7 Mistakes Teachers Make When Setting Up Their Classroom (And How to Avoid Them!)
Setting up your classroom for the new school year can feel like a massive task, no matter how experienced you are. As a teacher, I’ve made every single one of these mistakes—so I get it! But don’t worry, I’ve also learned how to avoid them, and I’m here to help you get it right from the start.
Grab your camomile tea, get comfy, and let’s dive in. Bonus: I’ve got a free Classroom Setup Checklist for you at the end of this post to make your life easier!
- Leaving it too late
Let’s face it—setting up your classroom will always take longer than you think, especially if you’re new to teaching. Early Career Teachers (ECTs), this one’s for you! Even experienced teachers normally can’t get it all done in one day.
Start planning well in advance. Block out enough time in your schedule to tackle organising your space without feeling rushed. If you’re moving rooms, make friends with the premises team ASAP to ensure your stuff is moved early. Trust me, you don’t want to end up begging your dad, partner or best friend to haul furniture on the weekend!
Pro tip: As you pack up your materials at the end of the year, take the chance to declutter. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not unpacking piles of outdated worksheets and dry felt tip pens and markers.
- Choosing the wrong colours
Here’s a funny (but real) mistake: Jane, Hallie* and I once threw together a display in a rush. We had three displays to do and didn’t want to sleep at school that night. The display was err… bright and colourful, but…well, it looked like a rainbow exploded. We ended up taking it down, I think it was the same day or the very next.
Lesson learned: Choose a theme or colour palette before you start decorating. If your class includes pupils with special educational needs (SEN), consider opting for neutral tones or calming hessian displays to reduce sensory overload. Not sure where to start? Check out my range of classroom decor bundles—they’re packed with everything you need to create a cohesive, welcoming space.
- Not planning your classroom layout wisely
Your classroom layout is everything. If you’re moving to a new room, chat with the previous teacher to find out what worked and what didn’t. Think about the unique needs of your students—whether it’s mobility issues, creating clear pathways for lining up or ensuring there’s enough carpet space for whole class teaching.
In smaller rooms, you’ll need to get extra creative. Map out your layout in advance and I have definitely found that I shouldn’t be afraid to test a few setups to find what works best. You may need to do the same too.
- Skipping a Plan of Action
Without a clear plan, setting up your classroom can feel overwhelming. Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them. My free Classroom Setup Checklist is perfect for this!
Another common mistake? Not planning your displays properly. Decide ahead of time what topics or themes you want to showcase, and make sure you have all the resources ready to go—whether it’s printed materials, labels, or decorative touches.
- Trying to Do It All Yourself
Newsflash: You don’t have to do everything alone. If you have teaching assistants (TAs), involve them in the process! They can help with tasks like labeling books, organizing resources and putting up displays.
And if you’re using printed resources, check out my shop for editable classroom decor that will save you hours of work. Why reinvent the wheel when I’ve done the hard part for you?
- Forgetting to Create a Seating Plan
By the time the school year starts, you’ll want a seating plan ready to go. Use notes from the previous teacher to place students in spots where they’ll thrive—whether it’s pairing them with a buddy, keeping them close to the front or ensuring they’re away from distractions.
- Ignoring Inspiration (or the Display Policy!)
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing worse than spending hours on a stunning display, only to realize it doesn’t meet the school’s display policy. Before you start, double-check any guidelines from your admin or senior leadership team to make sure you’re on the right track.
And don’t forget to look for inspiration! Pinterest, Instagram, and my classroom decor bundles are goldmines for fresh ideas that will wow your students and fellow teachers alike.
Bonus: Setting Up Your Classroom Checklist
Whether you’re staying in the same room or moving to a new one, this checklist will keep you on track. Download it here for free, and you’ll have everything you need to get started!
Final Thoughts
Setting up your classroom is a big job, but with a little planning (and the right resources), you can make it a breeze. Remember, your classroom isn’t just a learning space—it’s a second home for you and your students. When it’s organised, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed, everyone benefits.
Ready to make this your best year yet? Let’s get started!
Best,
Kizzy xx
* Names changed to protect teachers' identities 😅
