Some schools start TOMORROW, so hopefully this post will help you just-in-time. ...Or when you re-work on your room in couple weeks and again during Christmas "break" and again during Spring "Break"...and any 3 min. you have during the day... Life of a teacher.
As you set up, there is SO much to think about. Here are a few pointers:
#1 Have a reading "nook." Even older kids like to have a small space that feels like a "hideout." I choose to put mine in-between bookshelves so I could still see the students anywhere I was in the room, and my reading group table was close by as well.
(Big enough for 2-3, and I really didn't have issues with everyone wanting it at the same time.)
#2 If possible have as many materials (paper, pencils, math manipulatives, etc.) at easy reach for the students. (*See shelf on right* - I did put "special" materials on the high shelf so I would take those down when needed.)
#3 Have "Find a Home," "Toy Drop," and "Birthday Bucket" containers ready to go.
"Find a Home" : Students/teachers place items that drop on the floor during the day inside the bucket, then at the end of the day the student with the job to put items away can find where they belong.
(Helpful when you don't have time for the student to put that one piece back in the math game that you put away in the cupboard.)
"Toy Drop" : If a student brings something to school that he/she shouldn't and gets it out, ask the child to put it in the "Toy Drop" bucket so he/she isn't tempted to get it out again. When the child packs up for the day, hand it to him/her and remind that student that it shouldn't come to school again.
"Birthday Bucket" : Have a bucket with either a little birthday trinket (pencil, squiggly straws, bookmark, etc.) ready to go inside. Birthdays seem to pop up every-other-day in a classroom, so having it ready with the child's name on it will help the last minute rush for you to get something together day of.
#4 Last, but not least, think of the children's safety.
ALICE is an amazing organization that has some great resources for teachers.
Our school took their training and we all felt empowered and giving clear ideas on how to keep our children safe. The link will take you to a blog on 7 ideas to help keep your classroom safe from an intruder. 7 Tips for Safety
Take time to read their other material. It is definitely worth the time.
I hope these ideas are helpful!
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