New Classroom Layout & Organization Planning | Falling in Love With Teaching Again VLOG 6

Join me as I start planning the layout and organization of my new classroom space! I share how I use my digital planner to create a virtual floor plan to arrange furniture, create zones in my classroom, place student desks, and start to brainstorm how I will organize materials in my cabinets and drawers.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Digital planner classroom planning page set up
5:45 Brainstorming classroom zones
6:40 Cabinet and drawer organization
7:46 Furniture and item placement
12:58 Placing student desks
16:57 Cabinet and drawer organization (again)
20:12 My classroom materials stored at home
22:07 Updated classroom plans
24:16 Outro
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[@callumlaroi2072]

Side note - YOU LOOK JACKED Michelle! Actually such an inspiration. Awesome work 🫡🫡

[@Keli_Ceiba]

I am not a teacher but I first found you when I was homeschooling my son and I cannot tell you how helpful your videos were for me! He has since graduated and I still love your videos 😊

[@cheyennemoore8380]

As someone who's still only a few years into this field, it's so helpful to hear how a veteran teacher thinks through these things. Also nice to know my practical side is thinking of how would actually work over aesthetics. Enjoy your meeting!

[@joannekwalker]

Hi Michelle, I’m exactly where you’re at. I am teaching fifth grade. I transferred from one school to a sister school, which is closer to home. I went from 4th to 5th . I’m already organizing and trying to figure out. my classroom. I went shopping today and I got some good purchases. I was at Michael’s today and got a Rolly cart for $30 which is pretty amazing. I also got the photo container that I’m gonna use for my markers originally 4199. I got them for 1499 . I went to HomeGoods and got some cute organizers and they were all on sale too. I am getting myself ready for the new year. We start the first week in August in Florida. Just wanted to share with you what I’ve been doing,. Thank you for this video we have a lot in common. I love your ideas and your inspiration. I’ve been teaching for 15 years and you’re kind of like my go to for setting up my classroom and I also got that black and white striped box that you have your markers in for four dollars at Michaels.

[@russellpalatiere8852]

Totally love the insight and brain dump! I can totally understand the anxiety of planning a new classroom! I’m planning my friend’s classroom who will be a first year teacher. She and I have more questions than answers which is fine because someone I know very well said “a classroom is never done”! You have handled your setup methodically and you have room for error which is smart

[@dorothyg7483]

Always enjoy your thinking process. I’m not scheduled to leave or move, but it’s always good to reassess/rethink and I always get good “take aways” from your videos. Thank you for documenting your journey. I pick up something useful every time! 😊

[@daniellemitchell3118]

I admire how you specifically pre-plan for and organize your room down to the closets and drawers. I just have a general thought of where I'll put things and hope for the best. 😄

[@rosembb2328]

I loved the trapezoid students desks, because you can configure them in so many different ways. My favorite was making a large U shape by placing the sides of the desks together with one turned in and the next out. The students knew who their elbow buddy, group of four, six, and eight were depending on the type of activity we were performing. I like flexible groups! The only drawback to this are the desks that have the students’ backs facing the teaching area in the middle. My students quickly adapted by turning their chairs to the front and using a clipboard if needed. It was so great during independent work when I could easily check everyone’s progress with a quick trip around the inside of the U.

[@karingoodine7835]

This is so very helpful! Not many teacher creators on youtube do this kind of planning, so Thank you for sharing Michelle!

[@shimmer713]

I am so glad you are posting videos about going back into teaching again. I love these types of videos from you! Thanks for sharing your journey back into the classroom with us. Excited for your weekly teaching vlogs to come back. 🎉

[@Sarahr98998]

I’m loving this series so much…so excited that you’re headed back to the classroom!!

[@sydneytheriot7126]

Eureka comes with a lot of materials (each kid will have 3 books at a time, which means 2 class sets of books) and in 2nd we had 8 modules. Just thinking of where your switch class will keep their math books. Something I had to figure out last year! You will love it! I’m so excited for your journey!!

[@dmctgrlly]

I've taught Eureka for 5 years (3rd and 4th grades) and agree the curriculum comes with tons of materials. 4th grade has 7 modules.

[@amycronk2450]

it’s so funny how everyone attacks teaching so differently- lol this level of planning gives me sooo much anxiety. I always just went in and set up in a way that felt right. i was also a minimalist though, so it wasn’t more than a day’s worth of work.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Yup, everyone is different and we all have to do what we know works for us and our situation!

[@Born2TeachAndGrow]

I also think this may be why so many teachers burn out and don’t last in the classroom or end up having to take a long leave.

[@vivianwells8215]

It all depends. During the last month of school since there is testing, I start packing up. Some students volunteer to help so on the last day, all I have to is checkout! This kind of planning is my wheelhouse!

[@livewonderfully]

Honestly, planning like this is the only way my brain is able to sort through things so like she said everyone is different.

[@Born2TeachAndGrow]

@@vivianwells8215 same!

[@DnH1481]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm the elementary librarian at my school, and I just got moved to another room (we don't have a dedicated library). It's a mess right now, but like you, I'm trying to map out everything and weed things. I have to teach lessons for each grade level so it gets pretty overwhelming since I plan for teaching space and all the books in such a small area. Watching your videos provides relief in knowing it will get done some way, some how. 😊 Good luck this SY, and enjoy being back with the kiddos!! Congrats on the new position! 🫶🏼🎉

[@lilajane2]

For the larger table, I usually put that in front of my teacher desk lengthwise kind of like a sofa table if that makes sense-I keep my materials to hand out there, plus sometimes a turn-in basket. It's nice to just be able to reach over and grab what I need to grade from that table without going across the room. It would also save you some room, I think, and you can push kidney table to the right. I would also put a couple of chairs at that table, even if you rarely use them bc they are nice for visitors and for separating kids who aren't getting along (I teach middle school!). Best of luck to you-I love your videos. I am twice your age and envy your energy! 🙂

[@nancymartinez257]

Thank you for sharing this process. I am studying to become a teacher and to see an experienced teacher like yourself share your process is VERY helpful to me. So thank you! All these little details help a newbie like me.

[@Laurie-b4z]

Wow I thought I was the only one going through this. I had to move schools in classrooms. I also was able took pictures just like you of my classroom. I can’t get in till late July, and just like you figure out what I’m gonna do with a smaller space.. So many possibilities ❤❤ I am blessed by this video ❤ thank you.

[@frenchwithmadameg1116]

I love love love your planning videos. This reminds me a lot of the video you did when you were planning out your home office! I’m thinking of converting either part of my basement or my garage into a gym (we don’t use our garages for cars where I am from!) and this video gave me a great starting point on how to go about that! I’m having so much fun watching all of your surprise videos. Thank you for continuing to work so hard for your followers!

[@s.s.8029]

Thank you for being real with us! We will be rearranging our room when we go back in August, although I might drag my husband in in July to help me move the big stuff. We often need to make due with what we have and then figure out from there. It is hard if you don't know what you have access to. You are doing great!

[@newdayinthelife9693]

I arranged my trapezoid desks in "theater" type seating for classroom management purposes. I was still able to have them in groups, but had all the kids facing the front this way. I had one round table in the front/middle for the kids who needed more one on one during instruction from me.

[@krystalbolden79]

Your classrooms are always spacious and have plenty of storage. I started laying out my floor plan as well.

[@eteacherrunner]

Michelle I am teaching preschool now but love your videos and I am so excited about you getting back into the classroom.

[@svenlars1003]

I just retired, so this is the first year in 31 years that I am not planning for the fall. I like your thinking with zones. See if you can count ceiling tile or floor tiles to estimate the size. Floor tiles are usually one foot on each side and ceiling tiles are 2 feet square or 2 feet by 4 feet.

[@amandawilkins8403]

Michelle, I love this video so much!! I will be going through the process of setting up my classroom in my new school this year, too. I love how you used your digital format to easily move around the elements in your classroom. I think it would be really helpful if you wanted to change the setup each quarter or at the end of the year. Thank you, as always, for sharing! 💜

[@crazytexasteacher]

Thanks for sharing your thought process! I'm finally NOT moving classrooms this next year, but I am trying to figure out a new classroom layout around our new interactive panels! We've totally got this though .

[@tatluv09]

I love all the ideas. This is giving me some ideas for my classroom. I'm going to go plan now.

[@destiny7466]

The chart...the closest a hot mess(😂). You're eye for details and organization have always been a highlight for me. Looking forward to the upcoming school year.

[@donnabingen6464]

What an inspiration Michelle! Thank you for sharing!

[@AimeeBanks-l4s]

I've been using large rectangular tables for student 'desks' (you can typically fit 4 to each) but they take up so much room and my class will be larger this year. I love the idea of either round or the hexagonal tables. Also, not sure if you use them or not, but you may need to find space for a class set of dictionaries. Outdated, maybe, but I still have a class set of them. Just a thought. Also, if you use data binders, perhaps you'll need a place to store them, as well. Thanks so much for sharing your thought process. I usually go in, see the mess of stuff that was pushed up against one wall so our maintenance crew can easily clean over the summer, and then do 'nothing'. I sit at my desk and start to envision where I want things. I make sketches on paper and then I go home. The next day, I get down to work. This, of course, is when I am in the same classroom for that year. Good luck setting up for next year!

[@kristyguest8443]

Hi there! I loved a video you made two years ago about how to create a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. Your example was for the school year. Wondering if you created one for summer time and how that might look for you. I am sure that you stay super organized to be productive, even in the summer. LOL! Thanks!

[@Dayswalters1]

The trapezoid tables are difficult to place if they are designed for a single student, which is how ours were. They recently replaced our desk so now we have the more traditional designs. I am lucky in that I was able to choose my searing and I chose to have round tables that seat 6. I love it!

[@amiliaengelbrecht]

Super excited for classroom vlogs!!! I've literally watched each and every vlog of Michelle. And use most of the templates on TPT😊 #fourthyearteacherhere

[@jenniferblalock9773]

You are doing a great job!!! Just watching you have real life moments makes me feel better about mine 😊

[@kelliferguson8389]

I have trapezoid desks in my classroom too. They are so hard to piece together but can’t wait to see what you do! I’m just very excited to see your journey. I’m a 4th Grade Math and Science teacher in Texas too!!

[@annavery1]

Hi! So glad you are including us in your journey back into the classroom. ❤

[@hartsheart]

So i decided to purchase your digital planner for my birthday gift to myself. Lol. I love doing things with paper and pencil but i think the convenience of digital and cloud storage will help me stay organized this school year. I'm jumping into the world of SPED Autism and haven't seen my classroom or been given any specifics yet (its a brand new classroom so I'm not sure if they have any specifics to give yet!) so this gives me something to focus on. I am a micro planner like you. It eases my anxiety when i have a plan even if i don't get to follow much of it! 😂

[@AprilWold-fc1dc]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I'm returning back this year too. It's a new school so I'm unable to see my room yet since the building isn't completed yet. Anyway, I appreciate that I'm not in this process by myself and that there are other teachers experiencing the same thoughts and emotions as me.

[@ambercampbell3974]

This is great! 🎉Thanks for taking us on this journey with you ❤

[@sewblessedbyjess]

Im glad your coming back to the classroom. I'm in NC I also just teach Math and Science. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@daniellemitchell3118]

I have a process that I like to call "dwelling". I sit in the new classroom and just feel the energy. I imagine the students being there and how they move through the room during the day. As a new teacher( back in the 1990s before the internet, really), I was trained to think about the kids' visibility, accessibility, and distractability(V A.D.). I ask myself: How will I set up the desks/tables where every child can see the main board? How do I arrange the furniture so there are clear flow patterns that don't cause a bittle neck? Where do I put the seats so the students won't be distracted by the windows or the door? Where will I put materials so that students have access to them without my help? Where do I put my small group table so that I can still see every student while I'm teaching? Where should I put my teacher area so that it doesn't take up a lot of real estate but works for me? At my current school, we have paraprofessionals, and they have to have a teaching area because they work with groups, too. There's so much to consider.

[@anitaweir1480]

Michelle, will watch later this is to much to think about right now!!! I got to be in the room to do this!! But awesome idea I am sure!!!!

[@gailrothermund9209]

I love all of your ideas. ❤

[@jackalex]

Loved this video! Thank you for sharing this journey with us! 🤍

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much as always Jack 🥰🖤

[@Born2TeachAndGrow]

Love your planning and organization!!!

[@djthereplay]

Well Michelle, I look forward to seeing what this looks like in the end. - Dwight

[@Mrsksfavoritegrade-]

Good to know I am not the only one mapping out my classroom before I get in there! I like that your room has windows. My new one does not.

[@alexmartel-matt3428]

Great it was great seeing you on zoom yesterday for the first time you are such inspiration I wanted to be a teacher 4 years ago that my goal.

[@debbiegordon4609]

This was a great video! I totally understand wanting to get things planned out. It would be running around in my head, too. Actually, I have been thinking of changing a couple of things my classroom. It makes sense to want to put it down on “paper”. Also, your digital classroom planner could be used for home. It would be great for planning out a bedroom space, kitchen, or garage. Thank you for all of your wonderful TPT resources and all of your other resources. Congratulations on your teaching position! 🥰

[@paperairplanes3562]

Thank you so much for the video Michelle

[@victoriaLL345]

Here for it all!🎉

[@JustBethTrying]

When you arrange the trapezoid tables to seat 6 keep in mind that 4 kids will have a fairly small work area.

[@mekhianderson5159]

Super early!! Love you and your videos!❤

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🖤 Much love right back at ya!

[@taylorcaitlyn4069]

love this video and gave me lots of things to think about as I am able to get into my classroom before actual teacher workdays start! definitely thinking minimal is best this year. I don't need all the foofoo stuff anymore!

[@rebekahduncan8403]

Great video!

[@karenrifenburg2363]

Thank you for sharing! Very helpful to see your process. One thought I had for you: You are teaching math/science this year, so maybe a classroom library will not be necessary.

[@khaIid624]

I'm not even a teacher but this is really intriguing to me

[@thelatinateacher8431]

Okay I love how you are organizing because my brain works this way too. I can’t see my classroom until the end of July and I found out I am in a trailer so I have no clue what it looks like and it is giving me anxiety🤦🏻‍♀️ Trying to catch sales and buy what I think I may need because like you starting all over again and I gave all of my things away! Looking forward to your next videos.

[@hartsheart]

Same! I haven't seen my classroom and when I inquired about things like grade level and class size (I'm teaching SPED Autism) the principal didn't know any specifics yet. I love to plan so it's killing me!! Lol. Like you, I'm trying to just think ahead and look for deals for things I know I'll need/want!

[@carolinemorse8274]

You are inspiring and every day I learn something from you which I love. btw, I need to help you with a scale so your brainstorming is more focused lol. BUT in all fairness, you don't have the measurements of things yet. Keep up the good work!

[@christinemcgoveran2368]

This has nothing to do with the topic of this video, but thank you for turning me onto Caroline Girvan! I was watching your fitness videos and thought I’d give it a try. I’m new to strength training, as I was mostly into walking, dancing and yoga in the past. But I want to get stronger. I’m in her Facebook group now, and going to start one of her programs on Monday! So excited! And I’m going to use your fitness and personal planners to track my progress.

[@marciedge4938]

I am moving to a new grade and classroom. It is my 9th class move in 7 years. I had to map it out before the room was cleaned. When I go back it will be set up.

[@liannejosbacher536]

Hi Michelle! I have trapezoid tables in my classroom as well but for first graders. With my first graders, I can sit 4 per table with your tables aligned long side. I’m thinking with your fourth graders, it might be a tight squeeze to sit 6 at a time. So happy for you and love following you on your journey! 😊

[@alexandrayoung8070]

I was going to say something similar. I had them my first year teaching for kindergarten and I remember them not being super big.

[@stephaniewest3849]

I was also going to say… I’ve used trapezoid tables for the last 5 years. I find that 4 students fit better than six. This gives each some elbow room. Also, I love your videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@jomeek4067]

As a former math & science teacher in Texas, I can tell you that you won't need a full class library.

[@grisellopez9746]

I plan the same way. I would switch the library by the window.

[@elfstarsaka]

Are those the individual trapezoid desks or the larger trapezoid tables? From your plan it seemed like the larger tables. Those configurations on Google looked like they were using the individual desks, so you may not have as much flexibility to do all those cool layouts. Anyway it seems like you know what you're doing - just wanted to call your attention to that small detail in case you didn't notice :) I'm so excited for you that you're teaching again!

[@swinapatel9310]

Hi Michele , how many studnet are you going to have sit at the kidney table ? Just curious please answer

[@EmilyStout-vc2vs]

Just to give you a heads up that a lot of storage bins don’t fit in the upper cabinets. I’ve had to turn mine to the side in some of those very shallow cabinets. Love your videos!!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Yup, I’ve had shallow cabinets before so I know what you mean but the Sterilite latch bins I have typically fit 👍🏼

[@trevorrogers2000]

7:08 The cabinets remind me of my special education teacher's classroom with the tall cabinet that came with a key and all the Para educator's purses and coats and stuff that could go in there because the left side was a rail at the top, I thought was really smart for my special Ed teacher to do. I have a question about people who are currently living on SSDI because I can only work 30 hours right now or below. What would you recommend to those wanting to get into the classroom, would you recommend teaching for people like myself? I would love to teach and teaching has always been a passion of mine, but I was in special education my entire life and learn slower than others. If any of that made sense. Thank you Michelle or anyone in the teaching community.

[@brandibusbee1212]

First viewer, yay!!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Congrats on first 🎉🖤

[@MissKitty-yv2cn]

I hope this isn't a silly question, but I've never been at an elementary school where teachers only teach a couple of subjects. If you're teaching math and science, why do you need a classroom library and indoor recess materials? Or do you have a homeroom group of students that those materials would be for?

[@chrisberman4495]

I like your videos

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thank you so much! 🖤

[@eteacherrunner]

So what do your rainbow drawers look like?

[@tinaciancone4810]

Hi are u going to vlog this year in your classroom

[@wendlit]

Hope you did good on your exam today! 🎉

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

I actually took it last Friday so a week ago and got the results this past Tuesday… stay tuned for an upcoming vlog where I share 🤞🏼

[@wendlit]

@@PocketfulofPrimary 👍👏🎉

[@joannekwalker]

I have to take three recertification tests, myself science, social studies, and Reading . What do you recommend the FTCE for me because I’m in Florida or something else going to the state website I’ll be praying for you. Please pray for me.

[@MrsSweep]

Do you have a classroom telephone? If so, you would probably want it by your teacher desk. You got a lot of stuff planned out!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Yes, but I already noted where the hook ups are for that and I’ll be good to go 👍🏼

[@MrsSweep]

@@PocketfulofPrimary Great!!

[@susieknits]

Wondering about your classroom library and whether it will be a smaller footprint because you are subject specializing in math and science

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

I’ve always had a classroom library regardless of what subject I teach! I think it’s important.

[@susieknits]

That makes me so happy to hear​!

[@Katyyates12]

3rd, I love your videos

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thanks for tuning in and commenting!

[@Katyyates12]

@@PocketfulofPrimaryI like to watch them as soon as they come out

[@mirandabruning3953]

Haha you might hate the trapezoid tables soon.😂😂 because normally you can only seat 1 student at the long side of the trapezoid.

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Thanks for sharing your opinion… I’ll wait and form my own!

[@Zembathecat]

Yes! I hate my trapezoid tables! Probably my least favorite tables that I’ve had in 12 years of teaching!

[@mrsalbrecht2032]

I love watching your process (but the background music was very distracting)

[@aimeeperdue9135]

You might not want to have their backs facing the front of the room. I just moved to fifth grade and I am doing the same thing!

[@jackies.8833]

Did anyone notice her arms on her cover photo? Those gains!

[@kierpmom]

Have you taken the STR yet? If not, look at 240 tutoring and USE THEIR OUTLINE for the CRQ!

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

Yup, I already took the exam and passed it a few months ago… I documented that in a past vlog!

[@airsoftnerfreview7856]

Pen organizer

[@tiny.terrorist.negotiator]

My classroom sucks! There is no storage, and my smart board is fixed to the wall. It's also pretty small. I have tried so many configurations and it feels like nothing works!

[@lupitaochoa9529]

I'm a little bummed to see so many classroom setup videos out there already. I realize yours is planning, and I understand it's a whole "new" for you, but it all seems to cut into my summer vacay. Perhaps I should go the way of a social media diet because I'm a firm believer in "if you don't like what's on, don't watch it." I don't know how much willpower I'll have to stay off social media, 🫣🫣🫣 but it's definitely a consideration. 🤔🤔🤔

[@PocketfulofPrimary]

It’s hard because different states and districts start and end at different times so while some teachers may be just starting their summer break, some are already at the tail end of it. Ultimately, you get to decide the content you consume so if you don’t want to watch those types of videos, you can choose not to. But it shouldn’t stop the creators from posting that type of content because for some viewers, it’s relevant and what they want to see.

[@vivianwells8215]

I think if teachers take half the summer for 2 hours per day to plan, your school year will be so much more less stressed and it is easier to plan without the pressure from admin and students. Clearer minds. Thanks so much for these resources.

[@xoAnimeFreakrawr]

@@vivianwells8215I did this last summer and I didn’t regret it at all! It made my year SO much less stressful.

[@lupitaochoa9529]

@@PocketfulofPrimary ...don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the videos, I eat 'em up all the time. It just seems so soon this year, and I'm not mentally nor emotionally prepared for it this year. But, as you said, thankfully I still have a choice of what to watch. And obviously I'm gonna have to latch on to something else because I didn't even make it to tomorrow before I'm back here. 🤣🤪🤣 Enjoy your weekend, and welcome to teaching in Texas!

[@user-wh6fn6sh8w]

I am amazed at how much you can plan with just pictures. Great job and great ideas. I dont have an actual clasrom since I'm an itinerant teacher, but I still love your ideas ! ❤