Start with a Clean Slate: The Top Ten Teachers' Way to Set Up Your Classroom (Without the Overwhelm!)

Because Another Target Haul Won’t Fix Broken Systems

But you can with intentional classroom setup systems. Before you touch one more bin or border, grab our FREE Classroom Kickoff Checklist. It’s the exact reset we use with teachers so their rooms run like a dream from day one!

Ever Rearranged the Same Shelf 17 Times and Still Felt Off?

You’re not alone. Many teachers start the year decorating before they’re designing—and that’s where the stress begins. Before the borders go up and the bins get labeled, let’s focus on what actually transforms a classroom from chaos to calm:

• Systems
  
• Flow
  
• Student Ownership
  

These are the heart of a low-stress back-to-school setup that works all year. Let’s make this your most intentional start ever—with less stress and more confidence. If you want me to walk you through this setup—step-by-step, minute-by-minute—our First 3 Days of School Course will save you weeks of trial-and-error.

Don’t Decorate First. Reset First.

Step away from the laminator. Trust me.
Grab a cloth, trash bin, and donation box. This is your sacred prep time.

• Wipe
  
• Toss
  
• Donate
  
  

Clearing physical space clears mental space. As you clean, jot down ideas as they come.

Top TEN Pro Tip: If it’s broken, dried up, or hasn’t been used since the last decade, it’s trash. Group your keepers, label the essentials, and ditch the rest.

Top TEN Pro Tip: Sort like things together. Test markers and toss the crusty ones. Label only what matters.

Libraries Aren’t Corners—They’re Classrooms Within Classrooms

Reimagine your classroom library as a student-powered bookstore:

• Display covers face-out
  
• Sort by genre or theme
  
• Remove outdated or unappealing books
  
• Add a clipboard checkout system
  
• Assign student librarians to manage returns and rotate features
  
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Use DonorsChoose to build your dream library—I grew mine into five figures of high-interest books!

Create Systems That Teach Without Talking

If you’re the only one managing your classroom—you’re doing too much. Let your systems act as silent co-teachers.

Imagine: A student walks in late, grabs a pencil from the "Ready to Use" bin, and joins the group without interruption.

Start with:

• Two pencil bins: “Needs Sharpening” & “Ready to Use”
  
• A clear turn-in tray with visual reminders
  
• A daily hand-sanitizing or hand-washing routine
  
• A simple library system managed by students
  
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Systems build freedom—for you and them.

Layout With Flow in Mind

Ask yourself: What’s the student experience in this space? Effective classroom flow means:

• Easy movement around the room
  
• Clear visibility to the whiteboard or screen from every seat
  
• Materials accessible without teacher assistance
  
  

Checklist:

• Cover bulletin boards in calming neutrals
  
• Leave space for student-made anchor charts
  
• Designate a spot for student work
  
• Create a blank job chart for Week 2
  
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Student ownership skyrockets when they help create the systems.

Top TEN Hack: Shuffle groups with playing cards or Class Dojo.

Top TEN Pro Tip: Use numbers for playful transitions: “If your number is a multiple of 3… line up first!”

Zones for an Effective Layout

Think of your classroom as three zones:

• Learning Zones – whole-group instruction and small-group activities
  
• Resource Zones – supplies, tech, materials
  
• Transition Zones – pathways for entering, lining up, or moving between stations
  
  

Step-by-step to design a flow-friendly classroom layout:

• Map traffic patterns
  
• Place high-use items in easy reach
  
• Avoid bottlenecks
  
• Maintain visibility from the teaching spot
  
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape or sticky notes to plan furniture layout.

Save the Walls for What Matters

Instead of filling them before Day 1, build with your students:

• Anchor charts created with the class
  
• Student work
  
• Real-time resources
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Everything on your wall should be teachable.

Bonus: Built-In Icebreaker System

During Week 1, have students make name tags with:

• Favorite place
  
• Favorite hobby
  
• Favorite season
  
• Favorite snack or book
  
  

Top TEN Pro Tip: Use these to build partnerships and fast transitions.

Want the Full Checklist?

Your go-to back-to-school teacher classroom organization setup system:

• Clean slate setup strategy for every corner
  
• Bookstore-style classroom library design
  
• Student-run systems for flow and ownership
  
• Layout decisions rooted in real-life movement
  
• Wall-use that serves learning
  
• Number-based routines and grouping tips
  
• Cubbies, mailboxes, rug routines, and more
  
  

Grab your FREE DOWNLOAD HERE! The Top Ten Teachers’ Ultimate Classroom Kickoff Checklist.

Final Word from Sarah

“I used to spend my Sundays exhausted—prepping and pouring everything into Mondays. Once I simplified and systemized, I took back my weekends—and my joy. Let me help you do the same.”

Join the Teach Like a Top TEN™ Membership

Inside, you’ll get:

• Plug-and-play routines & templates
  
  
• Monthly mindset boosts
  
  
• Planning maps, lesson support & bonuses
  
  
• Access to a coach in your pocket
  
  

Teach Like a Top TEN™ is more than a membership—it’s your go-to teacher toolkit for routines, mindset, and momentum.

👉 Head to www.TopTenTeachersNetwork.com to join(for less than a fancy coffee).

💛 Your best year yet starts before Day 1!