1.800.221.5175
Mathematics
Sadlier Math Grades K–6
Core Program
Full Access
Progress in Mathematics Grades K–6
Core Program
Full Access
Progress in Mathematics Grades 7–8+
Core Program
Full Access
Progress Mathematics Grades K–8
National Program
Full Access
New York
Critical Thinking for Active Math Minds
Grades 3–6
Preparing for Standards Based Assessments
Grades 7–8
Reading & Writing
From Phonics to Reading Grades K-3
Print Program
Interactive Practice Bundle
Fluency Booster Practice Book
Interactive Assessments
High-Impact Tutoring
Sadlier Phonics
Grades K–3
Close Reading of Complex Texts Grades 3–8
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Building Reading Success with Wiley Blevins Grades K–5
Tier 2 & Tier 3 Intervention for Grades K—5
Sadlier Handwriting Practice
Print Program
Progress English Language Arts Grades K–8
National Program
Full Access
New York
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Workshop, Tools for Comprehension Grades 1–5
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop Achieve Grades 6–12+
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop, Tools for Excellence Grades 6–12+
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop Adaptive
Grades 6—12
Vocabulary for Success
Grades 6–10
Grammar
Grammar Workshop, Tools for Writing
Grades 2–5
Grammar Workshop
Grades 6–8
Grammar for Writing
Grades 6–12
Intervention
Building Reading Success with Wiley Blevins
Tier 2 & Tier 3 Intervention for Grades K—5
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Services

Sadlier's
English Language Arts Blog

The home of Vocab Gal and other educational experts K–12 resources

August 7, 2015 CG Teaching Strategies Worksheets, ELA K-5, ELA Seasonal Back to School, ELA 6-8, ELA 9-12, ELA PD - Classroom Management, ELA Resources - Charts/Posters, Core Grammar

Tips to Make Classroom Setup Fun and Easy for Teachers

One of the most exciting parts of the school year occurs at the beginning with classroom setup. Whether you get to work with new materials or you have the opportunity to retrofit former supplies, a new classroom stands for a fresh start to the year.

Tips on How to Set Up a Classroom

Your classroom must reflect your personality and be a safe space for students. Hang a mirror or reflective wrapping paper on the wall opposite your windows to brighten up your room! Read on for more great ideas on how to set up a classroom!

Terrific Timesavers

Download it! My blog offers great downloads throughout the school year, including classroom posters and certificates of achievement. In particular, this post offers a Grammar Certificate, a No Homework coupon, and the Shining Star award. Speaking of posters, use Velcro® dots to attach posters to the walls. This makes changing posters fast and easy!

For the lower grades, help with smooth transitioning in your classroom or from one classroom to another by smooth transitions right from the start, for the lower grades taping down paper footprints to show the traffic pattern you want students to follow in your room. The footprints could be of your school mascot, and they could change with the seasons, including Santa’s elves or reindeer prints in December and leprechaun feet in March. The footprints will help guide students during transitions and lining up, saving precious classroom time.

Anchor Charts/Posters

Remember those Velcro dots you can put on your walls to make changing posters easy? I have put together some great posters. Find what works best during the beginning of your school year for your classroom setup.

Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements should foster collaboration yet be flexible to encourage student learning. Rethink your classroom to ease with transitions between activities. Provide an area as an instant math center, with pasta shells and dried beans younger students can access for counting and patterning. For older students, create spaces with task cards and math games. Also, provide an area for student’s to read. I once saw a refurbished front car seat in the corner of the reading area in a 7th grade classroom. How about a writing center? Students need space to write, so provide tables, writing utensils, and writing prompts to allow students easy access.

Want help with organization among your students desk arrangement? Transform a six-pack glass soda bottle cardboard carton into a storage unit for art supplies or tools students need every day. Classroom setup does not have to be expensive. Think of creative ways to use the following tools that are probably in your house already to help organize your classroom setup:

  • Empty tissue boxes

  • Vases

  • Bean bags

  • Baskets

  • Tackle boxes

  • Muffin tins

  • Oatmeal canisters

  • Coffee cans

  • Old suitcases

  • Mason jars and tin cans

Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward systems are great ways to build relationships with students and send positive messages to both students and parents. If you’re familiar with this blog, you know I have offered great grammar activities. Download a certificate of achievement for the Grammar Superstars in your class. Has someone done outstanding work in a reading, writing, or math center? Download the No Homework coupon so their parents and guardians know. Do you have a student who is going above and beyond? Download the Shining Star award and write a note to tell everyone how great your student is doing! You can post in the classroom or send it home for everyone to enjoy.

shining-star-classroom-reward-idea-750px

Download-Now

 

Grammar- superstar

 

Grammar-Worksheets

classroom-reward-coupons-750px

Download-Now

Your classroom setup should match you and what you want from your students. Soften the lights, add a carpet or throw rug, have soft music playing, or bring in a plant. The little touches in the classroom help make it yours.