As a kindergarten teacher, one of the most important parts of the new school year is preparing your classroom. Among other important factors, one of the best ways to reach your little ones each day is to have an organized, fully functional classroom at the start of school. The following are some tips in getting your classroom ready to go for the first day of school:

Welcome Your Students

Create a welcoming environment for your new students. Chances are, at least some of them will be experiencing school for the first time. It is crucial that you do everything you can to make the environment as welcoming and as loving as possible. You can create a bulletin board with each student's name on it or decorate your classroom door to welcome the students to school.

Create Goody Bags

Nothing is more exciting for a young child than a gift. You can do this for each child very inexpensively. Purchase a pack of brown paper lunch bags, pencils, erasers, crayons, and anything else you would like to include. Also include a special note to each student that lets them know how happy you are to have them in your class and how much fun you all will have together over the next year.

Get Your Supplies Organized

The next thing to do is get your supplies in order. If your school requires the students to bring in school supplies, take some time after the first day of school to put everything away neatly so that it is easily accessible when you need it. You can even get your students to help you the day they bring in the supplies. Provide a place for everything to go, and then clearly label each space with a picture of the item so they know where to put them. For instance, provide a plastic bin with a picture of pencils on it for kids to put their packs of pencils in. This will not only help you spend less time putting everything away, but it will also provide a quick lesson in responsibility.

Have Classroom Routines

Another way to set your year up for success is developing daily routines early in the year. Always have your daily schedule posted on a bulletin board or on the white board so the children will know what to expect. You may also want to use some visual aids along with your written routine since many of the children have not learned how to read just yet. As the year goes on, the children will follow the routine without having to even look at the board, as it will become second nature.

Having a neat and organized classroom that is welcoming is a great way to kick off a new year. Spend some time researching some new ideas to freshen up your routine from last year so that you will enjoy your day as much as the students.

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