.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

SAME!! Slow and steady haha

[@Cwazy4heaven]

I love your belt bag. I didn’t see it in your Amazon storefront. Can you link where you got it from?😊

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

@@Cwazy4heaven I always get mine at TJ Maxx!

[@rachaelrickett9023]

Maybe the ne by your desk do a personal stuff and the calendar

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I usually hang personal things on the bulletin strips right behind my desk and the calendar on the from left whiteboard 😊

[@jessicapeacock6349]

Grammar or other aspects of English and social studies in other space

[@gilliantohver3225]

Do the floors get destroyed every year? I have never heard of waxing/refinishing every year (our school wax lasts years and looks great, though our school takes the Japanese approach of school shoes - i.e. you change out of your outside shoes when you come in the building and switch to indoor-only shoes).

[@kendriennem]

What font are you using for the intro slide where you put “classroom set up pt. 3” text? It’s super cute. My grade level moved from the portables this year and into the building so your videos are giving me ideas of how to organize my new cabinets!

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I believe it is called "SugarLuck" 😊 Glad you are feeling inspired! Thanks for watching and good luck moving into your building! ♥️

[@christinepiercey3971]

Are the kids moving or teachers moving? I had groups that would switch rooms for core subjects, so I was always in my room. I had my anchor charts side by side on a bulletin board and put a curtain rod at the top. I bought a colorful curtain (was a shower curtain I trimmed actually ) that I would slide over the chart I didn’t want the kids focusing on. Then when the other group came in, I’d slide it over the other chart.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Oooh what a unique idea I have never heard of! The kiddos will be switching rooms

[@terrywright4112]

Looking good, Katie!🎉 I have a curious question, though. Why is there a capital S and C over the top of one of your doors? It's not South Carolina because you're in Florida, right? I was just wondering because I'm from South Carolina. 😊

[@rachels390]

What did you use for the background of the bulletin boards?

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I used “Better Than Paper” which is a thicker bulletin paper that can be reused and doesn’t show holes! Got it at Office Depot

[@sararalaniz]

I know you’ve accumulated a lot throughout the years but on the average how much would you say you spend out of pocket to start the year? And then per school year? I know the school provides some funds but I’m sure it’s never enough. Great school set up video. As a former school secretary for 20 yrs how nice that your principal allows you in. I’ve worked with many who did allow teachers to come during the summer and I worked with some who ABSOLUTELY did NOT allow anyone in the building until late July. The thought has always been this is “our” time to get things done and just have some peace and quiet. I never mind teachers coming it was just those who expected for us to still cater to them like make copies, print out things, find supplies for them. Lord knows I had to pray for patience through those 😂. I’m sure you are as quiet as a mouse. 😊. All the best as you continue to set up. I so enjoy your videos. ❤

[@katiefranks7559]

My school doesn’t allow us until maybe a week before contract days, if that. As much as I’d love to get in my room, I think it’s great that the custodial staff and office staff have time to get their summer projects done without us underfoot.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I definitely have accumulated a lot! I am not sure the average amount but I did make a video a few summers ago reviewing a year's worth of classroom purchases that might give you an idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roalin59jsh5sMU And yes, when I am up there I keep to myself! In fact, I haven't even gone up to the office once since starting set up... I may go up in the next few weeks just to give a friendly hello 😊 👋

[@caityponn4778]

I’m so jealous you can get in your building over the summers! We aren’t allowed.

[@kristenhawkins5465]

I guess I find it strange that you are not allowed in your buildings at all times. I have taught all over Indiana and have ALWAYS had 24/7 access to each school. I’ve never heard of only having certain hours to go in.

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I am allowed in my building when I need access, I just prefer to go during working hours to not have to mess with the alarm 😉

[@Elicolletid-wm4cg]

You shoot do a ELA and Social Studies Bulletin board for each

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

I think I am leaning towards a S.S. board 😊

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

Are you make a new video for your classroom

[@mrs_katie_in_elementary]

Yes, more coming!

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

Are you make a new video for your classroom