Did you know that classroom setup can impact student success?
Research shows that a well organized and thoughtfully decorated classroom can boost student engagement and learning by up to 25%. But let’s be real, setting up your classroom at the start of the year can feel overwhelming. Between bulletin boards, organization, and classroom routines, its hard to know where to start and what you actually need!
That’s why I’ve put together this Ultimate Classroom Decor Checklist! So you can set up your space efficiently and a little more stress free! This list is great for first year teachers and will help you make sure you have everything you need and seasoned pros who are refreshing their classroom decor.
And the best part? You don’t have to start from scratch! My editable, printable classroom decor bundles include everything you need to create a functional and visually appealing learning environment without any last minute scrambling!
Start with the Essentials
Before diving into bulletin boards, set up your core classroom decor elements that will support daily learning and classroom management.
Alphabet Posters- Choose from manuscript or cursive, with or without pictures and handwriting lines to reinforce letter recognition, letter formation, and letter-sound correspondence.
Number Posters- Help younger students develop number sense with a visual reference with ten frames. (And how to spell number words!)
Number Line- For upper elementary and beyond, I recommend a number line that goes to at least 150 to help students see the relationship between numbers. By the end of fourth grade, I will add negative numbers to our existing number line.
Editable Desk Helper Name Plates- More than just a name tag! These double as mini learning tools for letters, numbers, and left and right directionality.
Classroom Rules Posters- Have your expectations clearly displayed so you can reference how to have the best learning environment by working together. Read how to make the most meaningful class rules here.
Hand Signals Posters- Teach students silent signals for using the restroom, getting a drink, or pencil sharpening to cut down on interruptions.
Be sure to laminate these key resources first, so they’re durable and ready to go on the first day of school.
Organize Your Space for Efficiency
A clutter free, well-labeled space reduces distractions and makes both you and your students more productive. I’ve never regretted the time I’ve spent labeling and organizing with classroom decor.
Editable Labels, Tags, & Signs- Label book bins, homework folders, take home folders, classroom supplies, and drawers for easy access. No more “Where’s the glue?” moments!
Rolling Cart & Teacher Toolbox Labels- I have really enjoyed having these to help me organize my materials and grab what I need in just a few seconds. That’s okay if these drawers are not in your budget the first year. I didn’t get my rolling cart until my 3rd year teaching. Thinking about a teacher toolbox? Read this post to see how I put mine together.
Daily Schedule Cards– Keep students (and yourself!) on track with a clear daily routine.
Use a student friendly font for any student facing classroom decor pieces. Easy to read print makes it quick and easy for students to access supplies and put them away.
Make Bulletin Boards Functional & Engaging
Your bulletin boards should do more than just look pretty! They should be learning tools or should help build classroom community. Here are some classroom decor pieces that make great bulletin boards that can stay up all year long!
Word Wall- Display high-frequency sight words for easy reference.
Birthday Bulletin Board- Celebrate each student’s special day with a fun display. These can also be used for data when creating graphs in math.
Classroom Calendar Wall- Depending on the age of your students, you can include a calendar grid, days of the week, months of the year, a weather chart, and days in school tracker. See how I structure my morning calendar math routine here.
Classroom Jobs- Students love having a sense of ownership in the classroom. Read more about how I run jobs here and grab your free list of class job ideas!
Use velcro dots or magnetic strips if you want the classroom decor to be interactive. Students can change the calendar date each day, rotate the class jobs, or add new words to their sight word wall.
Add the Final Touches for a Cohesive Look
Little details in your classroom decor can make a big impact for creating a warm and inviting learning space.
Editable Banners Template- Customize your banners for any subject, event, or even an inspirational quote!
Editable Binder Covers & Spines- I use a binder system for organizing all of my teacher paperwork. Having all of my spines and covered labeled helps me get what I need the first time I grab for a binder. And pretty, matching binders make my heart happy! Read more about my classroom binder organization here.
Make It Easy: Get Everything in One Printable Bundle!
Setting up your classroom and your classroom decor choices should be exciting, not stressful. My editable classroom decor bundles include everything on this checklist – and more! That way you can save time and focus on what really matters: teaching and building strong relationships with your students.
Ready to transform your space with functional and beautiful classroom decor?
Find the perfect one for your classroom here!
With the right classroom decor, you can create an organized space where students feel supported and ready to learn all year long!
