Here are tips for setting up a resource room classroom space!
At the time you're reading this blogpost, it's gone through so many revisions. From Pinterest-perfect classrooms to teaching from a hallway or cart (been there, done that!), we have a lot to consider when setting up a learning environment.
The most important thing in my mind as I'm beginning to organize the resource room is student independence and accessibility.
In many circumstances, independence and accessibility go hand in hand. For example, I want my students to have access to what they need with the least amount of obstacles. Increased access will hopefully reduce dependence on adult help and promote initiative!
What does accessibility look like in the resource room setting?
Resource Room Supplies – appropriate supplies are available to students without needing assistance. They are clearly labeled and on a low shelf for easy access. I like to keep multiple sets of supplies available so students can “grab and go.”
- Appropriate supplies – pencils and crayons, maybe glue sponges (depends on the year!)
- Inappropriate supplies – scissors, permanent markers, and maybe glue are not in view
Another consideration is pathways – can students move freely in the classroom to get what they need? Or are there turns, twists, and potential obstacles?
There are so many things we CAN'T change about our classrooms, from inherited school furniture to small dimensions. Hopefully we can get creative on using pathways to guide our students to make good choices.
- Example of an Accessible Pathway – there's a clearing to move from the door to the carpet to the table.
- Example of an Obstructed Pathway – student must turn a corner (out of sight? Nope!) or pass by four students to get to the supplies. I'm not saying that's a recipe for trouble, but…
One way to make sure the classroom set-up is working for everyone: imagine the daily routines and practice moving from one space to another. I highly recommend getting up and walking the exact paths – it's amazing what you'll notice!
Functional use of wall space in the resource room
Oooh, I'm going to try real hard to not step up on my soapbox. Instead I'll share what's worked for me. #lessismore
The resource room looks downright plain at the beginning of the school year, but things will soon liven up! There are plenty of spaces in the classroom to display student work.
Additional wall space is reserved for functional displays – this could be a sound wall (here's our set) or traditional word wall (we used visual “Snap Words”), as well as an alphabet and number line for reference.
The Amazing Work signs are included in the classroom decor sets here.
Resource Room Classroom Decor
Notice how there's been no mention of colors or owls, maybe a superhero theme?
I tend to steer clear from “extras” as the resource room is often such a BUSY place. The idea is to create a more blank canvas (clean, simple, bright) so the spotlight stays on the students!
Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with those Pinterest-perfect classrooms. If students are thriving in a zebra classroom, then you've created a special place they enjoy. That's a GOOD thing!
If you'd rather keep things simple, that also makes perfect sense. #youdoyou 🙂
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I don’t think you’re off base at all. In fact as I was reading, I said, “yes” in my mind on several occasions. Your set-up has always looked welcoming and likely somewhat comforting to your students. Thank you for writing this!
Thank you Mikaela! This post had been sitting in my drafts all week because I just wasn’t sure if I was really hearing it or adding my own emotions to the topics. Either way, I hope new teachers feel supported to #doyourthing! Thanks again, Jen
Thanks for this! It reminded me of the phrase “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and students need to see the joy we have in teaching them. After all, students are not on Pinterest looking at classroom ideas wishing that their classrooms look a certain way. They want just want to learn in an environment where the teacher cares about them and helps them succeed.
Kristen, Your last sentences says it all and there’s so many ways to demonstrate this! Thank you 🙂 Jen
That makes sense to me! I am a first year teacher and I am working on decorating my classroom with a “sky is the limit” theme, but it is as much for me as for the kids… I want to feel at home in my classroom since I’ll be spending most of my time there. And of course I do want the kids to like it. But if it becomes a competition among teachers to have the most perfect classroom, and people are judged for being less than perfect, or, on the other hand, for trying too hard with their classrooms, then that is not a good thing.
Absolutely!
I like to keep a clean and organized classroom because I spend the majority of my time there. If I can feel good about the space, then it’s another concern I can cross off my list and my focus can stay where it belongs: the children. Good luck to you this year! I can’t wait to hear about it 🙂 Jen
Thanks for sharing Jen! This has been something I’ve struggled with since I started teaching. I’ve never had a “pinterest perfect” classroom but admire those that do and don’t. I feel like my classroom fits me and my students. It’s a clean and inviting place to be and I think that’s what’s important. #doyourthing I would never judge and hope to never be judged for what my classroom looks like. I do feel that there are so many teachers who follow all of these teachers on IG or Facebook or Pinterest and feel like they need to spend their time on that perfect classroom. I try to spend most of my time on planning, not decorating. And I feel like the majority of teachers are just like us. #reallifeteacher :o)
#reallifeteacher is awesome!
I also personally enjoy the creative planning (not the corresponding paperwork!) at the beginning and throughout the year. By the time we welcome our students back to school, my room is “done” and I hopefully don’t have to think about it again until next year. I know I can ignore the good and not-so-good out there (who has time?), but I still didn’t like the idea of passing judgement. We are so much better than that!
I can’t wait to hear about your plans for this year! We have FIVE teachers/administrators due between August 29-September 20!!!
Take care, Jen
I ❤️ This! Amen!
Thank you Tracy!! 🙂
I would venture to say that those that have beautifully decorated classes, also have beautifully decorated homes. If ambiance, an artsy eye, or organization are in your skill set, that person will naturally make their surrounding pleasing (whether they spend a lot or not) bc they have an eye for it. Some people have it, some people don’t. It doesn’t mean they are a better teacher than those that don’t have a decorator eye. We as people spend money and time on things that we value. I am passionate about curriculum and ambiance. I will spare no expense or time to make my lessons magical. My passion exhausts some of my teammates. But, I am not very organized and can appreciate my colleague’s perfectly organized room. I recognize she has that gifting, so I ask her to help me “see” ways I can organize. We need each other!
Yes, #bettertogether! I’m glad I wrote this post so I can read these comments! It’s great to hear from everyone…we have so much to bring to the conversation! Thanks! Jen