Checklist for Setting up your Classroom to Start the Year

 

A well-prepared classroom sets the tone for a successful school year. Here's a good checklist for setting up your classroom to start the year. Of course, some of this may be optional depending on you room and grade level.

Classroom Supplies

1. Basic Student Supplies

   - Pencils, erasers

   - Crayons, markers, colored pencils

   - Glue sticks, safety scissors

   - Dry erase markers and boards (for individual student use)

   - Construction paper, drawing paper

2. Teacher Supplies

   - Sticky notes, highlighters, pens

   - Gradebook (or digital tool)

   - Laminator or access to lamination services

   - Stapler, paper clips, binder clips

   - Storage bins for centers and stations

3. Classroom Management Tools

   - Behavior chart or positive reinforcement system

   - Timer or bell (to help manage time transitions)

   - Visual schedule

   - Name tags for students

4. Classroom Decor

 - Subject-Specific Posters – Visual aids related to your subject (e.g., literary terms, historical timelines, math formulas, science concepts).

- Growth Mindset Quotes – Motivational posters to inspire resilience and effort.

 - Classroom Rules/Expectations Poster – Clear guidelines for behavior and academic expectations.

- Student Work Display – A bulletin board or wall space to showcase outstanding student work or projects.

- Class Schedule & Daily Agenda – A whiteboard or poster for daily/weekly assignments and announcements.

- Calendar – A space for marking important dates, due assignments, and events.

- Flexible Seating Chart or Group Areas – If applicable, signs or posters to designate areas for group work or seating rotations.

- Content Word Wall – Space to highlight key vocabulary terms that will be used throughout the year.

- Classroom Library/Reading Corner Decor (if applicable) – Cozy and organized space for independent reading.

 Health and Safety

1. Hygiene and Safety Supplies

   - Hand sanitizer and tissues

   - Cleaning wipes or spray for surfaces

   - Band-aids and basic first aid kit

   - Masks (if required)

2. Emergency Preparedness

   - Emergency contact list (parents, guardians)

   - Posted fire drill and evacuation plans

   - Walkie-talkie or phone access for communication

 Student Engagement and Communication

1. Parent Communication Tools

   - Welcome letter or packet for parents

   - Daily communication folder or app

   - Class newsletter template

2. Student Incentives

   - Stickers, stamps, and small rewards

   - "Star of the Week" display

   - Positive notes or certificates to send home

 Miscellaneous

1. Storage Solutions

   - Label bins for easy access (math, reading, art supplies)

   - Teacher organization tools (binders, file folders)

2. Substitute Teacher Binder

   - Class list and seating chart

   - Daily schedule

   - Emergency procedures

   - Lesson plans for substitute

More Teacher Tips at Teachersindex.com

Three Unique Tips to Lower the Stress of Teaching

 

A unique tip for lowering the stress of teaching is to implement a "5-minute reset" routine during your day. Set aside five minutes to practice mindfulness, breathe deeply, or simply stretch. These brief, intentional breaks can help reset your mental focus, prevent burnout, and allow you to approach the next part of the day with renewed energy. Encourage your students to join you for a calm breathing exercise—this not only benefits you but helps create a more relaxed classroom atmosphere.

Another helpful tip is to create a "positive moments" journal. Throughout the day, take note of small wins, like a student grasping a new concept or an act of kindness in your classroom. At the end of the day, review these moments to shift your focus from challenges to successes. This habit can foster a sense of gratitude and provide a more balanced perspective, which reduces stress and enhances overall job satisfaction. Plus, revisiting these notes can be a great reminder on particularly tough days.

A third tip is to establish clear "start and end" rituals for your teaching day. For example, at the beginning of your workday, take a few minutes to review your priorities, set intentions, or listen to calming music. At the end of the day, engage in a consistent activity like tidying up your workspace or writing down three things that went well. These rituals create a mental boundary between work and personal time, helping you decompress and reduce the stress of feeling "always on." It also signals to your brain that it's time to switch gears and unwind.

Holding the Attention of Kindergarteners

 

Holding students' attention, especially in a kindergarten setting, can be challenging, but these strategies can help.

Incorporate Movement and Hands-On Activities

Tip: Young children have lots of energy, so incorporating movement into lessons can help them stay engaged. Activities like clapping, jumping, or even simple hand gestures tied to the lesson can make learning more dynamic.

Example: If you're teaching a counting lesson, have students jump or clap as they count aloud. This physical activity helps maintain their focus.

Use Varied Teaching Methods

Tip: Switch between different types of activities to keep things fresh. Alternating between storytelling, singing, drawing, and group activities helps maintain their interest.

Example: After a brief story, transition into a song that relates to the story's theme, followed by a drawing activity where they illustrate something from the story.

Praise and Positive Reinforcement

Tip: Regularly acknowledge and praise good behavior and participation. Positive reinforcement encourages students to stay attentive and engaged.

Example: Use a sticker chart or a simple reward system where students earn stars or tokens for staying focused during activities. This motivates them to pay attention.

These strategies help create an engaging and interactive learning environment that keeps young students' attention.

In your role as a kindergarten teacher, these strategies can be adapted to suit young learners. For example, you might inspire curiosity through playful exploration, model a love for reading, and celebrate small achievements to build confidence and a love for learning from an early age.