What did you do when you got your classrooms

[Earlycareerteacherr]

Hello all- just wondering. When I went to visit my school I got my classroom and had a little look at what I could keep and what I could add and they had left some texts on top of the cabinets for me.

Is it a good idea if I ask to go in over the holidays just to make things mine and maybe put a few stationary bits in and stuff. What would you guys do?

Yes, definitely. It will take you a while to get everything set up. Ask if you will be able to come in, but check if they are having any work done and when the cleaners will be in.

Thanks dolly mixtures. Should I email my mentour to ask as I’m super new I have no idea who I should be asking.

I just think it would make sense to go in. The displays we can’t change as the last teacher had recently organised all of them and they’re fabulous anyway.

What could I really do? Maybe stuff like set up my drawers? Or set up cabinets with pens and papers etc?

Yes, just email and ask if you are able to access the school during the holidays to get started.

You can do things like place your tables, get name plates and peg labels ready, arrange your library, and make sure you know where everything in your room is. It's lots of fun usually, like playing at schools! Good luck.

In primary it can take you a week of the holidays to get things sorted. We're not allowed in to our school this holiday due to building work, which is frankly anxiety inducing. Half an inset in Sept to sort everything.

Back boards, get permanent displays up, arrange IT kit to make sure it works, work out what resources you've got and where they are, pegs, trays, books, reading books etc.

Definitely ask to go in. You’ll feel better if you’ve spent a day in your classroom getting your bearings.

Things I do over the holidays (in case it gives you ideas for what you might also want to do):

• tidy up displays
• decide where each classes’ books will live and label shelf/drawer appropriately (be aware that for gcse classes you might need a lot of space; I have one drawer for ‘year 10 language books’, one for ‘year 10 literature books’, one for ‘year 10 set texts’ etc)
• check there are supplies of glue/scissors/crayons etc (you might not get these until September)
• stick a copy of my timetable to the teacher desk
• arrange desks how I want them and sketch seating plans
• put a few pretty things around (photos of my dc, plants etc)

If you’re new to the school you might also want to check:

• nearest toilet / kettle / phone
• how to find your way to key places (staff room, library, reprographics etc)

If you can access sims you might also be able to print set lists etc, but that might be less possible if you’ve not already been given IT / log in details. You can expect those in September if you’ve not already got them.

Good luck